Piscifun Phantom Review 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Piscifun Phantom Carbon Reel 7.0:1

If you are looking for a lightweight and smooth baitcasting fishing reel then you need the Piscifun Phantom! This is for the avid fisherman and has many useful features. The accessory is made in a carbon case and has 7 sealed bearings (6 + 1) and a gear ratio of 7,0: 1. This gear ratio will give you fast line selection, even with large fish. The perforated aluminum spool gives a quick start. However, these are not all the characteristics of the coil. This review was written by me for you to get one of the best fishing tackle! I tested this reel personally and now I can share my impressions with you!

Piscifun Brand

Piscifun is a company producing a wide range of equipment and accessories for fishing. The brand was created in 2013 by close friends Ben and Peter in the United States. Both were avid fishermen, fans of their hobby. Their task was to create equipment that will make fishing enjoyable, convenient, and affordable for every person. It is not for nothing that the phrase “Fish with Family” was chosen as the company’s slogan. Even without much experience, but using professional Piscifun equipment, you can count on a good catch.

Piscifun Phantom Review

A budget reel has high quality and is made using high-tech materials. The body and handle are made of durable and tough carbon fiber. It is one of the lightest reels. Its weight is only 5.7 ounces.

Piscifun Phantom Weight is Only 5.7oz

For me personally, this is one of the most key points when choosing such a device. I fish for many hours. My arms got very tired when I had a heavy reel. However, I feel comfortable with this model. The body is protected from moisture, the grip is rubber-coated, which improves grip and work with it. The handle is moved from one side to the other.

Extended Carbon Fiber Handle

You, like me, have no control over the weather and windy days, so your reel must have an advanced braking system. The Piscifun Phantom stopping system is made using double brakes, excluding line dropping, retracement after stopping even under load. The clutch works smoothly, without unnecessary noise. The clutch gear is also made of carbon fiber with increased service life.

Stopping System - 17LB Carbon Fiber Drag

The centrifugal mechanism is assembled using magnets and weights that allow you to adjust the operating speed from 0 to 10. As a result, you can adjust the operation of the centrifugal mechanism to suit your own fishing style.

Complete Piscifun Phantom Package

The line guide moves along a chrome-plated steel guide. This eliminates premature abrasion, as well as deviations leading to tangling of the fishing line, the formation of knots. This reel is always ready to go! It delivers stable performance with Aircraft-grade hard-anodized aluminum alloy main gear and shaft. The device is equipped with 6 stainless steel ball bearings that resist corrosion. And also it has one clutch bearing.

Piscifun Phantom Carbon Baitcasting Reel 7.0:1 Gear Ratio Dual Brakes

Piscifun Phantom Carbon Baitcasting Reel

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All Piscifun Phantom ball bearings are shielded. You will be able to make smooth, long-distance, and precise casts thanks to the 7.0: 1 gear ratio of the reel. In addition, you will be able to pull out a large catch without any problems thanks to the high resistance of the reel. Her drag force goes up to 17 pounds. You will also find an extended 105 mm carbon crank which will give you extra-strength to haul out large, heavy fish.

You will also find the hollow spool in this reel. Its name is Duralumin Spool. The difference with this spool is that it launches faster than most of the popular models on the market. This means that the spool can handle lines and tackle without losing power. In addition, the high performance of the device is provided by a titanium line. This is located at a great distance from the spool. This reduces friction. This improves casting accuracy.

Pros
  • The thoughtful design of the clutch with several modes of operation and fine-tuning

  • High-quality assembly materials and reliable assembly

  • The coil works without extraneous noise, vibration

  • Fast line retrieval

  • Ergonomic shape

  • Anti-slip grip

  • Robust resistance system

  • Dual braking system

  • The reel provides accurate and stable casting

Cons
  • The reel may seem daunting for beginners to use. In order for you to succeed, you need to carefully read the manual, and also practice as much as possible

And also in some models, there is a reverse motion after the winding stops, especially with a weakly tightened clutch. This is due to an excessive amount of lubricant. I recommend you flush the freewheel plate and change the oil and then you will be fine.

Product Highlight:

  • Dual Brake System
  • Consistent and Exact Casting Performance
  • Double Anodized Harden Main Gear & Shaft
  • CNC Hollow Spool
  • Oversized Titanium Line Guide
  • Combat Grip Pad on Thumb Bar
  • Rugged Carbon Fiber Drag System

FAQ About Piscifun Phantom X Baitcasting Reel

Is this reel Budget-friendly?

Piscifun Phantom Budget Coil Device

This reel really costs quite a bit. I believe that any fisherman can afford it especially if you want to get high quality. But personally, I had doubts about the quality of this coil when I saw its price. It seemed to me that this is too little for a model with such functionality. But after several months of daily use, I became convinced that Piscifun offers high-quality equipment at a fairly low price.

Can I be sure the reel is capable of accurate casts?

Incredible Cast Distance Piscifun Phantom

Absolutely yes! The reel has a lightweight body and a 7.0 gear ratio. This guarantees high reel performance and consistent, accurate casts. I was surprised at how accurate it is for casting. I became convinced of this when I threw heavy baits into deep enough water.

Will I be able to fish big fish with the Piscifun Phantom Carbon?

Super Durable & Strong Piscifun Phantom

This device allows you to catch not only small fish but also big ones! It has a durable carbon fiber drag system. Drag power up to 17 lbs is available to you. In addition, the manufacturer has introduced an extended 105 mm carbon crank.

Conclusion

Piscifun is a reliable manufacturer that will be of interest to beginners and avid fishermen who want to buy quality and inexpensive tackle. The Piscifun Phantom Carbon Baitcasting Reel is suitable for professionals as well as for those who are just starting their way in this activity. Many people like this model due to its attractive appearance, thoughtful functionality, and reliable performance.

Tags: #piscifun phantom / #piscifun phantom x / #piscifun phantom brake button / #piscifun phantom vs kastking assassin / #piscifun phantom x baitcasting reel / #how to set the magnetic brake on a piscifun phantom reel

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!

About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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SmokePlumes3
SmokePlumes3
3 months ago

After trying out my buddy’s Piscifun reel, I have to admit that it exceeded my expectations. While it may not be at the same level as high-end reels like the Tatula or Curado, it still performed quite well. In fact, I was more impressed with it compared to the Lew’s Laser MG I used on the same day.

I know that Piscifun often gets a lot of criticism, but I still choose to buy some of their reels even though I also own high-end ones like the Curados, DCs, Tatulas, and Patriarchs. It’s not that I’m a Chinese fanboy who only sticks to these reels; I simply purchase them alongside my other ones.

In terms of quality, I think Piscifun is on par with, or even better than KastKing, and definitely better than most other Chinese-made reels out there. For the money, the Carbon X is a great reel, and I’ve also been using the Alijos 300 on my Muskie rod, as well as their ICX inline and ICX 5 ice reels. So far, all of these reels have exceeded my expectations in terms of their performance and durability.

Furthermore, Piscifun has excellent customer service, which is a big plus. If you encounter any problems or need any parts, they are always willing to assist you. Overall, I think Piscifun is a great option for anyone who wants a quality reel without breaking the bank.

Archerwell_9
Archerwell_9
3 months ago

I’ve been using the Piscifun Alijos 300 reel on my Muskie and Pike rod, and I have to say I’m really impressed with it. At just $75, it’s hard to find a 300 low-profile reel from a major company that comes close to that price point. Despite the lower cost, it has held up well, with solid build quality, a good drag system, and excellent casting ability.

Of course, it’s not on the same level as a Shimano Tranx, but it’s also just a quarter of the price. Given what I paid, I have zero complaints about the Alijos 300 reel.

I want to make it clear that I don’t just own Chinese reels, even though some people who praise Chinese brands might do so. I also own high-end reels like the Tatulas, Curados, Curado DCs, Patriarchs, Ambassadeurs, and a mix of other reels. 

That said, my buddy is a hardcore angler who fishes in walleye tournaments, and he almost exclusively uses Piscifun Carbon X reels paired with Loomis E6X and various St. Croix rods. He and others have said that these reels are pretty good for the price you pay. While they might not perform as well as a Curado or a Tatula, they don’t need to in order to be a great option for many anglers.

GilFrog_REW
GilFrog_REW
3 months ago

I’ve been really enjoying my Phantom reel lately. While it may not be as smooth, quiet, or consistent as my SLX, it’s still a fantastic reel, especially considering its price point. In fact, one of the things I really love about it is how lightweight it is.

I typically use it with an 8lb braid on a 6ft ultralight max steel rod for light lure duty, and I have to say, the casting distance is almost as good as my SLX. It’s been a great option for me when I want to fish with lighter lures without sacrificing distance. Overall, I would highly recommend the Phantom reel to anyone who wants a high-quality reel without breaking the bank.

Incandescent_TY
Incandescent_TY
3 months ago

My cousin owns a Phantom X reel, and from what I’ve heard, he’s had no complaints about it. He paid $70 for him, but his model only had centrifugal brakes, so it was priced at $40. I decided to purchase this reel for myself after experiencing some issues with the brake on my previous reel, the Quantum KVD signature.

With the Phantom X, I’m able to fine-tune the brake system to suit my lures perfectly, without having to use up my entire summer job savings. I just received the reel and I’m excited to try it out tomorrow. One thing I can already tell is that it casts light lures really well. Overall, I’m pretty happy with my purchase and would recommend the Phantom X to anyone looking for a high-quality reel at an affordable price.

Volstom Bremto
Volstom Bremto
3 months ago

I think Piscifun offers some great baitcasting reels at an affordable price. I’ve personally used the Carbon XCS and the Phantom and have been impressed with their features and performance. While I prefer using my high-end Abu Revo MGX and Shimano Curados for their longevity, these Piscifuns have held up well for me.

One concern I have is the bearings and their longevity, but for the price, these reels are definitely worth it. They are even better than some mid-level reels from Lews in terms of fit and firmness. However, I wouldn’t trust them in saltwater without serious cleaning after every use. If they had an aluminum or alloy frame, they’d be worth double the price, but the plastic frame doesn’t flex enough to be noticeable.

I may have been lucky with quality control as I haven’t had any issues with mine, but others have reported problems with some reels made during the third shift. The insides look well done, with mostly plastic pins and levers like most entry and mid-quality gear in the $50-$150 range. If anything fails, it would be there. Replacement parts may be difficult to come by, but customer service could be an option.

When buying budget reels from Amazon, I always check the specs and return them if they don’t meet my standards. Kalex is another budget reel I’ve tried, but it lacks a bit in casting distance. This is common with many of Amazon’s budget reels.

I personally use the cheaper reels in sketchy areas where I’m concerned about theft, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised with the Piscifun and a couple of Kastking (royal legend- slightly noisy but cast great) reels that have made it into my main rotation. They offer great value, which is what people look for in budget reels. However, those looking for quality that will last generations may prefer to invest in a known, high-quality reel. I hope this helps.

Artonium Rutila
Artonium Rutila
3 months ago

Have you tried fishing with Piscifun reels? I have used several Piscifun, Kastking, and Shimano reels ranging from Curado/Nasci to entry-level reels from other name brands like Pflueger and Abu in spinnings.

What I love the most about Piscifun is that their reels are a lot lighter compared to similarly priced known-name brands. I also appreciate their dual brake systems on the baitcasters that allow for fine-tuning. My top pick spinning reel is now the Carbon X, which I’ve been using for 3 years, and my favorite bait caster is the original Phantom (not the X that is not bad, but no dual brakes).

I haven’t tried any of their rods yet, so I can’t speak to their quality. I typically go with Fenwicks, but I mix in some other brands as well.

I love Piscifun reels so much that when I needed fly reels, I searched for Piscifun first and was impressed with what I received. I can’t wait to test them out on the water 🙂

Malqus Ordius
Malqus Ordius
3 months ago

The durability of fishing gear largely depends on how well it’s taken care of by the user. That being said, I think the Piscifun Phantom baitcasting reel is a pretty decent choice. While I was satisfied with the Piscifun Spark, the Phantom has received good reviews which are reassuring, especially considering that the company hasn’t been around for that long.

When using a baitcaster with both centrifugal and magnetic brakes, it’s important to pay attention to the magnetic brake system. However, once you get the hang of it, magnetic brakes can be pretty awesome to use.

Qaled Graquineta
Qaled Graquineta
3 months ago

I own several Piscifun spinning reels, including three Flame and three Viper X, as well as a Phantom X baitcaster. In my experience, the quality-to-price ratio is excellent. While I wouldn’t put these reels on a $200 rod, compared to other brands, you’d have to spend closer to $75-$100 for something similar. They don’t have a lot of plastic like you’d find on a $20 combo at Walmart.

Although I have a nicer Lew’s Mach Crush spinning reel that I like, it’s twice the price of the Piscifun reels. I can’t really tell much of a difference between the Flame and Viper X models. I purchased them during a New Year’s sale for about $30 each, and I like them better than my Okuma Avenger reels, but I couldn’t tell you why.

When it comes to longevity and maintenance, Piscifun may not be the best choice. They don’t make many replacement parts for their products, so it’s more of a break-and-replace situation. However, you have to balance the cost over the years with your personal preference. I trust my Daiwa and Lew’s reels more, just as I trust my Dobyns rod more than the Piscifun Torrent, but I wouldn’t use them in the same situations as the Piscifun equipment.

In my experience, Piscifun gear is great for creek and bank fishing, where the rods and reels are more likely to get a little beat up. I had a bad experience with Daiwa when they didn’t want to fix my Tatula reel under warranty because of a scrape on the surface. 

That reel failed me while fishing, and because of the “damage,” I had to pay about $60 for shipping and cleaning, despite it being under a year old and only having been used about four times. So, while the Daiwa reel was great, it has ended up costing me nearly $200 so far, whereas all my Piscifun reels (seven in total) haven’t cost me nearly as much combined, and I haven’t had any issues with them.

Soren Zebellea
Soren Zebellea
3 months ago

I may be a little late to the Piscifun party, but I was introduced to the brand through the fly fishing community. The Piscifun Sword fly reel is highly recommended as probably the best budget fly reel around, and at only $50, it’s a steal. 

It is made from machined aluminum, not cast, has a drag system, and has a very beautiful design, as well as a wide variety of color options. Features like these are typically not seen until well into the $100+ price point on most other brands.

As for their spinning reels and baitcasters, they do appear to be low to mid-tier in construction and materials and do not seem to be anything special. I haven’t used them myself, but I can see that they look like cheap low-end stuff. So, I think it really depends on the product.

I’m actually in the market for a new 5wt fly reel for my backup rod, and more than likely a Piscifun Sword will be added to my collection very soon.