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The Orvis Hydros is a reel we’re very familiar with, especially in lighter sizes. We even awarded the previous version, ‘Best Buy,’ in our 2018 8-weight Reel Shootout for offering the best drag-to-weight ratio out of any reel we tested. However, this is a shootout for the best tarpon and big game reels on the planet. We put ‘poons in an entirely different category than most fish; they can legitimately blow up lesser reels, so our standards for this shootout are quite different and loftier. Are you short on cash but determined to land your first tarpon on the fly? Read on to see if we’d trust putting a 100+ pound leviathan on this sub-$300 reel!

Big Game Reel Shootout Full Results

Weight

If you are looking for a light tarpon reel, this is it! Weighing in at a scant 7.7 ounces, the Hydros took top place for the most lightweight reel in the shootout! The Mako 9600B weighs twice as much!

Drag

The drag on the Hydros SL took top honors in our 8-weight shoot, beating out reels from heavy hitters like Hatch and Nautilus. However, in the largest size, the Hydros comes far short in this category. The Hydros has the dubious distinction of having the worst max drag in the shootout at a paltry 6.28 pounds, which is not ideal for the heavy-duty species we’d seek to target with it.

If there is a silver lining, it does maintain 40% of its total drag at the halfway mark, offering 2.5 pounds of stoppage. This gives it the second most linear drag in the shootout, second only to the Hatch Iconic.

Drag Test Graphics

Sound

The Hydros makes little more than an audible clicking on both the incoming and outcoming. It sounds cheap with a plastic clicker, and not what we’re looking for from a heavy-duty salt reel.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

With one of the smallest diameter spools in the shootout, at under 4 inches, it has an average retrieval rate of slightly over 10” per turn. While the spool’s narrow width helps pep the retrieval rate, its total volume was one of the shootout’s worst. While 275 yards of backing should be fine in most cases, it was one of the smaller amounts in the shootout.

Looks & Ergonomics

The Orvis Hydros is a decent-looking reel, but it certainly doesn't hold a candle to higher-end reels, which is fine, especially considering the Hydros’ affordability. However, we had issues with its ergonomics. The handle is ok but a little small for our liking. While Orvis improved the Hydros’ drag knob from the previous model, It’s still too sharp and awkward, thus preventing a higher score.

Warranty

Orvis reels are guaranteed for life against defects in materials and workmanship

Price: $298

Conclusion

The Orvis Hydros is incredibly light, boasts a linear drag, and is affordable, but we have a hard time recommending it as a bonafide tarpon reel. The weak drag, average line retrieval, and uncomfortable ergonomics leave lots to be desired. On the positive side, The Hydros is fine for light gamefish and should serve as a solid blueprint for Orvis' next mid-priced reel. 

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Pros

  • Lightest reel in the shootout
  • Very reasonably priced
  • Second most linear drag 

Cons

  • Poor max drag
  • Uncomfortable Ergonomics