ICAST 2015 Coverage - Redington fly reels

ICAST 2015 Coverage

Two New and Very Different Reels From Redington

Date:	8/4/15
Location:	Orlando, FL
Admission:	Buyers & Press Only
Manufacturer:	Redington
Reviewer:	Wolbugger

Introduction: Fly reel design has come a long way in recent years. Frames and spools have been lightened, drags have become more advanced, and optional finishes are more widespread—just to name a few improvements. With all the varied choices available to today's fly angler, it is difficult to design a product that truly sets itself apart in form and function. At the 2015 IFTD show, Redington succeeded in breaking away from the pack by introducing two intriguing new reels.

BEHEMOTH reels in the 5/6 size carry a whopping 15-pounds of drag torque, while the big 11/12 size boasts a bluewater-ready 30-pounds of pull!

BEHEMOTH: These new reels not only look visually stunning, but they boast incredible amounts of drag torque for beastly stopping power. Interestingly, they are diecast rather than machined, for the simple reason that Redington states their design does not make machining possible.

The spool's V-arbor increases backing capacity.

Construction consists of a generous arbor size with stopping power coming from heavy duty carbon fiber and stainless brake discs. Reel prices are downright surprising, with the 5/6 and 7/8 models carrying an MSRP of just $109.95, and the 9/10 and 11/12 sizes costing a very affordable $129.95. Each reel comes with a nylon reel case and a lifetime warranty.

BEHEMOTH reels will come in your choice of grey or black.

Zero: Everyone wants a lightweight setup, and the new Zero reels will help you in that pursuit. Like the BEHEMOTH reels, these are also diecast and are said to be the lightest reels of their kind available anywhere. The weight savings comes from a minimalist skeletonized design with a very simple spring-loaded clicker drag.

Zero reels look great and are shockingly lightweight!

The simplistic internals of the Zero are revealed....

A large-arbor design and comfortable soft-touch handle allows you to keep up with the pace of a hot rainbow. Zero reels come cozily packaged in a nylon reel case and carry a lifetime warranty at an outstanding price of only $89.95.

Available sizes are a 2/3 and 4/5.

Conclusion: Seldom do fly reels of this price point elicit much excitement, but these two offerings definitely defy the norm. We are really interested in spending some time with both the BEHEMOTH and the Zero to see how they perform in real situations. Thankfully, the wait for these reels is a short one, as they are due out sometime in August. Also of note, the Delta and Drift reels will be discontinued from the Redington lineup.