Greys Fin Fly Reel Review

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Greys is a household name in the UK, but more and more North American anglers are becoming familiar with their solid, value-minded lineup. The Greys Fin fly reel is the new entry-level reel from Greys, offering plenty of performance for a reasonable price. Check out our detailed review to see what we thought of the new Greys Fin.

Weight

The Fin weighs in at 6.6 oz in the 5wt size, making it a heavy trout tool. For an entry-level reel, this extra weight shouldn’t be surprising, as most reels priced under $100 aren’t going to be featherweights. That being said, heavier reels are often preferred for euro nymphing and trout spey, helping to balance longer rods and differing casting techniques.

Drag

We’d recommend sticking to freshwater pursuits with this tool for several reasons. First, the Fin’s Rulon disc drag system is unsealed. Secondly, at 3 to 4 pounds of maximum drag pressure, you’d find yourself under-gunned for most saltwater adversaries. But for most freshwater angling, this should be an adequate amount of drag to find success.

Sound

The drag click on the Greys Fin isn’t as nice as its big brother, the Tail, but for an entry-level reel, it is just fine.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

The spool of the Fin is nearly identical to the spool of the Greys Tail and is one of the best features of this affordable reel. We measured the 5-weight model to find a maximum spool diameter of 3.5”, a width of .85”, and an arbor diameter of 2.3”. Those measurements translate to a fantastic line retrieval rate of 8 inches of line per revolution. Additionally, the Fin’s full-caged frame design prevents line escape, a feature that is becoming increasingly popular, especially for euro nymphing. For a reel that costs under $100, we see tremendous value here.

Looks & Ergonomics

The Greys Fin is made using die-cast aluminum, a production technique known to produce finished products with visible blemishes and imperfections. With that in mind, the Fin looks okay - nothing to write home about but decent for an entry-level reel. Ergonomically, we found the drag knob to be too minuscule and hard to grip effectively. It’s the same story with the handle, which is serviceable at best.

Warranty

As of 2023, Greys products are covered by a statutory 12-month warranty against manufacturing and materials defects.

Price: $90

Conclusion

For a beginner angler, it's important to have equipment that works properly and doesn’t break the bank. The Greys Fin delivers in spades with exceptional spool design, a full-cage frame, and an attainable price point. Sure, there are things about this reel that we didn’t love, like the basic components and its heavy weight, but most novices won’t find these a hindrance. If you’re looking to get into fly fishing or surprise a new angler with their first freshwater fly reel, the Greys Fin is a wonderful choice.

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Pros

• Affordable
• Fast line pickup
• Full-cage frame

Cons

• Heavy
• Basic componentry
• Cast-built