ICAST 2015 Coverage - Nautilus fly reels

ICAST 2015 Coverage

A New Reel From Nautilus Guaranteed to X-cite!

Date:	8/6/15
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Nautilus
Reviewer:	Wolbugger

Introduction: In the world of fly fishing, all reels are not created equal. While some may look the part, their performance on the water winds up being substandard. The drag system is the heart of any fly reel, and a smooth one is an absolute must when it comes to protecting tippets and bringing more fish to hand. As one of the most respected reel manufacturers around, Miami-based Nautilus reels has gained a solid reputation by making not only beautiful reels, but some of the highest-performing anywhere. Although their lineup is already a solid one, this year at the IFTD show they launched a brand-new family of reels that blends light weight, durability, and performance at a modest price point.

The front of the brushed titanium model.......

….and the rear frame of the black model.

Nautilus X-Frame: As of this writing a true name for these reels has yet to be determined, so for now Nautilus is calling this new series the “X-Frame.” What is known about this lineup is what models will be offered and what features they will possess. Available for 3/4, 4/5, 6/7, and 8/9 lines, these reels are fully machined and feature an X-shaped frame for both strength and added spool protection when setting the reel down.

Revealing the sealed drag system of the “X-frame” reel...

The completely new drag is comprised of fully-sealed Teflon and carbon fiber discs and is adjusted via a large rear drag knob. Other notable features include a Giga arbor and TPX bushing in the spool. Prices start a $275 for the 3/4 and 4/5 sizes, while the 6/7 will run $345 and the 8/9 will set you back $395.

The spool features a somewhat narrow width for faster line retrieval.

Kristen Mustad was keeping busy as there was a lot of interest in these reels!

Conclusion: These reels look absolutely sweet in person and their sealed drags coupled with the light weight is icing on the cake. Apparently, those in attendance at the IFTD show thought the same as well, as the X-frame reels took home honors for “Best Freshwater Fly Reel” and “Best Saltwater Fly Reel.” They will come standard in either a black or brushed titanium finish, but the custom shop at Nautilus will gladly customize one with any number of design options. Look for these reels to replace the current FWX series and will be released in January.....it'll be tough to wait that long!