Tibor Signature 11/12S Fly Reel

The Tibor Signature 11/12S Fly Reel is the largest reel in the Signature series and the only 11 and 12 weight size Tibor still builds. Under Species, Tibor lists it against dorado, tarpon, sailfish, marlin, roosterfish, salmon, shark and tuna, which is an honest description of the work: fish that empty most of the backing before anyone gets the boat turned, and that need a drag holding steady pressure for the whole of it. At 13.1 ounces on a 5 inch frame it is a two hand reel by the end of a long fight, and it comes standard with the oversized Gorilla Handle the smaller Signatures only take as an option.

Design

The frame measures 5 inches in diameter by 1.94 inches wide. Tibor does not publish a definition of the S in the model name, but the dimensions make the change plain: the 11/12S replaced the older Signature 11-12, which measured 5 inches by 2.14 inches and weighed 13.6 ounces, so the S is the same 5 inch frame carrying a narrower spool at half an ounce less. Tibor now directs buyers of the discontinued 11-12 to this model, and dealers list it as the Slim. Spool and frame are completely ventilated, which sheds heat on a long run and gives the reel its loud incoming and outgoing clicker. The QuickChange spool system uses a single moving part to release and seat a spool. A mechanical clutch converts the reel between right and left hand retrieve by reversing the clutch dogs, with no drag rebuild involved. Every reel is serialized under the nameplate on top of the frame beside the reel stand.

Finish

Anodized aluminum, which is what makes the reel survivable in salt and also why Tibor will not refinish one: the process removes material, so a reel that has been polished back comes out thinner. Tibor publishes eight Signature finishes, split between the Frost finishes and the polished finishes: Frost Silver, Frost Black, Satin Gold, Jet Black, Royal Blue, Crimson, Aqua and Graphite Gray. Hub color is specified separately from frame color at no extra charge, so the reel can be ordered as a single color or a two tone. Our listing also carries Sunset Orange and Lemon Lime frames.

Materials

Frame and spool are machined from solid bar stock aluminum rather than cast, which is what lets a 5 inch frame take 11 and 12 weight drag loads without flexing and holds the tolerances the QuickChange spool and the clutch conversion depend on. The Gorilla Handle is standard on this size, giving more to grip and more leverage than the standard Delrin knob when a fish is running against a drag set hard. A SpeedHandle spool is offered as an option. The reel is machined and assembled in Delray Beach, Florida, ships in an extra thick neoprene case, and the personalized nameplate is engraved free.

Drag

Type: Tibor describes the Signature drag as a sealed system, waterproof and self maintaining. It applies seal pressure constantly, including in free spool, so the spool will not overrun while line is being stripped onto the deck. Unusually for a sealed drag, Tibor states the system can be disassembled for maintenance and still remain under warranty.

Materials: The drag stack is micro grain cork, kept constantly lubricated. Cork is the reason a Tibor starts moving without a lurch: low startup inertia and a smooth, progressive build of pressure, which matters more on a 12 weight than raw maximum drag does, because the first thing a big fish does to a reel is break it loose from a standstill. Tibor specifies Tibor Graphite Lube for the cork and warns against neatsfoot oil.

Arbor Size

Tibor assigns the Signature no arbor class and publishes the frame instead. On the 11/12S that is 5 inches by 1.94 inches, and behind an 11 or 12 weight line it holds 250 yards of 30 pound Micron, or 300 yards of 80 pound Power Pro Super 8 Slick. The braid rating is the one worth reading twice: 80 pound Power Pro is thin enough to gain 50 yards over Micron while raising the breaking strain, which is the difference between turning a tarpon and watching the arbor. A 5 inch diameter is doing the same job a large arbor does on a trout reel, holding the working diameter high so retrieve rate stays useful once a fish has taken most of the backing.

Warranty

Tibor covers the reel with a limited lifetime warranty on repair or replacement of any part defective in material or workmanship. It is valid for the original owner only, is not transferable, and applies only to reels bought through an authorized Tibor dealer. It does not cover accident, misuse, neglect, improper maintenance or normal wear. Separately, Tibor runs a factory service program, and as of August 2026 that is $85 per reel domestically plus $25 for each additional reel, or $150 internationally plus $45 for each additional reel, covering disassembly, inspection, cleaning, relubrication, reassembly, testing and insured return shipping. Standard turnaround is 10 to 15 working days, and a $65 expedited fee returns the reel in 2 to 6 days.

More Info

• Best for: Saltwater, 11 and 12 weight rods
• Species: Dorado, tarpon, sailfish, marlin, roosterfish, salmon, shark, tuna
• Weight: 13.1 oz
• Frame Size: 5 in. x 1.94 in.
• Capacity: 250 yds. of 30 lb. Micron, or 300 yds. of 80 lb. Power Pro Super 8 Slick
• Drag: Sealed micro grain cork, constantly lubricated, self maintaining
• Retrieve: Convertible left or right hand via the mechanical clutch
• Handle: Gorilla Handle standard, SpeedHandle spool optional
• Includes: Extra thick neoprene case and free personalized nameplate engraving
• Origin: Machined and assembled in the U.S.A.