Ross has created a saltwater powerhouse. The Evolution R series from Ross features a drag system strong enough to stop any saltwater fish from Tarpon to Stripers while maintaining a lightweight frame and functional engineering. These reels offer a stellar weight-to-strength ratio, and the construction and finishing make them saltwater-proof and extremely durable. If you’re an angler who likes to take saltwater fly fishing seriously, this is one of the best saltwater reel options on the market.
An Engineering Culmination - Ross has designed the Evolution R Salt to be a culmination of machining and engineering. The reel’s redesigned arbor, powerhouse drag system, and incredibly lightweight frame made this reel a force to be reckoned with in saltwater. Add the sleep drag knob and canvas phenolic handle, and it’s easy to see why the Evo R is one of our favorite saltwater fly reels.
Type II Anodizing - Type II anodizing allows Ross to create the perfect balance between rigidity and aesthetically appealing reel color. Type II anodizing is incredibly durable, and the Evolution R stands up well when dropped or dinged on the water. A Type II finish also holds up well to weathering, wear, and saltwater abuse.
6061 T6 Aluminum - The Evolution R is built with 6061 T6 Aluminum, which has a few benefits. 6061 T6 is both abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant. If you happen to drop or ding your reel, 6061 T6 resists corrosion even when abraded. This type of aluminum is commonly used in aircraft and boat/automotive construction.
Type - The Evolution R features a carbon/stainless steel, fully sealed, disc drag system that’s perfect for stopping any saltwater fish in its tracks. These reels are made for saltwater applications, and the sealed carbon/stainless disc drag means this reel is a great option for Bonefish, Permit, and even larger saltwater species.
Materials - Carbon/stainless steel drag plates make this drag maintenance-free and highly durable. These discs add to the strength of the reel’s drag system, making it one of the most capable in the saltwater market.
Ultra-Large Arbor - The bell-shaped ultra-large arbor of the Evolution R Salt increases line pickup and helps anglers fight the largest saltwater fish on a single-handed fly rod. The bell-shaped arbor design also helps with line management, and the angler doesn’t have to worry about where his/her line lands on the reel when playing a fish.
Ross Limited Lifetime Warranty - As of October 2019, Ross has a limited lifetime warranty that applies to the original owner of the fly reel. The warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the product only and does not cover direct, indirect, consequential, incidental, or any other type of damage resulting from the use of the product. That being said, Ross will also repair your reel for you for a cost.
Best for: Saltwater, Flats
Arbor Size: Ultra-Large
Some options of this product are discontinued or on sale and are sold as final sale. These items are NOT eligible for returns. Thank you for your understanding.
The Evolution R Salt performed well in our 2018 8-Weight Reel Shootout, but this is a shootout to weed out the pretenders from the contenders and find the baddest reels on the planet built to subdue the gnarliest gamefish like tarpon and GT. Has Ross delivered a true powerhouse in a lightweight package? Read on because you will not want to miss this review- the final result is surprising!
| Reel Model | Diameter | Weight | Line Weight | Capacity | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/8 / Black | 4.08in. | 7.51 oz. | 7, 8 | WF7+235 | WF8+215 | $695.00 | Out of Stock |
| 7/8 / Matte Blue | 4.08in. | 7.51 oz. | 7, 8 | WF7+235 | WF8+215 | $695.00 | In Stock |
| 7/8 / Matte Olive | 4.08in. | 7.51 oz. | 7, 8 | WF7+235 | WF8+215 | $695.00 | Out of Stock |
| 7/8 / Platinum | 4.08in. | 7.51 oz. | 7, 8 | WF7+235 | WF8+215 | $695.00 | In Stock |
| 9/10 / Black | 4.43in. | 8 oz. | 9, 10 | WF9+325 | WF10+275 | $795.00 | In Stock |
| 9/10 / Matte Blue | 4.43in. | 8 oz. | 9, 10 | WF9+325 | WF10+275 | $795.00 | Out of Stock |
| 9/10 / Matte Olive | 4.43in. | 8 oz. | 9, 10 | WF9+325 | WF10+275 | $795.00 | In Stock |
| 9/10 / Platinum | 4.43in. | 8 oz. | 9, 10 | WF9+325 | WF10+275 | $795.00 | In Stock |
| 11/12 / Black | 4.75in. | 8.85 oz. | 11, 12 | WF11+300 | WF12+250 | $895.00 | In Stock |
| 11/12 / Matte Blue | 4.75in. | 8.85 oz. | 11, 12 | WF11+300 | WF12+250 | $895.00 | In Stock |
| 11/12 / Matte Olive | 4.75in. | 8.85 oz. | 11, 12 | WF11+300 | WF12+250 | $895.00 | In Stock |
| 11/12 / Platinum | 4.75in. | 8.85 oz. | 11, 12 | WF11+300 | WF12+250 | $895.00 | In Stock |
| 11/12 / Blackout | - | - | 11, 12 | - | $799.00 | Out of Stock |
| 7/8 / Blackout | - | - | 7, 8 | - | $699.00 | Out of Stock |
| 9/10 / Blackout | - | - | 9, 10 | - | $749.00 | Out of Stock |
Overall rating: 5.0 / 5 from 5 reviews.
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"First Ross reel and it does not disappoint. Great to look at and super smooth. I purchased the matte blue and the color is really sharp. Have to say I appreciate the patience and expertise of the team at Trident. They really help you make an educated decision and discuss the pros and cons of products against their experience and the knowledge you can gain form personal research. then they help you pair the reel with your rod, the best line for your fishing application. Trident is a trusted resource for fly fishers"
"I have the 11/12: Great reel. Super strong drag while being light, durable and good looking. Drag knob is easier than it looks and fast to adjust to—people will fuss but it’s their lack of adaptability. I had a minor issue with corrosion on the spool locking nut, but contacted Ross directly and they kindly sent me a new one (no questions, no charge). Fantastic service from them and Trident."
"Looking forward to using the reel on my upcoming trip to Andros at the Andros Island Bonefish Club. Thanks for loading the backing."
"Ross reels do not disappoint and the Trident experts do a great job of patiently assisting you make a good purchase and pairing decision for your rod and line."
"I received the 9/10 model. Came spooled with line and backing within four days using flat rate USPS! Thank you Trident! This reel is a tank and it’s super light allowing you to cast all day without fatigue. I was debating between this reel and the Abel SDS. This reel holds more backing, almost 350 yards, more than the Abel SDS. The balancing and retrieve on this reel is unmatched. The price point is perfect and think of it as a lifetime investment. I highly recommend this reel."
