Bauer revolutionized the fly reel world in 1995 with an award-winning design that combined superior large arbor performance with an innovative yet simple “zero-backlash” drag clutch. With a background in race cars and precision technology, Jon Bauer had a different perspective on how a fly reel should work. By applying principles of basic physics, he came to an obvious conclusion: the best design for a direct drive fly reel was one with a large arbor spool that minimized the variance of the moment arm effect. The result was a reel with vastly improved line handling and retrieval, as well as superior drag performance. Over the years, Bauer has continued this tradition of design evolution, precision engineering, and unmatched performance. Today, our reels are considered to be among the finest made and have earned a reputation among serious anglers and guides as the “Swiss watch of fly reels.”

Materials

Bauer reels are designed and handcrafted in the USA and come with a lifetime warranty. All are precision machined to tolerances down to 1/1OOOth of an inch from 100% aerospace bar stock aluminum and stainless steel for maximum strength and corrosion resistance. The spool and drag system rotate on sealed, precision stainless steel ball bearings.

Fully Sealed Carbon Fiber Drag System

Carbon Fiber is the ideal choice for a drag. Unlike cork, its performance is not dependent on lubrication. And unlike polymers, carbon isn’t affected by temperature changes. The Bauer Carbon Fiber system delivers silky smooth and consistent performance in all conditions. No maintenance is required.

Bauer Patented Clutch

Our clutch provides a seamless engagement of the drag and a silent retrieve. Manufactured from non-corrosive materials, it’s far more durable than the roller-clutch bearings commonly used in other reels.

Large Arbor Design Performance Advantage

Through increased width and diameter, our reels feature the optimum spool depth-to-width ratio for enhanced large arbor performance.

Bauer’s top reels include the Bauer RX, the SST, and the RX Classic. The RX is a high-quality, American-made, reel series from Bauer. RX reels come in lighter weights for trout or larger sizes for saltwater fishing applications. The RX is designed to be expertly smooth, lightweight, and insanely capable. Precision engineering makes this reel a highly efficient and beautiful aesthetic. The RX is reliability achieved.

Similarly, the SST is Bauer’s latest reel and sports a striking contemporary design. Bauer reworked the frame of the SST to create a more narrow frame profile for decreased reel weight. Like other Bauer reels, the SST also has a fully sealed carbon fiber drag system. The SST is available in a variety of color schemes and reel models to accommodate every angler.

Finally, the RX Classic broadens Bauer’s reel resume. The RX Classic sports a traditional hardback frame and is designed to be fished on larger rods. The RX Classic balances two-handed rods and heavier saltwater rods well. The reel also has a large diameter spool that assures quick line pickup and the ability to load a variety of fly lines onto the reel.

Whether you’re out to chase Bonefish on the flats or Trout in the US West, the performance of Bauer reels is sure to impress and conquer.