Piscifun Phantom Carbon- Review

[bferg]

Well, I have some spare time on my hands due to rain and COVID-19.  So I thought I would report back on a reel that I took a $69.99 gamble on last month. 

First of all, I have had 2 Abu Revo-S reels that I HATE.   Here is why these Revos Suck in my book:

- These things have a centrifugal breaking system that requires you to unscrew the bar on the reel to open the side door.  Maybe the worst idea ever on a reel.  

- The breaking system isn't very adjustable for my casting.  I think everyone casts a little differently and maybe I just suck at it, but I was constantly fighting these Abus with backlashes.  

Now, I didn't want to spend a lot and I have been reading and watching a lot of reviews on both KastKing and PisciFun reels and I decided for $70 it was worth the gamble.  I have had the reel for about a month now and had it on the water twice.   Here is my review:

First, when you unbox the reel Piscifun sends you a neoprene reel cover.  Nice little touch.  As you can see from the pictures below, the reel is flat black with neon green accents.  The design is nice, low profile, fits well in the palm, if you care about the aesthetics of your gear this thing looks pretty good.  But the first thing I noticed about the reel was how light it felt.  Now, the actual weight of this reel is 5.7 oz.  I don't know how that ranks compared to other reels, I just know it felt light holding it- but not in a cheap way.  The reel has a machined spool and handle to help keep the weight down.  The handle is comfortable, however I would say I think the handles are a little small for my liking.  I will add some Winn grips to mine.  

Now, the big reason I decided on the Piscifun over KastKing in my quest for a good cheep reel was because the Piscifun has a double breaking system.  There is a 6 pin centrifugal breaking system that is VERY easy to adjust (suck it Revo-S!).  Press the button, open the side panel, click, and done.  There is also a magnetic break, adjustable from 1-10 on the exterior of the reel.  Finally, the spool tension knob "clicks" as you adjust it.  Long story short, I have been messing with this thing and you have to work to backlash it.  Very customize-able, very adjustable, everything worked as it should right out of the box.  Last thing:  the reel has an oversize oval shaped line guide.  

Ok, here is my experience on the water:

First the bad:  the reel is noisy when casting.  I have done some research and apparently this is common on these reels and pretty easy to fix with a little gear grease.  I will do that before my next trip and report back if there is any interest.    

But the good:  this thing just wants to cast far.  I was very impressed with how I could cast small cranks, RKs, and a jerk bait all as far as I wanted really with zero backlash, even on a windy day.  Reel is very smooth.  Sadly, I have not given the drag much of test yet but I plan on changing that soon. 

Final thoughts:  For $69.99 I don't think you can find a better real.  As a matter of fact, I am not sure you could find a BETTER real for under $120.  We will see how it does over time with normal wear and tear (although I generally take pretty good care of my stuff) but as of now, I am planning on buying another one to replace my other Revo-S.  

 

**Edit**- Forgot to post a link to this review which proved helpful to me when I was considering my purchase:  https://www.tinboats.net/piscifun-phantom/

 

[fishinwrench]

I'm actually preparing a review of Piscifun's fly gear (rods/reels/line) and I'll just say THIS right now.....These guys have it going on BIGTIME.   

Been using their Sword fly reels for quite awhile, and just got a 8'6" for 4 Sword flyrod, and have a 9' for 6 and 9' for 7 on the way.   

Incredible value, and truly top notch equipment.  And yes I am comparing to Sage and St.Croix top of the line stuff.   

Yes it's Chinese..... but hey.... Whatever! 😎

[dave potts]

Wrench,

Are you talking about that rod for $38.99?  I just looked at it and can't see how they sell it at that price.  The grip and seat would cost that much.  How is the action on it?  They claim slow but one of the reviewers said it was more of a medium-fast.

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, dave potts said:

Wrench,

Are you talking about that rod for $38.99?  I just looked at it and can't see how they sell it at that price.  The grip and seat would cost that much.  How is the action on it?  They claim slow but one of the reviewers said it was more of a medium-fast.

Yep, I'm blown away.   It's not "slow" by any means (not Winston/Orvis SLOW anyway).   They are IM7 blanks which are moderately parabolic but recover from a hard snap in less than 1 second.  The 8'6" for 4 lawn casts like a dream but I haven't had it out fishing yet, may take it out for Bluegill tomorrow or Sunday.   I'm waiting on the other 2 to arrive and then I'll do a complete review on them all after the White bass start running.  

Their Sword reels are as good as anything I've ever used. I was initially given a 7/8 reel and was so impressed by it that I immediately ordered 3 more.  And their flyline seems great....but may be a little soft and gummy in the summertime, but it sure casts and floats good at our current climate.

If you get one do not order the "kit",  buy everything separately, as the rod in the "kit" has a cheaper reel seat and lower quality cork.       

Honestly, if the 6 and 7wt. rods perform like I think they are going to..... I'm gonna buy a truckload of them, and a couple more reels, before we cut ties with China. 😊 

How they are producing these at those prices and still making a profit is a mystery.   But I'm afraid it can't last.   

[snagged in outlet 3]

20 minutes ago, fishinwrench said:

How they are producing these at those prices and still making a profit is a mystery.   But I'm afraid it can't last. 

Government subsidized maybe???  Like they do everything else.  

[dave potts]

Wrench, what was the shipping cost on the rod?  Where was it shipped from-the States or directly from China?

[fishinwrench]

1 hour ago, dave potts said:

Wrench, what was the shipping cost on the rod?  Where was it shipped from-the States or directly from China?

Shipping was 12.63 total.   The rod and reel came from Kentucky, and the line and backing came from London.  Oddly enough the stuff from London arrived only 1 day later.   

[snagged in outlet 3]

19 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Honestly, if the 6 and 7wt. rods perform like I think they are going to..... I'm gonna buy a truckload of them, and a couple more reels, before we cut ties with China. 😊 

Why?  Do you need that many rods?

[fishinwrench]

52 minutes ago, snagged in outlet 3 said:

Why?  Do you need that many rods?

Now you sound like my wife.    

I have kids that fish, and friends/customers/relatives that think they wanna try it.  I'd like to see them get into it but it makes me nervous tossing them a 600.00 outfit, especially when the rod has been discontinued and couldn't be replaced at any cost.   

We're talking a truly good rod, reel, and line for a buck-fifty here.   That hasn't been possible EVER, until now.   Hell, you can't even buy a good blank for 150, much less the complete component list to build a good rod.

[snagged in outlet 3]

2 hours ago, fishinwrench said:

Now you sound like my wife.    

I have kids that fish, and friends/customers/relatives that think they wanna try it.  I'd like to see them get into it but it makes me nervous tossing them a 600.00 outfit, especially when the rod has been discontinued and couldn't be replaced at any cost.   

We're talking a truly good rod, reel, and line for a buck-fifty here.   That hasn't been possible EVER, until now.   Hell, you can't even buy a good blank for 150, much less the complete component list to build a good rod.

Don't get your panties in a bunch, captain...  It's a logical question.   I thought maybe you were selling them.  Why buy multiples of the same rod is why I asked.  I have a couple dozen that never see the light of day.  Carry on.  And I do mean carry on😁