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Ross proves Large Arbor design works, with their Canyon Big Game Fly Reel
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Date: |
10/1/02 |
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Tackle type: |
Fly Reel |
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Manufacturer: |
Ross |
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Reviewer: |
Buzz |
Total Score: 8.75
Introduction:
When most of us
start fly-fishing we quickly charge to local streams to catch small to medium
sized rainbows, and as our skills progress, we often desire to take bigger fish from bigger
waters. In doing so it is a must to upgrade your equipment to handle these bigger
fish. This review will take a close look at Ross’s New 2002 Canyon Big Game
series Fly-Reel.
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Ross Canyon
(4) Specifications |
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Line Capacity |
WF 8 + 185 yards |
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line Weight |
7-9wt. |
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Spool
Width |
1.1 inches |
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Diameter |
3.75 Inches |
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Weight |
8.2 oz. |
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Materials |
Aerospace grade Aluminum Alloy |
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MSRP (Reel) |
$335.00 |
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MSRP (Extra Spool) |
$134.00 |
Impressions:
When I first looked at
Ross’s Canyon Big Game Fly Reel, I knew it was unlike any reel I’ve seen
before. It’s Champagne Gold finish definitely makes it stand out from the
crowd. In picking up the reel and testing the drag I immediately knew that that
drag system on this reel was state of the art.
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The Ross
Canyon Reel has a deep anodized finish to protect the reel from the
elements, making it extremely corrosion resistant |
Does the Canyon deliver what you require in a good Big Game
Reel?
1)
The
Body: The Material of the Body is very important if you want your reel
to stand the test of time. Ross uses aerospace grade aluminum. This is not
only very strong, but surprisingly light for its size.
2)
Spool Design: The advantages of a large arbor reel are most notably
seen in the rate at which you can retrieve your line. It also minimizes the
variation in drag tension when line is taken deep into your backing. With the
advancements in technology, large arbor reels are often just as light as their
counterparts making them the optimal reel to be using while targeting big game.
Ross is one of these companies that is expanding their line of large arbor
reels, and the Canyon is an example of great implementation of wide arbor
design.
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The Ross
Canyon uses space age materials to outperform traditional cork drag systems
in stopping power and heat tests |
3)
Finish: It will be necessary to have a reel with a solid protective
coating to protect the reel against nicks and scratches. Ross implements a deep
anodized finish to provide a very high level to resisting the elements of the
environment. This finish allows the Canyon to be used in saltwater applications.
4) Drag
System: A drag system is arguably the most important factor in determining
which reel is right for your application. The 2 main types of drag systems are
the cork drag system and the disc drag system. Ross uses a new Titanium Drag
System that actually has 3 back up systems to ensure it will not fail. With
over 6 square inches of effective drag surface, it is stronger and more
consistent than many reels on the market today. This reel can actually dead
lift 13.5 lbs when adjusted to maximum tension. One key advantage of this drag
system is extremely efficient heat dissipation. When big game work your reel and
line quickly this will help keep the reel cool, as well as preserve your drag
system.
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The Canyon
also comes in much more traditional black finish |
5) Spool
Release: Today finding a reel that has the capability of changing spools
easily can be a challenge. Some reels require tools to change set-ups. If you
want to change shooting heads often, this will not work for you. Ross has a
quick release knob that is securely fastened to the frame. This is not only
durable, but also easy to access.
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The drag can
be finely adjusted with the turn of the knob
(the drag is actually cross drilled to reduce heat and corrosion build up!) |
Real World Test: I have used this real to target Striped
Bass and found it to perform exceptionally well. It stood its ground when being
spooled by big stripers in brackish water. On an 8 wt. rod the Ross Canyon 6
balanced perfectly. The drag knob was very easy to adjust while fighting the
fish, a big plus. The drag was excellent and surpassed the stopping power of
most other cork drags we have tested. Perhaps the most interesting thing I
noticed about the Canyon's performance was the increased line capacity, making
it near impossible for even the largest fish to spool you, thanks to the wide
arbor design.
Other
notable features:
- Water shedding grooves on palming ring help draw out water from
the reel and line.
- Surprisingly light-weight for its appearance
- Easy switch from left hand to right hand retrieve
- Saltwater approved
- Lifetime Guarantee
Ratings:
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Ross Canyon
(4) Ratings (?/10) |
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Construction/Quality |
Excellent materials,
completely machined design, this reel looks solid and is amazingly light for
its size. Excellent quality components |
9 |
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Performance |
Ideal for Big Game. This
reel feels at home on most rods and is a perfect match for fighting big game
fish like hard hitting Stripers. You will rarely feel under-reeled |
9 |
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Price |
With an MSRP of 335.00 the
Ross Canyon is reasonable. The best thing is that extra spools are only
134.00, which is a very good deal |
8 |
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Features |
Many advanced features
built into this reel help sweeten the presentation and overall package. Best
of all is the innovative drag which provides mind boggling stopping
power...and is still extremely contamination resistant and reliable |
9.5 |
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Design (Ergonomics) |
Good design makes holding
this reel easy. Quick change design allows you to switch spools in seconds.
Special grooves on the reel not only look good but function well by drawing
water from the heart of the reel |
8.5 |
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Application |
While too cumbersome for
most freshwater fishing, this reel is perfectly designed for saltwater
applications. Corrosion resistance makes the reel suitable for even the
nastiest conditions. |
8.5 |
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Total Score |
8.75 |
Pluses and Minuses:
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Plus
Minus |
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J
Premium Materials |
L
Some anglers need time to adjust to wide arbor
line management |
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J
fantastic Drag system |
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J
Quick Spool changes |
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J
Wide Arbor Design |
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J
Lifetime Guarantee |
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Conclusion:
Ross’s Canyon Big Game Reel is truly ahead of it’s time. While many
competitive reels have a few features of this reel, very few will be able to
check off every feature on the list. At a price of $335, this reel would
be considered reasonable by many fly fishing enthusiasts who are serious about
targeting big stripers, coastal steelhead, and bonefish. Excellent features,
foreword thinking in Arbor design, pure stopping power, and cosmetics that will
make any angler drool, all add up to make the Ross Canyon one fantastic reel you
should definitely consider the next time you are in the market for a big game
fly-reel.
Keep Fishing - Buzz
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