Shilton SL Fly Reel

With a sleek look, exquisite drag, and reliability that’s been proven by battling some of the toughest fish in the least forgiving environments, Shilton’s SL Fly Reel is one that you just can’t go wrong with. Built from high-grade aluminum, the SL Reel offers long-lasting durability that can handle anything from long days on a sandy flat to bumpy boat rides and those fights that last into the hour mark. The SL Fly Reel is built with a fully adjustable custom cork disc drag–not only can this drag system stop those tough fish, but it makes for easy maintenance while allowing sand and saltwater to escape…not to mention, its incoming and outgoing sounds are about as aurally pleasing as it gets. Shilton makes their SL Fly Reel in a wide range of color options so that you can fine-tune the look of your setup to perfection, and whether you’re looking for a reel to put on your 5 weight to chase trout or your 14 weight to target pelagic species like tuna and sailfish, the SL Reel has a choice for it all. 

Design

Large Arbor Design - Shilton makes their SL Reel in a wide range of sizes, and each of these options provides a Large Arbor Design that’s equipped to handle freshwater species just as well as fast saltwater predators. With this build, Shilton increases your backing capacity–the SL8 packs a whopping 600 yards of 30lb backing–while also increasing your drag’s capability and your line pickup. 

Finish
Hard Anodized - The SL Fly Reel is built with a hard anodized finish. This high-quality finish prevents corrosion on those long days spent in the saltwater, while also increasing durability for those random drops on the ground or boat deck. While the hard anodization provides solid protection, Shilton also makes this reel in a number of classy colors, so whether you’re looking for a turquoise color to match your favorite bluewater outfit or want something a little more subdued, the SL Reel has you covered.  

Materials
High-grade machined aluminum - Shilton crafts the SL series of reels out of super high-quality aluminum. This construction choice keeps the reel nice and lightweight while preventing any rust and corrosion from building up.

Drag
Custom Processed Cork Disc Drag - Starting with a custom and state-of-the-art cork disc drag, the SL offers a silky smooth drag and stopping power that’s ready for anything from a strong carp to a pelagic tuna. While this cork disc drag isn’t sealed, it requires very minimal maintenance and also allows what goes in–think sand and salt buildup–to come back out. The SL also has an ergonomic and grippy drag knob that lets you fine-tune your drag setting exactly how you like it. A quality drag system with the stopping power that you need, you can rely on the SL no matter what species you’re after.

Materials - Shilton builds the drag on their SL family of reels out of a custom-processed cork. This high-quality cork offers a super smooth drag system and almost zero maintenance. 

Arbor Size
Large Arbor - Shilton makes the SL in a range of size options and each of them offers a large arbor design. This construction makes for ease of line pickup and an increased drag capacity. Regardless of whether you’re fishing the SL4 on a freshwater setup for smallmouth bass or the SL8 for amberjacks and cobia, the large arbor design of this reel is sure to make your life easier. 

Warranty
Shilton Warranty - As of March 2023, Shilton provides a lifetime warranty to the original owner that covers the replacement or repair of parts or the reel due to defects in workmanship or materials. Shilton reserves the right to determine how each warranty will be handled, and should you encounter a repair that isn’t covered by Shilton’s warranty, they’ll quote you a price for the repair before proceeding. 

More Info

Best for: All Water 

Arbor Size: Large arbor