3-Tand TF-70 Fly Reel Review

Feb 27, 2018 · 2 min read

Silver machined aluminum fly reel with perforated spool, black handle knob and knurled drag adjustment

Please remember that there are no ads on this page and 100% of our funding comes from your purchases, so if you find this review to be informative, please help us keep the reviews coming by purchasing your next fly reel from us. Want light weight and a low price? The TF-70 brings both in spades. The other 3-Tand reels did very well in our shootout. Can the TF deliver performance in a smaller lighter package? 8-Weight Shootout Full Results

Weight

The TF weighs in at an amazing 4.8 ounces. It’s one of the lightest reels in the shootout!

Drag

Disassembled TF-70 fly reel with silver machined aluminum spools, red anodized drag hub and large circular cutouts

By hand tightening we were only able to get 3.9 lbs of drag out of the TF-70. This drops to 2.1lbs once we back it off to what’s actually usable. By 1.25 turns (out of 2.5), you’re only going to see a free-spooling 5% of that at .18lbs.

Drag Test Graphs

Blue force curve on white grid chart for 3-Tand TF-70 fly reel drag test, rapid rise then steady ~3.8-4.0 lbs.

Sound

Like the other 3-Tand reels, it’s silent on the incoming, muted on the way out.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

While reasonably sized, the spool on the TF has the slowest line pickup in our test. Sorry guys, retro isn’t always cool.

Looks & Ergonomics

The TF-70 looks a lot like the other 3-Tand reels, so you can read about the much better V-80 and TX-80 here. It’s got the same tiny drag knob as the V-80 and a smaller, less ergonomic, freshwater handle than both.

Finish and durability

Silver aluminum fly reel Trident TF-70 close-up showing vented spool, circular cutouts and scratches on rim, matte finish

Like its big brothers, the TF-70 does pretty well in drops and drags. Due to its lighter weight, it’s actually a touch better overall.

Warranty

Lifetime to the original owner + $0. Awesome! Price: $210

Conclusion

The TF-70 is a two-trick pony. It’s super lightweight and it’s cheap. Beyond that, there isn’t much to talk about. I’d recommend the TX-80 if you’re a 3-Tand fan.

Pros

Weight
Price

Cons

Not the best drag
Bad ergonomics

Written by

Ben Freeman

Ben Freeman founded Trident Fly Fishing in 2012 to cut through the marketing fluff and provide anglers with the technical info they actually need. He’s built his reputation by putting gear to the ultimate test in the world’s most unforgiving fisheries. With fishing stamps from over 22 countries and 17+ states, Ben’s passport is a roadmap of bucket list angling—from landing a 25lb Golden Dorado in Bolivia and 150lb Arapaima in Guyana to sight-casting for Roosterfish off the beaches in Baja. Whether it’s battling 60+mph winds to land a 20lb Rainbow at Jurassic Lake or a full day of casting 8in streamers in Mongolia, Ben has spent decades ensuring his gear performs when a trip of a lifetime is on the line.

At Trident, Ben serves as the lead gear geek, specializing in the deep-dive mechanics of rods, reels, and lines. Over the past 15 years, he's reviewed 250+ fly rods and 150+ fly reels and is likely one of the most prolific rod reviewers in the world. But he doesn't just curate the catalog; he scrutinizes every taper and drag system through the lens of a traveling angler who knows what it's like to have gear fail a thousand miles from home. For Ben, the mission is simple: leverage his experience across nearly 100 species to ensure that when you head into the wild, you’re equipped with gear that has been vetted by someone who has actually been there.

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