Best Fly Reel Reviews 2022
In addition to talking with fishing guides and reading online reviews, we picked up a couple of reels for a little more in-depth review later on. Let’s look at our top choices for best fly reel today. Indeed, these best fly reels have been reviewed our experts.
Over the past 30 hours of research, we have determined that the Redington Behemoth is the best fly reel for most expert fishers. This fly fishing rod is great for freshwater and saltwater fly fishing, is reasonably priced, and has a good balance.
Our recommendation for a more professional and best fly reel is The Galvan Torque fly reel. With its best in class drag system, it is much lighter, has a lifetime warranty, and is made in the USA.
You should find a reel that is the right size for your rod, and fits your budget.
What are the best fly fishing reels?
The best thing to have before visiting your local fly shop is a list of reliable reel recommendations. Comparison shopping online can save you a lot of money, so don’t forget to do that. We recommend the following best fly reels for your consideration. Moreover, here is the list of best fly reels reviewed by our experts.
Galvan Torque – Best Fly Reel With Smoothest Drag
- Galvan Torque Fly Reel | 5WT | Burnt Orange - Made...
The Galvan Torque has been around since 2004. Despite its long history, it remains competitive and relative to newer reals. Several factors are responsible for this, including the product’s high quality, its features, and the company’s customer service. This reel has the narrowest spool of all the reels in our comparison and the large arbor provides good line retrieval rates.
Specs:
- We offer the following sizes: T3 (2-3wt), T4 (4-5wt), T5 (5-6), T6 (6-7wt), T7 (7wt), T8 (8wt), T9 (9wt), T10 (10wt), and T12 (12wt)
- Diameter of the reel (comparable to 6 weights): 3.75 inches
- Spool diameter (compares 6 weight models): 0.95 inches
- The model weighs 5.2 ounces (compare it to 6 weight models)
- The following colors are available for this design: silver, green, and black
- Aluminum fabricated by machining.
- Many colors are available for the body, including silver, green, and black. If you spend a lot of time on the water, Galvan Torque is a good choice.
- Despite the reel’s high cost, it offers features and quality comparable to reels costing more than $1000.
PROS
- American-made
- An extensive range of sizes for any fishing application
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Anglers may find it too expensive
Check out the Galvan Torque – Best Fly Reel With Smoothest Drag on Amazon here if you’re interested.
- Galvan Torque Fly Reel | 5WT | Burnt Orange - Made...
Redington Behemoth – Best Fly Reel For Most People
- Sturdy die-cast construction with full-frame back...
- Large arbor design for speedy line retrieve and...
- Soft-touch, twin-molded dual Density handle offers...
- Pre-spooled with Rio mainstream fly line
A good value all-purpose reel, the Redington Behemoth is a good choice. Even for freshwater applications, a carbon fiber disc drag provides plenty of stopping power. Thanks to the die-cast construction, the reel has an unusual shape.
The reels come in five sizes, suitable for rods and fly lines from four to twelve ounces. With the exception of the 11/12wt model, most models have more than adequate backing capacity. I believe it needs at least 300 yards of backing if it is to be used heavily in saltwater.
Specs:
- Availability: Sizes 4/5, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, and 11/12
- Diameter of reel (comparable with 6 weights): 3.6 inches
- The spool has a diameter of 1.4 inches (comparable to 6 weight models).
- The weight of this model is 5.7 ounces (comparable to six weight models).
- Dark Orange, Hunter Orange, Gunmetal, Desert, and O.D. Green
- Constructed of aluminum die-casting
- Weighing 1.4 inches wide, the Behemoth spool is a chunky spool. As a result, it is perfect for floating lines with large diameters. Among fly reels available on the market, the Redington Behemoth is one of the best values.
- The reel will be especially useful for anglers fishing thick fly lines for freshwater species such as bass, large trout, and golden dorado.
PROS
- Price/value ratio is good
- Drag system with high efficiency
- Your fly fishing outfit can be customized with different color options
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- Fly anglers who prefer the lightest setup might find the reel too heavy
- I noticed that some of the drag knobs were a little wobbly
- In terms of backing capacity, the 11/12wt model is not the best
- Sturdy die-cast construction with full-frame back...
- Large arbor design for speedy line retrieve and...
- Soft-touch, twin-molded dual Density handle offers...
- Pre-spooled with Rio mainstream fly line
Orvis Hydros SL – Best Saltwater Fly Fishing Reel
This mid-range reel from Orvis is excellent. This reel is of good quality and will last for many years. Freshwater anglers will appreciate its smooth drag and it will provide them with all the drag they will ever need.
Citron (a vibrant green color) and Black are available in many sizes. Hydros SL III reels are heavier than other reels, weighing 5.9 ounces.
Specs:
- We offer sizes I (1-3 pounds), II (3-5 pounds), III (5-7 pounds), IV (7-9 pounds), and V (9-11 pounds).
- Diameter of reel (comparable to 6 weight model): 3.875″
- It weighs 5.9 ounces (comparable to the 6 weight model)
- Black and citron colors
- Aluminium machining construction type
- Although this might seem negative, it might balance faster action rods with heavier fly lines quite well. If you are looking for a reel that will last a long time at a mid-range price point, I recommend the Orvis Hydros SL.
PROS
- Inertia at startup is low
- You’ll find a good range of reel sizes to suit your needs
- Fast line retrieval with large arbor size
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- A little fiddly to use the drag knob
- Heavily burdened
Piscifun Platte – Best Piscifun Fly Reel
- BACKING DACRON: RIO´s braided backing features...
- BUILD PERFORMANCE: Easier to knot than other...
- BUILD MATERIAL: Made from braided multifilament...
- FLY LINE BACKING: RIO has an incredible selection...
- PASSION & INNOVATION: For more than 20 years, RIO...
Several Piscifun Platte models are available, covering a range of line weights from 3 to 10 lbs. Built from machined aluminum, the disc-drag system is sealed.
Three colors are available: blue, gunmetal, and black. The arbors come in different sizes and widths as well. In terms of weight, it’s far from a lightweight fly fishing reel.
Specs:
- Available sizes: 3/4 lb, 5 lb, 7 lb, and 9 lb
- Diameter of reel (comparable to 6 weight model): 3.6 inches
- The diameter of a spool (comparable to a six weight model) is 1.1 inches
- 6.2 ounces (comparable to 6 weight models)
- It comes in three colors: blue, gunmetal, and black
- Aluminium machining construction type
However, it feels solid in the hand. In particular, I love the large adjustment knob. Due to its low profile, there are fewer line snags. Though real-world situations never require such high drag pressure, it is impressive nonetheless.
Beginner fly anglers looking for a durable workhorse reel that won’t break the bank might consider the Piscifun Platte. Having a spare reel makes it an excellent option for remote trips.
PROS
- Price is low
- Lifetime warranty
- It is nice to have a large drag knob
CONS
- Heavily laden
- BACKING DACRON: RIO´s braided backing features...
- BUILD PERFORMANCE: Easier to knot than other...
- BUILD MATERIAL: Made from braided multifilament...
- FLY LINE BACKING: RIO has an incredible selection...
- PASSION & INNOVATION: For more than 20 years, RIO...
Lamson Guru S- Best Fly Reel for the Money
- ZERO FLY REEL: The Redington ZERO fly fishing reel...
- CLICKER DRAG: The spring-loaded clicker drag...
- LARGE ARBOR: The ZERO fly reel features a large...
- DURABLE DESIGN: Crafted with durable die-cast...
- EASY RETRIEVE: The soft-touch, twin-molded dual...
Lamson released the new Guru S fly reel in 2019. The reel replaces the popular Guru. The reel diameter has been increased, the spools are narrower and larger spools have been added to aid line drying. Also, some new colors have been added.
Most fly reels are compatible with fly rods and lines ranging between two and ten weight. Lamson’s Guru reel uses the same conical drag system as all its other reels despite having a narrower drag system.
Specs:
- Available in 3+, 5+, 7+, and 9+
- Diameter of reel (comparable to 6 weight model): 3.55 inches
- The diameter of the spool (comparison: 6 weight model) is 1 inch
- Weight: 4.41 ounces (compare to 6 weight models)
- The colors are Olive Green, Blaze, and Arctic
- Aluminium machining construction type
PROS
- Hands full of light
- Fishing in freshwater can be accomplished with a variety of sizes
- Lifetime warranty
CONS
- This reel is hard to fault, to be honest
A heavy-duty variant of the Lamson Guru S is available, dubbed the Guru S HD. This variant offers increased stiffness via a full cage design.
These are available only for 7+ and 9+ models. You can’t go wrong with the Lamson Guru S freshwater reel if you want a no-fuss reel. This reel combines features with an affordable price, which is a great combination.
- ZERO FLY REEL: The Redington ZERO fly fishing reel...
- CLICKER DRAG: The spring-loaded clicker drag...
- LARGE ARBOR: The ZERO fly reel features a large...
- DURABLE DESIGN: Crafted with durable die-cast...
- EASY RETRIEVE: The soft-touch, twin-molded dual...
Here’s one more quick short summary of the best fly reel and where to find them.
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