Company: Kristal Fishing (Bluewater Power Reels) · Headquarters: Miami, Florida, USA · Category: Electric reels for commercial, professional and recreational use
Kristal is Miami’s electric reel. The company sells its reels as “THE TRUE ‘ALL IN ONE’ REELS,” and you’ll find them on commercial boats, charter boats and private sportfishers from the Florida Keys to Hawaii and Australia. Kristal fills the space between the compact Japanese electrics (Daiwa, Shimano) and the top-end commercial reels (Lindgren-Pitman). Its reels offer serious pulling power, big line capacity, level winds and programmable features, at prices from under $800 to a little over $3,000.
This review explains Kristal’s three product families, how to read the model codes, what each reel suits, and where to buy one in South Florida.
Company overview
Kristal Fishing operates through Bluewater Power Reels (bluewaterpowerreels.com) in Miami, Florida. The company sells wholesale only, so you buy through tackle shops and dealers, not factory direct. Its product lines include programmable electric reels with integrated level wind, non-programmable models, complete electric deep drop fishing systems, 600 Series reels, rod-mount units and commercial electric winches.
At a glance
| Location | Miami, Florida |
| Phone | 305-592-8686 · 786-543-0635 |
| Orders | [email protected] (wholesale, dealers) |
| Service & accessories | via erramarine.com |
| Sales model | Wholesale only, buy through dealers |
| Families | KF box units · 600 Series (belt-driven) · XG 2500 Series |
| Voltage | 12V, with 24V options on many models |
| Retail price range | about $750 – $3,200 (dealer listings, Sept 2026) |
The three Kristal families
Florida retailer and Kristal specialist BlueMarlinChronicles.com divides the range into three families:
| Family | Drive | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| KF box units (KF001, KF003, XL 75) | Gear-driven | Simple, side-mounted spool; often sold as a complete system with rod and mount | Commercial bottom fishing, trap work, budget deep drop setups |
| 600 Series (XL 601 → XF 655) | Belt-driven | Faster, more refined reels with options for handle, programming and level wind | Deep drop, swordfish, kites, teasers and dredges |
| XG 2500 Series (new for 2023) | — | “The most powerful motor Kristal has ever used,” interchangeable spools, infinite drag settings | The heaviest applications |
Reading a Kristal model code
- M = manual handle (power-assist fishing, plus manual backup if power fails)
- D = programmable
- LW = level wind
So an XL 655 D LW is a 655 with programming and a level wind. These options can’t be added later. Choose them when you buy. BlueMarlinChronicles puts the manual handle at about $150 extra.
KF box units: complete deep drop systems
The KF units are Kristal’s simplest reels: gear-driven, with a side-mounted spool and a three-position UP – OFF – DOWN switch that both lowers and retrieves. They’re usually sold as complete systems with a rod and a rod-holder mount.
Kristal KF001 system: $1,259.99 (Miami Fishing Supply)
- Pulling power: 400 lb
- Power draw: 7 A
- Line capacity: 3,600 ft of 200 lb Spectra
- Includes: electric reel, rod and rod-holder mount (gunnel mount available separately)
- Uses: bottom fishing, trolling, trap fishing
- Note: braid only. Kristal says do not use monofilament.
Kristal KF003 deep drop system: $1,889.99 (Miami Fishing Supply)
- Pulling power: 1,000 lb (as listed by the retailer)
- Retrieve: 320 ft/min
- Power draw: 9 A
- Line capacity: 3,600 ft of 200 lb Spectra
- Voltage: 12V or 24V
- Features: automatic stop and kill switch, interchangeable spools, rod with clicker
- Weight: 22 lb
- Includes: reel, rod and rod-holder mount
- Recommended for: deep drop, teaser and dredge fishing
Important: Kristal reels don’t come with connectors or plugs. Budget for a marine twist-lock plug and receptacle.
Who they’re for: Commercial boats, trap and bottom fishermen, and anyone who wants a complete, heavy-duty deep drop rig for under $2,000.
The 600 Series: the heart of the lineup
The belt-driven 600 Series is much faster than the box units and, according to BlueMarlinChronicles, dominates Kristal’s markets in the US, Australia and the Pacific. The series moves up in steps:
| Model | Role |
|---|---|
| XL 601 | Kite reel |
| XL 621 / 625 | Standard deep drop |
| XL 651 / 655 | Enhanced capability |
| XF 655 | Most powerful 600 model, 150 lb maximum drag |
Kristal XL 601M kite reel: $749.99 (Miami Fishing Supply)
The XL 601 is Kristal’s kite reel. The XL 601M adds a manual override. It’s a lower-cost option for South Florida kite fishing.
Kristal XL 655 (12V): $3,169 (Crook & Crook)
Crook & Crook’s listing for the XL 655 12V level wind reel gives:
- Line capacity: 1,200 yd of 200 lb hollow-core braid
- Speed: variable, 0 to 360 ft/min
- Power: 12V or 24V
- Weight: 16 lb · Dimensions: 12 × 10 × 11 in
- Features:
- Automatic jigging with variable speed control
- AutoStop, which stops the reel automatically at a preset depth
- Programmable digital line counter (for 50–200 lb line)
- Built-in level wind and lever drag
- Manual operation handle
- The retailer lists pulling power at 1,000 lb and asks buyers to confirm availability before ordering.
Who it’s for: Serious deep droppers and swordfish boats that want level wind, programming, variable speed and a manual handle in one reel, at about half the price of a commercial LP.
Kristal XF 655
The XF 655 is the most powerful reel in the 600 Series, rated at 150 lb maximum drag by BlueMarlinChronicles, and it’s sold with a handle and level wind. Choose it for big swordfish and heavy dredges.
XG 2500 Series
Kristal launched the XG 2500 Series in 2023. BlueMarlinChronicles describes it as having “the most powerful motor Kristal has ever used,” above even the XF models, with interchangeable spools and infinite drag settings. It’s worth asking dealers about for heavy teaser, dredge and big-fish deep drop work. Confirm specs and pricing with your dealer.
Powering a Kristal
- Voltage: most Kristals run on 12V, and many models are also offered in 24V. On bigger boats with long cable runs, 24V reduces voltage-drop losses.
- Current: the KF001 draws about 7 A and the KF003 about 9 A, according to Miami Fishing Supply. The larger 600 and XG reels will draw more under heavy load.
- Connectors: not included. Plan on a marine twist-lock set (Hubbell-type).
- Portable batteries: fine for smaller units. For 600 and XG reels, confirm the pack can supply peak current. See Reel Batteries.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Miami-based, with service and accessories through Erra Marine
- Very large line capacities: 3,600 ft of 200 lb braid on KF units, 1,200 yd on the XL 655
- Level wind, programming, auto-jig, AutoStop and manual handle options
- Prices from $749.99 (kite) to about $3,169 (XL 655), well below LP
- 12V and 24V versions of many models
Cons
- Wholesale only, so pricing and stock depend on dealers
- Options (handle, programming, level wind) can’t be retrofitted
- Connectors aren’t included
- Box units are braid-only (no mono)
- Some models are discontinued or have limited stock, so confirm before ordering
Kristal vs. the competition
| If you want… | Consider |
|---|---|
| A complete heavy-duty deep drop rig under $2,000 | Kristal KF003 |
| Level wind, programming and variable speed under $3,500 | Kristal XL 655 |
| Commercial durability with factory service in Pompano Beach | Lindgren-Pitman |
| A light reel you can hold while fishing | Daiwa Seaborg 500J |
| Japanese 24V deep-sea power | Miya Epoch |
Where to buy Kristal reels
Manufacturer (wholesale)
– Kristal Fishing / Bluewater Power Reels, Miami, FL · 305-592-8686 · 786-543-0635 · bluewaterpowerreels.com
– Service & accessories: erramarine.com
South Florida retailers
– Miami Fishing Supply: 2121 SW 27 Avenue, Miami, FL 33145 · 305-858-1719 · [email protected] · miamifishingsupply.com. Stocks KF001, KF003 and XL 601M.
– Capt. Harry’s Fishing Supply (Miami): 1-800-327-4088 · captharry.com. Stocks the XL 655.
– Crook & Crook: crookandcrook.com. Stocks the XL 655 12V level wind.
– BlueMarlinChronicles.com: 954-263-6177 · bluemarlinchronicles.com. A Kristal specialist and model guide.
Other US retailers
– TackleDirect: tackledirect.com
– Melton Tackle: meltontackle.com
– Hook Line & Sinker (Hawaii): gethooked808.com
Kristal models change and some are discontinued. Always confirm the model and availability with the dealer before ordering.
Verdict
Kristal gives South Florida deep droppers commercial-style capacity and features without the commercial price. The KF003 is a complete, heavy-duty deep drop system for under $2,000. The XL 655, with level wind, programming, auto-jig, AutoStop and a manual handle, is one of the most fully featured electric reels you can buy for about $3,000. You’ll be working through dealers, you’ll need your own connectors, and options must be chosen up front. For a local, capable, level-wind electric reel, Kristal belongs on your shortlist.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Power 4.5/5 · Features 4.5/5 · Value 4.5/5 · Build quality 4/5 · Availability 3.5/5
FAQ
Where are Kristal electric reels from?
Kristal Fishing operates through Bluewater Power Reels in Miami, Florida, and sells wholesale through dealers.
What do M, D and LW mean on Kristal reels?
M means manual handle, D means programmable, and LW means level wind. These options can’t be added after purchase.
How much does a Kristal deep drop reel cost?
Dealer prices in September 2026 included the KF001 system at $1,259.99, the KF003 system at $1,889.99, the XL 601M kite reel at $749.99 and the XL 655 12V at $3,169.
Do Kristal reels come with plugs?
No. Connectors and plugs are sold separately.
Specifications and prices were checked against bluewaterpowerreels.com, BlueMarlinChronicles.com and US retailer listings (Miami Fishing Supply, Crook & Crook) on September 25, 2026. Pulling-power figures are as published by retailers.