Redington is well known for making great value-priced products, including great rods like the CPS and the Classic Trout. We test the the Redington Rise II in our 8-weight shootout, and it didn't do so well. It wasn't that it was a bad reel, it was just up against some pretty stiff competition. Let's see if it does better as a trout reel.

 

5-Weight Challenge Full Results

WEIGHT

5.4 ounces. On the heavy side.

DRAG

 

The biggest issue with the Rise is its drag. It's weak, with only 1.8lbs, and sticky, losing 21% of its drag (.38lbs) to startup inertia. It had this in common with most of the reels that finished near the bottom.

Sealed?

No.

DRAG TEST GRAPH

SOUND

The Rise sounds a lot like a lot of the other offshore-made reels and its Sage cousins. It's fine, but I'd prefer an Animas.

SPOOL & RETRIEVAL RATE

The spool on the Rise is a little outdated for this test. While I'm not sure I'd consider it a mid-arbor, it only picks up line at 7.15 inches per turn. That means it took 18th place. It's also fairly small and wide. It holds an estimated 120 yards of backing.

LOOK & FEEL

One thing I will commend Redington for, is that this reel definitely looks better than all of the other reels in its price range. It just seems to be cut with a lot more precision, and we like the ability to choose a color that stands out.

Ergonimics

Handle: Nothing special here. It works.

 

Drag Knob: The drag knob on the Rise is actually pretty good. It's oversize and easy to grab.

 

Spool Change: Quick change spool works perfectly.

The Drop

Average. The reel was very susceptible to scratches and so when we dragged it across the pavement, you could tell. Divoting, however, was not too bad. There was also a minor bend in the spool, which didn't impact use.

WARRANTY

Lifetime to the original owner + $30

 

Price: $180

CONCLUSION

 

It feels like I've got deja vu. The Redington Rise did just about as well this time as it did last time we tested it, which is to say, not very well. And yet again, I feel like this reel is better than the results indicate. When it comes down to it, the Rise is average across most of the categories, and has a way below average drag.

 

Like our review? Buy it here.

PROS

  • Best looking reel under $200?

CONS

  • It's time to re-design the drag