The SDS is Abel’s flagship saltwater fly reel series. The SDS features intelligent engineering and careful design features to maximize durability and minimize overall reel weight. A heavy-duty drag system offers one of the strongest max drag ratings in the industry and cold-forged 6061-T561 aluminum means this reel is a powerhouse. If you’re a serious saltwater angler looking for your next reel for Bonefish, Tarpon, GT, and more, this is one of the very finest on the market.

 

Design

Saltwater Safe Design - The SDS is a saltwater reel. Abel built the reel on an alternating disc Sealed Drag Salt system with over 20lbs of max braking power. That’s a lot. The reel also features durable sold finished aircraft-grade aluminum, a ported reel handle, and other features that make it one of the best saltwater fly reels on the market.

 

Finish

Hand-Anozied Finish - The finish on the SDS is made to protect the reel when it’s dropped or dinged. Hand-anodizing is strong and durable for increased reel life and worry-free angling. Many major manufacturers use anodized finishing because of its lightweight makeup and rigid protection from the elements. This finish also allows Abel to hand paint all reels and the SDS comes in a variety of color schemes.

 

Materials

6061-T651 Cold Finished Machined Aluminum - The reel frame, spool, drag knob, and reel foot are made from 6061-T651 cold-finished aerospace-grade aluminum. These materials combined with the reel’s finish make the SDS one of the most durable reels in the saltwater. This thing is a serious powerhouse.

 

Drag

Type - The SDS is built on a 5-disc alternating sealed drag stack. The drag system of the SDS is strong enough to stop any saltwater fish from Bonefish to Tarpon to GT and everything in between.

Materials - The disc drag system of the SDS is built on alternating carbon/stainless steel discs that dissipate drag pressure and efficiently stop running fish. These discs are highly efficient and extremely durable for performance that lasts a lifetime.

 

Arbor Size

Large Arbor - The large arbor of the SDS increases line pickup and helps anglers fight the largest fish in saltwater. Most contemporary fly reels are made with a large arbor design to allow anglers to pick up as much line as possible with as little work as possible.

 

Warranty

Abel Warranty - As of December 2019, Abel products carry a lifetime warranty that covers the repair or replacement of parts due to defects in material or workmanship. This warranty is not transferable and is only valid when an Abel reel is purchased through an authorized dealer. Abel also repairs reels for an additional cost.

 

More Info

Best for: Saltwater

 

Arbor Size: Large