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Tibor has replaced the original Backcountry reel with the new and improved Backcountry 2, their sole freshwater reel offered in only one size. While it maintains a look and feel that is distinctively Tibor, the Backcountry 2 features improved performance for freshwater and light saltwater pursuits. In this review, we’ll discuss the standout features of the new Backcountry, including the pros & cons, its spool dimensions, and more. Keep reading to find out whether this USA-made freshwater reel is worth adding to your quiver.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Good news for die-hard Tibor fans, this is the most affordable reel in their lineup.
• Features a big, ergonomic reel handle that’s easy to grab and wind quickly.
• Excellent USA-built craftsmanship, as we’ve come to expect with all Tibor reels.

Cons

• Limited sizing and color options: it’s currently only offered in a 5/6/7wt, in black and silver. Can we get the gold color?!
• Very muted drag click. We much prefer the more audible sound of the Tibor Everglades.
• The spool is cumbersome to change. If you need to change spools often on the water, choose a different reel.

Who It’s For

The Backcountry 2 is an ideal reel for anglers who need a solid freshwater reel that can also handle some light saltwater duty. Trout, Bass, Bonefish, and Snook are all fair game with this USA-built tool. That being said, its spool is rather awkward to remove, especially in a hurry or on the water. So, if you find yourself changing spools on the water often, there are probably more logical choices than the Tibor Backcountry. Additionally, the Backcountry isn’t a featherweight by freshwater standards, so consider whether its heavier-than-average weight is a deal-breaker when pairing it with your rods. 

Weight

At 6.5 ounces, the Backcountry 2 is lightweight by Tibor standards, but it’s on the heavier side compared to most 5/6wt freshwater reels. For comparison, the Ross Evolution R and the Orvis Mirage LT weigh 4.4 ounces and 4.5 ounces, respectively. While Tibor fanatics are no strangers to heavy reels, the added heft makes the Backcountry less appealing to those who are comparing multiple brands side-by-side, and we can’t blame them. 

Drag

By far the most notable improvement from the previous generation Backcountry is the substantially upgraded drag system. With the old model, you’d be lucky to slow down a hefty Trout, let alone a feisty Bonefish. Fortunately, the new iteration has a much more powerful maximum drag that offers about 5 pounds of stopping power.

Unfortunately, we can’t definitively say whether this is a carbon drag or a cork drag, but judging by factors like its weight, the amount of turns of adjustability (a whopping 4.75), and Tibor’s history with cork drags, we have to assume this is also a cork drag. Tibor, if you’re reading this, maybe mention this important detail on your website!

Also, Tibor doesn’t say whether this drag is sealed or not, so again we must assume it's not. All this to say you should thoroughly rinse your Backcountry 2 reel after use in saltwater, and consider annual maintenance to ensure the longevity of inner components.

Sound

We were excited to hear the drag click on the new Backcountry, as we’re huge fans of the legendary sound of the Everglades. Sadly, the Backcountry 2’s drag click is extremely muted. Despite its differentiated incoming and outgoing sounds, we hoped for something more audible. Of course, drag sound is entirely subjective, so if you prefer a hushed drag click, you may find this to be great news.

Spool & Cage Design

The spool design of the new Backcountry isn’t too different from the older model, featuring a classic medium arbor. We measured a maximum diameter of 3.35 inches, an arbor diameter of 2 inches, and a 0.9-inch width. These measurements equate to approximately 7 inches of line retrieval per turn, which is adequate for a 5wt reel and most freshwater fishing situations. We estimate a backing capacity of roughly 200 yards of 20lb dacron with a weight-forward 5wt fly line.

Looks & Ergonomics

The Tibor Backcountry 2 is a simple, but stout-looking reel. It’s offered in 2 colorways: black and silver, leaving us wondering why they don’t offer it in the hallmark gold color.

Ergonomically, we’re fans of the oversized reel handle which is very similar to the handle on the popular Everglades reel. The drag knob is also fairly large and easy to grip, although it gets tougher the more you crank down on the drag. The only major downside is the spool release, which requires removing several small parts. This isn’t something we’d attempt on the water for fear of losing a part, so be aware that any spool changes should probably be done at home just to be safe. 

Warranty

Tibor Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $595.00

Priced just under $600, the Tibor Backcountry 2 isn’t a cheap reel by any means, but it’s the most affordable reel in the Tibor lineup. We think hardcore Tibor fans will see big-time value in this, especially if they’re looking to add a dedicated freshwater Tibor to their collection. For others, however, it remains to be seen whether the new Backcountry is worth its high price tag. On one hand, you have to consider its excellent build quality and USA craftsmanship - this is an investment that, if cared for properly, can be enjoyed for many years and eventually passed down to the next generation. On the other hand, there are a good handful of reels on the market with similar (or even better) performance than the Backcountry, and at a lower price. Bottom line: for anglers who have a large budget or love the quality and burly feel of a Tibor, the price makes sense. For budget-oriented anglers who want the most performance for their buck, the Backcountry 2 feels overpriced.

Conclusion

We’re glad to see Tibor revive the old Backcountry with a new and improved iteration. Although we didn’t love the reel’s sound, and we’d even pay more for the gold color, there’s lots to like about it. This is a solid USA-built tool that finally features a robust drag system worthy of bigger, harder-pulling fish. From Brown Trout and Smallmouth Bass to Bonefish, Snook, and Stripers - the Backcountry 2 can handle a diverse array of fishing situations. And while we think the $600 price tag is a little steep, you can’t deny the legacy and fandom that Tibor has created to justify it. Overall, the Backcountry 2 is a convincing package for many freshwater and saltwater anglers alike, combining substantial performance and sound workmanship in classic Tibor fashion.

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