KastKingBlackhawk II Telescopic Fishing Rods, Graphite Rod Blanks & Durable Solid Glass Tip, Floating Guides, 1pc Fishing Rod Performance, Comfortable EVA Handle, Newly Designed Travel Rod

Perfect for travelling .. awesome casting experience .. highly recommended ..

I'm headed to Washington in a few days and I wanted a travel rod that can collapse small enough to fit in my luggage, while being durable enough to last more than one trip. After reading a lot of reviews and checking out travel rods at local tackle shops, I decided on the Kast King Blackhawk based on reviews and comments from the tackle shop folks. Upon receiving the Blackhawk, I was not disappointed.First impression is that the build quality far exceeds other Amazon travel rods that are a few bucks cheaper. I had purchased another rod by Plusino for a lot less money and returned it the day I got it. Save yourself the hassle and just buy the Blackhawk. The eyelets are epoxied on the rod just like other high quality rods, the seat holds my Penn Battle II 3000 perfectly solid. No wobble. Finally, the color scheme is nice and clean, no over the top chrome or bright rainbow colors. Just a nice clean look.Fishing with the rod was a pleasure. On a test run, the rod did feel pretty close to a one piece rod. I didn't hear any creaking or snapping sounds. The rod flexed and handled surf perch like a normal 2 piece rod. From what I can tell, I don't think this rod will have any problem landing bigger fish on my Washington trip.Like they say, pay once, cry once. If you need a travel rod that collapses and extends to 8', I honestly feel there aren't any other options worth considering. Sure the Blackhawk is a lot more than other cheaper rods on Amazon, but I definitely think it's worth the extra money. If fishing is your thing, then spend the extra dough and get the Blackhawk.Update: I just returned from my trip to WA. I used the Blackhawk everyday for 6 out of 7 days and here’s what I think.+ excellent performance - I was casting Buzzbomb and other lures way farther than I thought I could. It was kind of crazy, but I felt it it could cast better than a similar 2 pc Okuma rod I use for surf fishing.+ being telescopic makes traveling with it a breeze+ reel seat is solid. My reel did not wobble or come loose at any point.+ sensitive, yet easily handled 2-4lb steelheads all day.- line guides (eyelets) tend to rotate alittle after some use. You have to readjust the guides throughout the day.- not the rod’s fault, but getting even a tiny bit of sand inside the rod makes it extremely difficult to collapse/expand the rod. Be sure to wipe down the rod before putting it away.Overall, I’m extremely happy with the Blackhawk.

I was very disappointed with this rod. I am an avid fisherman and fish multiple times a week. I have been looking at this rod for a while and I bought one for an upcoming vacation for it's portability. It came well packaged and out of the box it looked and felt nice. I fished with it for 2 days on vacation throwing gulps for flounder and I caught a nice croaker and a small flounder. The next day I got snagged while fishing off of a pier and tried to wiggle it loose and the rod broke into 3 prices. I checked into the warranty and it doesn't seem like it is much of a warranty. You have to pay to 20 to ship it and if they determine it is your fault they will replace it for half the cost. For this rod that is basically purchasing it again. I have other kastking rods and reels and use them every time I fish but I cannot recommend this rod. UPDATE I got the rod replaced by Amazon and didn't fish with it over the winter. I caught a 5 lb carp on it that was foul hooked and it seemed to handle it well. I kept it in my vehicle so I could fish whenever and kept it in the protective sleeve. Today I went fishing and when I was stringing me rod it came apart in two peices. I am considering switching to a different brand because I have had quality issues with several rods this brand and the way the warranty reads it makes it seem like it is your fault.

The last 2.5 feet is very flexible especially with the glass tip section. With the the fast action the rod is still very sensitive so you should feel or see the tip flex for even a small trout on the line. Also, with the last 2-2.5 feet being so responsive even a 1/4 oz crank bait lure should remain very active while trolling. The eight guides versus 5-6 on most telescoping rods is a big plus and keeps the line tension well spaced when the rod is bent over fighting a larger fish. The guides are good quality stainless steel with nice finished bindings attaching them onto the rod.KastKing makes over a dozen other speed/power rated spinning rods but there are only limited choices currently available. KastKing is made in China but seems to be a very good low dollar option. I have/had two telescoping KastKing rods for several years but just recently broke one through carelessness, not from fishing. I just bought/received two of these and set them up. I use Shimano reels and they seat nicely/snugly on these rods.Only one negative, a telescoping rod should have a screw on butt cap that can be removed to drain water from inside the barrel if ever dropped into the water (my previous KastKing rods do). These do not, so draining would require collapsing the rod and holding the tip down, which is probably not a big issue.Also, I have not yet float tested this rod with a reel to see if they float or sink, but if like my other KastKing rods they will sink. I use a fishing rod float (like a very small pool noodle) attached to the first telescoping section. I've never dropped a rod and reel over the side but always better to be safe than sorry when out in a yak.Much better quality than any other telescoping rod I have bought, and because I prefer telescoping to single piece or multiple section rods I have bought many other brands. I just love the compactness for packing in to a remote lake or easy stowing in a kayak's confined space. Plus I can retract the rod and still leave line, swivel, lure in place for a fast setup later.I think these are worth every bit the $50 price tag and use them for fresh water lake kayak fishing where I fish for mostly trout but sometimes bass, perch or kokanee. I will also be looking to buy a telescoping Fast/M-L (medium-light) rod when they are available. Any day when you get to wet a hook is a good day!

Compact and durable so far