Shilton SR Fly Reel

The Shilton SR Fly Reel is built for the fish that test tackle: tarpon, tuna and the rest of the heavyweight class. Shilton machines it from 6082 T6 aluminum in three sizes, SR9, SR10 and SR12, covering line weights 9 through 12. At its center is an adjustable cork disc drag with an enlarged diameter, which raises stopping power and lowers startup inertia. The reel is at home in fresh water and salt water alike. Performance leads, but the SR is also a handsome reel, with seven anodized colorways to match the rest of your setup.

Design

Every size of the SR carries a large arbor, because Shilton did not build this reel for small-stream trout. The large arbor increases line capacity and speeds up line pickup. When a hot fish turns and runs straight at the boat, that fast pickup keeps the slack off the water.

Finish

Shilton protects the SR with a Type II anodized finish. Anodization hardens the surface of the aluminum without adding weight, so the reel shrugs off salt spray and parking-lot knocks. The finish comes in Black, Titanium, Blue, Burnt Gold, Purple, Red and Turquoise. Turquoise is offered in the SR9 and SR10 only.

Materials

Shilton machines the frame and spool from 6082 T6 aluminum. The alloy is light in hand and resists corrosion, so the reel can fish the salt day after day without failure.

Drag

Type - The SR runs an adjustable cork disc drag. Shilton increased the disc diameter on this series, and the larger disc adds stopping power while it reduces startup inertia. The first surge of a big fish comes off the spool smoothly instead of breaking the tippet. The drag is audible on both the outgoing and the incoming line, and the sound is part of the reel's appeal.

Materials - Shilton builds the drag around custom-processed cork. The cork gives a smooth, consistent pull and needs almost no maintenance.

Arbor Size

Large arbor in every size. The wide core packs the backing a bluewater fish demands, and each turn of the handle recovers more line. That combination lets you chase fish that pull drag all day and still stay tight when the fight comes back at you.

Warranty

As of March 2023, Shilton covers the SR with a lifetime warranty to the original owner. The warranty covers repair or replacement of the reel or its parts for defects in materials or workmanship. Shilton decides how it will handle each claim. If a repair falls outside the warranty, Shilton quotes a price before it starts the work.

More Info

• Best for: All water, heavyweight fresh and saltwater species
• Sizes: SR9, SR10 and SR12, for line weights 9 through 12
• Drag: Adjustable custom-processed cork disc
• Arbor Size: Large arbor
• Materials: 6082 T6 aluminum with Type II anodization
• Colors: Black, Titanium, Blue, Burnt Gold, Purple, Red and Turquoise (Turquoise in SR9 and SR10 only)