Ross Evolution LT Fly Reel Review

Jan 31, 2015 · 2 min read

Black machined aluminum Ross Evolution LT fly reel with large-arbor vented spokes and knurled drag knob

The Ross Evolution LT. It's one of our best sellers. It's a modern classic. While it's easy to take one look at this reel and see why so many people adore it, we're here to find out if that reputation is deserved, or if Ross is simply resting on their laurels with this design. Onward to find out! 5-Weight Challenge Full Results

WEIGHT

4.2 ounces. One of the lightest! Ross certainly takes the 'LT' seriously.

DRAG

While anyone who has ever picked up an Evolution can feel that it doesn't have much drag strength (only 1.7lbs). We were surprised to find out that it also has quite a bit of startup inertia. At .43lbs, the LT loses about 25% of its drag.

Sealed?

No.

DRAG test graph

SOUND

If there's one thing that no one can dispute, it's that this reel sounds great! It's best of the best.

SPOOL & RETRIEVAL RATE

Ross calls this reel a 'large arbor'. We're here to tell you, it's not. With one of the smallest arbors in the test. It picks up line at a mere 6.3 inches per turn. You'll have plenty of room for your 5-weight line, however as it holds and estimated 120 yards of backing.

LOOK & FEEL

Like the all too similar Galvan Torque, the Ross Evolution LT looks great. In fact, I'll go as far as to say it's one of the best. It also feels really solid thanks to the precision machining that goes into its production.

Ergonimics

Handle: Fine. A little longer would make it better though. Drag Knob: The drag knob on the LT is definitely a little dated, but it works well, just not as well as the Animas. Spool Change: Easy one-button release.

The Drop

Excellent. Like all Ross reels, the Evolution LT is finished with care. That means that even in black, the scratches and divots were hard to find. No damage.

WARRANTY

Lifetime to the original owner + $30 Price: $315

CONCLUSION

It's time the Evolution... evolved. Don't get me wrong, there are a lot of great things about this reel: the sounds, the look, the machining. But when it comes down to pure performance, the Evolution just doesn't measure up. Most importantly, the retrieval rate and drag are very much sub-par. All in all, it wouldn't take much to turn this reel into a winner. If anyone can do it, Ross can. Help us by getting yours here.

PROS

Great looks and finish
Sounds amazing

CONS

Mid-arbor
Poor drag

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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