A good fly reel used to be simple: hold your line and provide a functional drag. Modern fly reels are far more sophisticated, and the difference between a great reel and a mediocre one can mean the difference between landing a fish and watching it disappear. This section is our complete fly reel review library, covering freshwater trout reels, mid-range all-arounders, and fully sealed saltwater-grade reels built for tarpon, GT, and everything in between.

150+ fly reels have been evaluated through our testing process, spanning freshwater and saltwater categories at every price point. Whether you need a lightweight 3-weight reel for spring creeks or a battle-ready 12-weight for offshore, these reviews give you a direct comparison built on actual fishing experience.

Galvan Brookie Fly Reel Review

Galvan Brookie Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Galvan Fly Reels are all about solid freshwater performance and USA-made atte...
Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel Review

Sage Spectrum C Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Sage Spectrum C has been a staple of Sage’s fly reel lineup for quite som...
Orvis CFO Fly Reel Review

Orvis CFO Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
For longtime fans of Orvis Fly Reels, the CFO model is a cherished heritage r...
Tibor Backcountry 2 Fly Reel Review

Tibor Backcountry 2 Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Tibor has replaced the original Backcountry reel with the new and improved Ba...
Echo Shadow Click Fly Reel Review

Echo Shadow Click Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Shadow Click is Echo’s click-and-pawl fly reel featuring surprisingly sol...
Orvis Battenkill Click Fly Reel Review

Orvis Battenkill Click Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Orvis has released their latest iteration of the Battenkill fly reel - a clic...
Seigler XBF Fly Reel Review

Seigler XBF Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The XBF is Seigler’s premier fly reel designed for big-game fishing applicati...
Lamson Hyperspeed M Fly Reel Review

Lamson Hyperspeed M Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Lamson has been edging their way into the saltwater reel market more and more...
Lamson Liquid Max Fly Reel Review

Lamson Liquid Max Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Liquid Max is Lamson’s new entry-level saltwater reel, and we’re here to ...
Echo Bravo Fly Reel Review

Echo Bravo Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Echo Bravo is Echo’s top-of-the-line fly reel, which might shock you when...
Echo Bravo LT Fly Reel Review

Echo Bravo LT Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Echo Bravo LT is Echo’s premium freshwater fly reel. Not to be confused w...
Seigler BFN Fly Reel Review

Seigler BFN Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The BFN (Big Fly Narrow) fly reel from Seigler is the latest iteration of the...
Redington Run Fly Reel Review

Redington Run Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Redington’s niche is creating high-performance rods and reels at a very reaso...
Galvan Euro Nymph (GEN) Fly Reel Review

Galvan Euro Nymph (GEN) Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Galvan is known for producing quality USA-made reels that can stand up to abu...
Ross Cimarron Fly Reel Review

Ross Cimarron Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Ross Reels has brought back the Cimarron fly reel, a USA-made freshwater reel...
Sage Trout Fly Reel Review

Sage Trout Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The latest iteration of the Sage Trout fly reel is here, featuring a blend of...
Redington Zero Fly Reel Review

Redington Zero Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Redington has long been known to produce functional products for a reasonable...
Orvis SSR Disc Fly Reel Review

Orvis SSR Disc Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
The Orvis SSR Disc Fly Reel is Orvis’ spey-specific reel built on the popular...
Hardy Sovereign Fly Reel Review

Hardy Sovereign Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Hardy is one of the most iconic names in fly reels, having produced beautiful...
Shilton SL Fly Reel Review

Shilton SL Fly Reel Review

Patrick Blackdale
Shilton has a longstanding reputation in South Africa for producing solid, tr...
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