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.
Redington has replaced the beloved Rise fly reel with the new Ace: their latest do-it-all freshwater fly reel at a very reasonable price. We were excited to give the Ace a test spin, and in this review we take a deep dive into its important features like spool design, drag strength, weight, and ergonomics. If you’re looking to replace your old Rise, or you’re on the hunt for a solid freshwater reel that won’t break the bank, check out our full review of the Redington Ace fly reel below. We cut through the marketing chaff so you can make an informed buying decision based on the features that really matter to you, your fishing needs, and your budget.
Nautilus Fly Reels have garnered an almost cult-like following thanks to reels like the CCF-X2, GTX, and the X-Series. Known for their incredibly strong drag systems and meticulous attention to detail, these USA-made reels are some of the most coveted in the game, but new models don’t come around often. Nautilus has introduced the GTS, a versatile fresh/salt fly reel and their first new model in nearly five years. This reel bridges the gap between saltwater and freshwater use. Keep reading to learn more about the new Nautilus GTS fly reel, including who it’s for, and whether it’s worth the price tag.
TFO has built a strong reputation as the everyman’s fly rod manufacturer over the past several decades. With favorites such as the BVK, Axiom II, and the Lefty Kreh Pro Series, TFO rods have become synonymous with affordability and reliable performance. However, many anglers are less familiar with TFO’s range of fly reels, including the NTR (No Tools Required) model, which is the focus of this review. The NTR is a budget-friendly reel offering respectable performance and solid build quality for freshwater fishing. Read on to see if the TFO NTR fly reel meets your needs and fits your budget.
In a world where fly reel prices seem to climb higher every year, finding a reliable, budget-friendly option can be challenging. Fortunately, Echo has introduced the Base fly reel, one of the most affordable reel models available on the market. But don’t let the price tag fool you – this reel packs in some impressive features for an entry-level price point. In this review, we’ll cover the pros and cons of the Echo Base, including its drag system, weight, spool design, and more. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or looking for a cost-effective addition to your quiver, this review will help you decide if the Echo Base is the right choice for you.
