Redington Reels

In the world of fly fishing, few decisions are as personal or as important as selecting the right reel. Redington has built a reputation as a manufacturer that bridges the gap between quality craftsmanship and accessibility, making premium fly fishing technology available to anglers at every level. This guide will walk you through Redington’s impressive lineup of reels, helping you understand the differences between models and ultimately choose the perfect companion for your fly fishing adventures.

Understanding Fly Reel Basics

Before diving into the specific Redington models, it’s helpful to understand what makes a quality fly reel and the key components that differentiate one model from another:

Drag Systems

The drag system is essentially the reel’s braking mechanism, which provides resistance when a fish pulls line from the reel. Redington utilizes several types of drag systems across their lineup:

  • Carbon Fiber Drag: Offers smooth, consistent resistance with minimal maintenance
  • Sealed Drag: Protected from water, sand, and debris for increased durability
  • Adjustable Drag: Allows precision control over the amount of resistance

Construction Materials

Redington reels are typically constructed from:

  • Die-cast Aluminum: Durable and economical, found in entry-level models
  • Machined Aluminum: CNC machined from a solid block of aluminum, offering enhanced durability and precision in higher-end models
  • Carbon Fiber Components: Lightweight yet strong, used in select models

Arbor Size

The arbor refers to the diameter of the center spool. Redington reels feature:

  • Standard Arbor: Traditional design with smaller diameter
  • Mid Arbor: Balance of line capacity and retrieval speed
  • Large Arbor: Faster line retrieval and reduced line memory

Weight and Balance

A reel’s weight affects rod balance and angler fatigue during long days on the water. Redington designs reels to complement their rod series, ensuring proper balance and feel.

Redington Reel Categories: From Entry-Level to Specialized Performance

Redington organizes their reels into distinct categories that serve different angler needs and fishing scenarios. Let’s explore each category to understand their strengths and ideal applications.

Value-Oriented Reels: Quality Without Breaking the Bank

BEHEMOTH Series

Redington BEHEMOTH Series

The BEHEMOTH has become one of Redington’s signature reels, offering exceptional performance at a price point that’s hard to beat.

Key Features:

  • Die-cast construction with interlocking, heavy-duty spool
  • Carbon fiber drag system providing up to 30 pounds of stopping power
  • Deep V-spool for increased backing capacity
  • Quick-release spool design for easy maintenance

Best For:

  • Anglers seeking high-performance on a budget
  • Those targeting larger species requiring substantial drag pressure
  • Versatile applications from freshwater to light saltwater

Available Sizes:

  • 5/6 weight (freshwater trout and bass)
  • 7/8 weight (steelhead, carp, light saltwater)
  • 9/10 weight (salmon, bonefish, permit)
  • 11/12 weight (tarpon, offshore species)

ZERO Series

Redington Zero Series

The ZERO reel focuses on lightweight performance for small stream and lightweight rod applications.

Key Features:

  • Die-cast construction with minimalist design
  • Stealthy matte finish options
  • Spring-loaded clicker drag system
  • Extremely lightweight design (2/3 weight model is just 3.0 oz)

Best For:

  • Small stream enthusiasts
  • Ultralight setups
  • Anglers prioritizing weight savings over heavy drag requirements

Available Sizes:

  • 2/3 weight (small streams and dry fly fishing)
  • 4/5 weight (all-purpose trout fishing)

Mid-Range Reels: Enhanced Performance and Durability

Redington GRANDE Series Reels

GRANDE Series

The GRANDE builds on the BEHEMOTH’s platform with refined engineering and enhanced durability for serious anglers.

Key Features:

  • Fully machined construction for improved durability
  • Twin-molded, soft-touch ergonomic handle
  • Oversized drag knob for easy adjustment with wet or gloved hands
  • Carbon fiber drag system with ample stopping power

Best For:

  • Hardcore anglers needing durability in challenging conditions
  • Saltwater applications where corrosion resistance is crucial
  • Situations requiring reliable drag performance under heavy loads

Available Sizes:

  • 5/6 weight (versatile freshwater applications)
  • 7/8 weight (steelhead, light saltwater, smaller salmon)
  • 9/10 weight (bonefish, permit, salmon)
  • 11/12 weight (tarpon, offshore species)

RISE Series

The RISE reel offers machined construction at a surprisingly accessible price point, representing excellent value for serious anglers.

Key Features:

  • Fully machined aluminum construction
  • Rugged die-cast drag knob with oversized grip
  • Carbon fiber drag system
  • Convertible retrieval system (left or right-hand)

Best For:

  • Anglers stepping up from entry-level reels
  • Those seeking machined construction without premium pricing
  • All-around freshwater applications

Available Sizes:

  • 3/4 weight (small stream and light trout fishing)
  • 5/6 weight (all-purpose trout fishing)
  • 7/8 weight (steelhead, bass, light saltwater)
  • 9/10 weight (salmon, saltwater flats)

Premium Reels: Technology and Refinement

i.D Series

The i.D (Intuitive Design) represents Redington’s commitment to innovation with a fully-sealed drag system and premium materials.

Key Features:

  • Fully machined aluminum construction
  • Completely sealed carbon drag system
  • “Friction Free” spool design for minimal startup inertia
  • Unique skeletal design for weight reduction

Best For:

  • Technical anglers who appreciate engineering refinements
  • Environments where debris and water intrusion are concerns
  • Those seeking premium features with Redington value

Available Sizes:

  • 3/4 weight (technical dry fly fishing)
  • 5/6 weight (versatile trout applications)
  • 7/8 weight (steelhead, light saltwater)
  • 9/10 weight (heavy saltwater applications)

RUN Series

The RUN series focuses on large arbor design and lightweight construction for specialized performance.

Key Features:

  • Ultra-large arbor design for rapid line retrieval
  • Type II anodized finish for corrosion resistance
  • Fully machined construction
  • Precision-balanced spool assembly

Best For:

  • Situations requiring quick line retrieval
  • Anglers prioritizing lightweight performance
  • Both freshwater and saltwater applications

Available Sizes:

  • 3/4 weight (small stream and light applications)
  • 5/6 weight (all-purpose trout fishing)
  • 7/8 weight (steelhead, bass, bonefish)
  • 9/10 weight (permit, salmon, redfish)

Selecting the Perfect Redington Reel: Matching Tools to Fishing Scenarios

Choosing the right Redington reel involves matching the tool to your specific needs and fishing scenarios. Here’s how to approach the selection process:

Consider Your Target Species

Different fish require different drag capabilities and line capacities:

  • Small to Medium Trout (under 20 inches): ZERO or RISE in 3/4 or 5/6 weights offer lightweight options with sufficient drag.
  • Large Trout and Steelhead: BEHEMOTH or GRANDE in 5/6 or 7/8 weights provide enhanced drag capability for harder fighting fish.
  • Salmon and Saltwater Species: GRANDE or i.D in 9/10 or 11/12 weights deliver the stopping power needed for larger species.

Evaluate Your Fishing Environment

The waters you fish influence which reel features become most important:

  • Small Streams: ZERO series offers lightweight performance ideal for light rods and delicate presentations.
  • Lakes and Larger Rivers: RISE or BEHEMOTH in mid-range weights balance capacity and control.
  • Saltwater Flats: GRANDE or i.D with sealed drag systems resist corrosion and handle the harsh elements.
  • Offshore Saltwater: Larger BEHEMOTH or GRANDE models provide the capacity and power needed for fighting fish in deeper water.

Match to Your Rod

Your reel should complement your rod in both weight and balance:

  • For Redington rods, the manufacturer often suggests paired reels designed to balance perfectly.
  • Generally, match the weight rating of your reel to your rod (a 5-weight rod pairs with a 5/6 weight reel).
  • Lighter rods (2-4 weight) benefit from the reduced weight of the ZERO or smaller i.D models.
  • Heavier rods (7+ weight) need the structural integrity and drag capability of the BEHEMOTH or GRANDE.

Budget Considerations

Redington offers quality options at various price points:

  • Entry-Level Budget ($100-150): ZERO and BEHEMOTH deliver remarkable performance without breaking the bank.
  • Mid-Range Budget ($150-250): RISE and GRANDE offer enhanced durability and refined features.
  • Premium Budget ($250+): i.D and specialized RUN models provide advanced technologies and materials.

Maintenance and Care: Protecting Your Investment

Proper maintenance extends the life of your Redington reel and ensures optimal performance:

Regular Cleaning

  • After each use, especially in saltwater, rinse your reel with fresh water.
  • Allow to air dry completely before storage.
  • For saltwater anglers, consider a more thorough freshwater rinse with the spool removed.

Lubrication

  • Follow Redington’s specific recommendations for your model.
  • Typically, apply a small amount of manufacturer-recommended lubricant to moving parts annually.
  • Avoid over-lubrication, which can attract dirt and debris.

Storage

  • Store in a reel case or pouch when not in use.
  • Loosen the drag when storing for extended periods to reduce spring tension.
  • Keep in a climate-controlled environment to prevent corrosion.

Conclusion: Redington Reels Deliver Performance Across the Spectrum

Redington continues to earn its reputation for creating reels that perform beyond their price points. From the budget-friendly BEHEMOTH that punches well above its weight class to the refined engineering of the i.D series, there’s a Redington reel designed to enhance your specific angling experience.

What sets Redington apart is their commitment to making quality accessible. By offering features typically found in much more expensive reels—like carbon fiber drag systems, sealed components, and precision machining—at competitive price points, Redington has democratized quality fly fishing equipment.

Whether you’re wading small mountain streams in search of native brook trout or pushing offshore for powerful saltwater species, Redington offers a reel designed to meet your needs with the reliability and performance serious anglers demand. By understanding the strengths of each model and matching them to your fishing scenarios, you’ll find a Redington reel that serves as the perfect partner in your fly fishing journey.

Remember that the best reel is the one that fades into the background during your fishing experience—reliably performing its job without requiring thought or attention, allowing you to focus on the moment, the cast, and the connection between angler and environment that makes fly fishing so special.