Gear Guide: Fly Reels Over $500

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Tackle Box

By Perry Mack

Abel Super Series Reel

For 2018, the Super Series reel is re-invented into a new line of lighter weight sizes that feature a quick-change spool system. Available since 1999, there are things that haven’t changed. The reel continues to have a super-smooth, infinitely adjustable cork drag system married to a strong aluminum frame & a large arbor spool for increased line retrieval speed. The reel frame, spool, drag knob and foot are made of 6061-T651 cold finished aerospace grade aluminum but the proven drag system is what makes the Super Series equally at home on the trout stream, or open ocean. Set it light enough to protect the finest tippet, or crank it down to slow down the toughest Bluefin.

Available in seven large arbor sizes from 4 to 12W, weighing 5.92 – 10.06 oz, with (diameter x width) from 3.3” x 0.8 ” to 4.7” x 1.25”, holding 4 -105/20 to 12 - 415/20

MSRP: $600-$1000 USD - Abelreels.com

Hatch Gen 2 Finatic 5 Plus Large Arbor

The new Generation 2 Finatic fly reel is an update from the original Finatic. Several performance and aesthetic improvements include a new nine window frame design, non-reflective mist finish, non stick cranks, concave frame design for additional weight relief, and Teflon lip seals for more protection against the elements. They’re also keeping Mother Nature at bay (and you reeling for years) with an Ultraflon sleeve that covers the aluminum shaft and separates it from the aluminum crank handle. Great features that have been continued include a super-strong machined reel seat, hook guard, and a Multi-disc drag which uses a cassette made of Rulon and precision stamped stainless steel.

Three models in several colours are available weighing 6.5 oz, in 5-7 line weight, diameter of 3.625”, width of 0.9375” with large and mid arbor spools.

MSRP: $600 - Hatchoutdoors.com

Nautilus Reels GTX Salt Water Reel

Winner of this year's 2017 iCAST/IFTD Best Saltwater Reel award, the new GTX from Nautilus is lightweight, and machined with their Giga spool design for strength, maximum line pickup, and fast line drying to prevent corrosion when stored.

The brake is a brand new design and features a new pressure spring that is sandwiched between two aluminum discs that rotate in unison, which applies even pressure to the drag surfaces.

The new dual drag surface features an oversized carbon fibre disc on one side and a cork/Kevlar®/carbon fibre hybrid on the other. The cork acts as a compression material to ensure a smooth drag transition while the carbon fibre delivers the smoothness for which Nautilus is known. The new Kevlar® mid layer provides additional rigidity to the drag surface, spreads the pressure more evenly, insulates any heat generated by friction, and dampens vibrations for a very smooth drag. The GTX “is built to put the brakes on the fastest and strongest fish on the planet”.

One model available weighing 8.7 oz, with a max drag of 25 lb, having a 5” diameter reel that is 1.1” wide, and holds 500/60 braid. Available in Black or Silver.

MSRP: $1300 - Nautilusreels.com

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