We took these products on our adventures and reel-y put them to the test, so you don’t have to!
REELS
GREYS Tail Fly Reel 5-6
Tech Specs
At $129.99 the Greys Tail is considered a budget reel, and a very capable one at that. As expected from a reel under $200, the Tail features a high quality di-cast aluminum build and machined finish. Complete with a legit sealed carbon disk drag system, modern large arbor, and closed frame design, the Tail will stand the test on any freshwater adventure embark on. Pair it with any 3-8 wt rod and you’re good to go. Fair warning: be careful on your adventures as the di-cast aluminum reels won’t take a beating like the fully machined reels that are commonplace in this crowded reel market.
RRP: $129.95
Value: Fair
Overall: 6.5/10
Performance: 6/10
Build: 5/10
Eye Test: 7/10
HARDY Sovereign Fly Reel 5-6
Tech Specs
The old meets the new on this latest release from Hardy. Pair the timeless ascetics and classic click with an adjustable and reliable drag and you have the Hardy Sovereign. The elegance and craftsmanship are second to none on this supped-up take on the classic Hardy click ‘n pawl. Boasting more than enough power to put the brakes on standard freshwater species, the Sovereign is as much art as it is function. As with any click drag system, the Sovereign comes standard with signature and highly audible clicking. You likely know if this is for you as will any angler nearby. Nonetheless, the Sovereign is a ‘treat yourself’ piece that will take any rod combo to the next level.
RRP: $595.00
Value: Great
Overall: 8.5/10
Performance: 7/10
Build: 9/10
Eye Test: 9/10
ORVIS Hydros II Fly Reel
Tech Specs
Daily Driver, Bomb-Proof, Bang for the Buck. The Orvis Hydros has stood atop the value podium since its earliest days and will likely remain there until a worthy opponent emerges. Coming in under $300 seems ludicrous for what you get in the Orvis Hydros. The Hyrdos is fully machined, equipped with a strong sealed drag system, and is all wrapped up in clean large arbor design. Doesn’t matter what size or application, you can go with confidence knowing this reel will get the job done.
RRP: $279.00
Value: BEST
Overall: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Build: 9/10
Eye Test: 9/10
SAGE Enforcer
Tech Specs
Nothing fancy, just function. From our experience, the enforcer is a reel you can marry and settle down with. It delivers dial performance day in and day out. It may not have the reputation of a Mako or Nautilus, but it can certainly hold its own in any fight. It’s reasonably priced and aesthetically pleasing. Featuring a large drag knob with 20 marked stops of drag pressure, you can easily dial in your drag and have full control of the fight. When you are fighting that next trophy fish is not the time to be second guessing your reel selection.
RRP: $575.00
Value: Great
Overall: 8.5/10
Performance: 9/10
Build: 9/10
Eye Test: 7.5/10
HARDY FLY FISHING Fortuna Regent
Tech Specs
Sleek, powerful and rapid line retrieval. Featuring the highest level of sealing ever put on a Hardy reel makes this reel a great addition to any arsenal.
RRP: $750.00
Value: Good
Overall: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Build: 9/10
Eye Test: 9/10
RODS
TEMPLE FORK OUTFITTERS Blitz Fly Rod 10wt
Tech Specs
Best rods for the price and earning that reputation with every release. The Blitz is no different. TFO knew exactly what they were doing on this one and created a beast of a rod. Designed by Blaine Chocklett, this rod can do it all, and for less…much less. At $429.99 the Blitz has the punch to deliver flies of all sizes with accuracy. Need to swamp that floating line for an intermediate or sinking line? No problem. From the Northeast Coast to the Keys, the Caribbean and Open Ocean, the Blitz has a spot on any boat anywhere. It’s important to point out, some species require more finesse than power. When possible, consult your local fly shop about your specific needs.
RRP: $429.95
Value: Great
Overall: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Build: 9/10
Eye Test: 8/10
HARDY FISHING Marksman Z 908-4
Tech Specs
A focus on a light weight, accurate rod for high pressure saltwater environments; the Marksman Z will have you feeling confident even in the biggest knee-shaking school of fish. New features, reel seat, guides and new materials.
RRP: $995.00
Value: Good
Overall: 9/10
Performance: 9/10
Build: 9/10
Eye Test: 9/10
HARDY FISHING Marksman 905-4
Tech Specs
The Marksman is a delicate blend of the old man’s dry fly stick and your daily driver trout rod. It has the finesse to lay down size 18 dries with long leaders, all while retaining the power to chuck a small streamer pattern. The Marksman ranks among the best all-around trout rods on the market. One thing worth noting is the single foot guides running the length of the rod. If you have a habit of stripping your leader past the tip, be very mindful as these single foot guides don’t let go of leader loops without a fight. All in all, outstanding work on this rod.
RRP: $950.00
Value: Good
Overall: 8/10
Performance: 8.5/10
Build: 7/10
Eye Test: 9/10
SAGE R8 Salt 1090-4
Tech Specs
Sage set out to change the game with the R8 and continue their quest of perfecting performance. It’s safe to say they’ve done something special here. The R8 Salt makes no compromises in feel or accuracy when making longer casts. Have no fear when that wind kicks up a notch as it still comes standard with that punch that Sage is known for. We won’t know how much this rod ‘changes the game’ for some time but it’s undoubtedly one worth adding to the quiver.
RRP: $1,100.00
Value: Great
Overall: 8.5/10
Performance: 9/10
Build: 8/10
Eye Test: 8/10
REDINGTON RODS Wrangler 790-4
Tech Specs
The Wrangler family of rods was designed to tackle a variety of applications. This 7wt did just that from smallmouth, Carp to Great Lakes steelhead this rod performed well. You cannot beat the price point and it always feels good to have a super responsive rod you do not have to baby.
RRP: $159.95
Value: Great
Overall: 7.5/10
Performance: 7.15/10
Build: 8/10
Eye Test: 7.5/10
FURLED LEADERS
FEATHER CRAFT Furled Leaders
Tech Specs
So surprising they are worth talking about. With so much new stuff in the market these days you might wonder “how can fluorocarbon or nylon really be that much different?”. Well in regard to Feather Craft Furled Leaders, the answer is VERY different. Furrelled leaders aren’t new by any means, just largely under-appreciated. Resembling braided monofilament tapered to a tippet ring, the feature craft furled leader lasted approximately 5x longer than your standard tapered leader (yes this was tested all summer and fall across fresh and saltwater environments). Tie on your favorite tippet and you are good to go. They come in a range of sizes pairing with rods 3 wt all the way up to heavy saltwater rods. They do sink a touch more than a standard tapered leader but this is negligible in most instances other than dry fly fishing, and can even be an advantage when throwing streamers or in the salt.
RRP: $13.95
FLY TYING
DR SLICK Carbon Fiber Tying Tools
Tech Specs
Light is hand, easy on the eyes, and most of all outrageously functional. There are no groundbreaking new tools in fly tying but how they are made and what they are made of can make a huge difference. Imagine that all night, boxing filling, tying missions. Shedding just an ounce here or an ounce there can go a long way. Thoughtfully made by one of the best in the business.
RRP: Sold Individually
Value: BEST
YAKODA Compact Tool Roll
Tech Specs
Built for the minimalist, this tying tool set is as good as your tying bench as they are on your next destination trip. Coming in a compact, roll-up sleeve, the Yakoda tool set is perfect for tyers of all levels. They are great looking and as functional as you could ever need. The package deal and getting everything that you need all in one purchase is a huge value add and an easy gift or upgrade option. If you have the desire to tie flies on the road or on a trip, you must check these out.
RRP: $101.00
Value: Great
Overall: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Build: 7/10
Eye Test: 7/10
NIPPERS
DR SLICK Cyclone Nippers
Tech Specs
Frankly the fly fishing industry has gone too far with nippers. Some of the premium nippers topping out over $400. We can officially silence all the hype beasts because the $39 Cyclone Nippers won best accessory at AFFTA and for good reason. The fully anodized cyclone nippers are available in two styles with both straight and angled blade options. Each pair comes with a pair of replacement blades and a cable retaining ring. Cutting up to 100lb fluorocarbon and even predator wire. Far and away the best nippers in this price point and maybe even the entire nipper market.
RRP: $25.00
Value: BEST
Overall: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Build: 10/10
Eye Test: 9/10
YAKODA Nippers
Tech Specs
Sturdy and Stylish. Yakoda come to play with these nippers. Boasting some of the most unique color options in the nipper game, the Yakoda nippers combine flash and function at a price point that doesn’t make you want to vomit. These can take a beating and will keep getting the job done day in and day out. Weather it’s your first season or your 50th, you’re sure to have these for many seasons to come.
RRP: $79.00
Value: Good
Overall: 7/10
Performance: 6.5/10
Build: 8/10
Eye Test: 9/10
APPAREL
PONCHO Original Shirt
Tech Specs
So let’s be honest. It’s a shirt. With that said, it’s a freakin’ nice shirt. Even one that you can wear out without people asking why you wear fishing shirts everywhere. The Poncho Original and Western shirts are sneakily functional fishing shirts that come in a variety of sizes so stand a pretty good chance of finding one that fits well and actually want to wear.
RRP: $89.00
Value: Great
Overall: 8.5/10
Performance: 8/10
Build: 8/10
Eye Test: 9/10
Share this post
