The targeted advertising on social media has me considering getting a KastKing rod and reel combo. They claim the bait caster won't backlash. How would these compare with my Shimano reels that have the chip in them to help prevent backlash (quite a bit more expensive)?

KastKing Combo

Keep in mind I'm a noob so go easy on me.

I'd be really leery of a $95 baitcast combo.

Walk, no, run away.

What are you targeting?

I have one of their baitcaster combos. I have the Spartacus II. It frustratingly backlashes from time to time. Always, seems to be at the worst time. I've also noticed some of the adjustment breaking knobs are crap. It makes it harder to dial it in just write. For the price, I've had better luck with a cheap Abu Garcia Max or Max Pro. I never backlash with those.

It's really nothing special over other reels in its class. They use magnets as brakes to prevent, or rather should say, TRY to prevent backlash…not unlike other reels.

Practice will help you not backlash

I bought 4 of their reels 7-8 years ago for a trip where I was not sure my equipment would make it back and I still use them occasionally. They're good, just not great. The only backlashes I have had were user error. At $30 each, I think they were a good deal for what they were.

Give me a "backlash free" reel for 2 casts and I will prove you wrong. It is all what you practice with...