Fly Reel Reviews

The Peux Fulgor is unlike any reel we’ve reviewed. Built in Switzerland by a company rooted in precision mechanics, the Fulgor is the result of decades of refinement in a niche corner of fly fishing: semi-automatic reels. Peux was founded in the 1990s by Francis Nydegger, a Swiss machinist and fly angler who set out to design a reel that could recover line faster than anything else on the market. That mission led to the creation of high-end, lever-operated reels like the Fulgor, which combine fast retrieval, fine craftsmanship, and innovative design in a compact package. Semi-automatic reels have long had a loyal following in European nymphing circles, but they remain a curiosity to many anglers elsewhere. The Fulgor takes this niche concept to a whole new level. To learn more about its quirks, features, and who it’s really for, keep reading.

Old Mariner might be a new name in the fly reel world, but it comes with serious pedigree. Founded by Paul Conover, the original mind behind Old Florida Fly Reels (now known as Nautilus), the brand brings that same commitment to quality, simplicity, and durability into a fresh new package. The Inshore series is Old Mariner’s flagship saltwater reel, and it’s already turning heads with its vintage-inspired design, rock-solid construction, and ultra-smooth drag. In this review, we break down what makes the Old Mariner Inshore stand out and whether it deserves a spot on your saltwater setup.

The Lamson Guru E is Lamson’s euro-nymphing-specific take on their best-selling Guru series. Built on the same reliable platform, the Guru E introduces a handful of thoughtful tweaks, like removable balance weights, a full-cage frame, and an ultra-large arbor, to meet the unique demands of euro nymphing and light trout spey. Longer rods and ultra-thin lines can challenge a standard reel, but the Guru E is purpose-built to keep everything balanced, tight, and tangle-free.

Whether you’re a dedicated euro angler or simply looking for a reel that pairs well with longer 3 and 4-wt rods, the Guru E delivers performance without unnecessary extras. In this review, we’ll break down what makes the Guru E stand out, and whether it deserves a spot in your quiver.

The Ion is Echo’s mid-priced, all-purpose freshwater reel, but keep in mind that “mid-priced” for Echo still means very affordable compared to much of the fly reel market. For many freshwater anglers, the Ion represents a fantastic value. In this review, we’ll break down the Ion’s features, componentry, and on-the-water performance to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your setup. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly reel that can handle long runs and strong fish, this is one you won’t want to miss. Keep reading to learn what makes the Echo Ion one of the best value fly reels out there.

The Swing is Galvan’s new spey-specific fly reel built using technology and design features from their popular Grip saltwater reel. We’re big fans of the Grip due to its powerful sealed drag, user-friendly design, and solid USA craftsmanship, so we’re excited to review this new specialty spey reel. If you chase Steelhead, Salmon, or migratory trout with a two-handed rod, this is a reel worth learning about. Read on to see why the Galvan Swing is set to become one of the top USA-made Spey reels on the market.

The Averon Euro Fly Reel is Hardy’s replacement for the outgoing Ultradisc series, incorporating useful euro-nymhping and trout spey features into the new Averon platform. In today’s review, we’ll examine the Averon Euro with a fine-toothed comb, covering everything from its noteworthy pros and cons to design details like its retrieval rate, weight, and ergonomics. If you’re in the market for a dedicated euro-nymphing reel that features weight adjustability, this is a review you don’t want to miss. Keep reading to learn all about the new Hardy Averon Euro, and decide whether it’s the right fit for your euro nymphing setup in 2025 and beyond.

When it comes to saltwater fly fishing, having a reliable reel with a solid drag and quick line pickup is of the utmost importance. Choosing the right reel, however, can be tricky. With so many options available and prices ranging from under $200 to well above $1,000, it’s hard to know which reel will offer the best performance for the money. Today, we’ll share our list of the best saltwater fly reels of 2025, giving you some pros and cons for each reel, and the price. Hopefully, this list will help you weed through the countless options and make an informed buying decision. Whether you’re gearing up for a GT trip to the Seychelles, or just getting into saltwater fly fishing and looking for a reliable Bonefish reel, this list will help you pick the best fly reel for your specific needs.

Introducing the Hardy Resonate, Hardy’s new high-performance click & pawl fly reel that replaces the beloved Ultraclick. With an extremely low weight and some solid performance features, the Resonate certainly asserts itself as one of the finest clicker reels on the market. For small stream anglers who aim to shave every possible ounce, the Resonate offers noteworthy durability and a touch of elegance to a minimalist tool. Read on to learn more about the new Hardy Resonate, including details about its weight, spool design, and ergonomics.

The Bauer SLT fly reel is Bauer’s new saltwater big game fly reel, ending a nearly 10-year gap in their saltwater reel offerings. The SLT aims to compete with the major players in the saltwater reel game, such as Hatch and Nautilus, combining a powerful sealed drag with durability and comfortable ergonomics. In this review, we’ll discuss the important details of the new Bauer SLT, including its pros and cons, spool design, drag, and price. If you’re in the market for a new saltwater big game fly reel that can handle everything from Bonefish to Tarpon and GTs, this review is for you.

Hardy has replaced the Ultradisc fly reel with the all-new Averon, their high-performance freshwater reel spanning sizes 3000 (2/3/4wt) to 9000 (8/9/10wt). The Averon maintains many of the thoughtful design features of the Ultradisc; a lightweight design with quick retrieval and fully-anodized components. However, there are a few key differences that we’ll cover in this review. Keep reading to learn what sets the Hardy Averon apart as Hardy’s top-tier freshwater reel, and how it compares to its predecessor. We’ll discuss everything from its spool and cage design to looks and ergonomics, plus its pros and cons. If you’re in the market for a new freshwater fly reel and want a no-nonsense review to help you decide, you’ll want to check out this fly reel review.