Greys Tail Fly Reel Review

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The Greys Tail fly reel is the latest mid-range reel offered by Greys, and like others in their lineup, this model seems to cater to euro-nymphing and trout spey audiences particularly well. Designed for anglers who crave solid performance and affordability, the Tail is an intriguing middle-of-the-road tool worth exploring. Check out our full review below to learn more about the Greys Tail.

Weight

The Greys Tail fly reel is certainly on the heavy end of the spectrum compared to the premium freshwater reels of today. However, its increased weight has its advantages, notably in euro nymphing and trout spey, as it balances longer rods better. With a price point targeted toward beginner and intermediate anglers, it's common to find heavier reels, so this wasn't a huge surprise to us when we examined the Greys Tail.

Drag

A highlight of the Greys Tail is its drag strength. When you crank it up to maximum drag, you'll find an impressive amount of stopping power which we estimate to be in the 8lb range. This is more drag than you'll need for even the nastiest of finned foes and empowers you to engage with big fish confidently.

Sound

The drag click on the Greys Tail sounds nice. It doesn't compete with any high-end reels but for under $200, this is a solid-sounding tool.

Spool & Retrieval Rate

One of the excellent attributes of the Greys reel lineup is its full-cage frame design. If you've ever struggled with fly line, running line, or leader material slipping in between your spool and frame, this design remedies that issue. This is especially helpful for euro-nymphing and trout spey applications, where thinner diameter lines are more common. The spool on the Greys Tail features a maximum diameter of 3.5", a width of 0.85", and an arbor diameter of 2.25". The reel's narrow width helps prevent line stacking, a feature that's become commonplace in modern reels and is well-received by anglers. Thanks to the large arbor you can expect about 7.8" of line pickup per revolution, a superb retrieval rate for a reel at this price point. With a 5wt fly line, you'll manage to load upwards of 150 yards of backing onto the spool, more than adequate for any freshwater situation you may encounter.

Looks & Ergonomics

The overall aesthetics of the Greys Tail are pleasing. This modern-looking design features a unique red band around the spool's circumference, adding a nice touch of color. Ergonomically, the Tail is just OK. The drag knob is a bit small but functional. The reel handle is also smaller than we prefer, but for a sub- $ 200 reel, it does its job.

Warranty

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

Price: $139

Conclusion

In summary, the Greys Tail is a solid-value freshwater reel considering its brawny drag system, quick line pickup, and full-caged design. While we'd love for the reel to be considerably lighter, euro-nymphers and trout spey practitioners will likely find the added heft to be beneficial, balancing out longer rods nicely. With a retail price of just $139, this reel offers exceptional value to budget-conscious anglers who demand functionality and solid performance without spending an arm and a leg.

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Pros

• Powerful drag
• Affordable
• Fast line pickup
• Full-cage frame

Cons

• Heavy
• Ergonomics
• Cast-built