If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what best 5 weight fly reel is, then we recommend the Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reel as the best one.
If you are into trout fishing, then having the best 5 weight fly reel could be as important. It not only gives you the capability to throw varied sizes of nymphs, dry flies, and streamers but also the strength to fish larger trout.
However, with the many 5 weight fly reels in the marketplace, finding the best fly reel for your fishing needs can be a bit tricky. If you are looking to acquire the right 5 weight fly reel, we could help.
In the article, we reviewed different 5 weight fly reels to help you narrow down to the one that suits your fishing needs. Moreover, we talked about the various features to help you make an informed purchase.
In this article we are going to review the following best 5 weight fly reel:
- Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reel
- Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel
- Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
- Orvis Battenkill Disc Drag Fly Fishing Reel
- Redington ZERO Fly Reel
What is the best way to use a 5 weight fly reel?
If your major fishing tours are targeting trout and you want a one-reel for all your fishing, then a 5 weight fly reel could be your best pick. With your 5 weight fly reel, you will have the ability to drift nymphs and strip in streamers through runs in streams and rivers as well as drop dry flies and wait for fish.
Moreover, a good 5 weight will provide you with enough strength to angle different trout sizes – even the larger ones without a hassle.
Things to Look for When Choosing a 5 Weight Fly Reel
When buying 5 weight fly reels for your fishing tours, there are some things you need to keep in mind so that you can walk home with the best product. Without a doubt, you will want a fly reel that is strong and sturdy enough to keep a top-notch performance in different conditions.
Getting a reel with a large arbor for quick and efficient reeling in large trout can be fulfilling. More importantly, a strong yet smooth dray system will enable you to wear your catch out faster for successful netting. Let’s see some of the factors you must check out before committing your money!
Drag System
A Fly reel will feature either one of the drag systems; click and pawl or disc drag. Between the two systems, the click and pawl is not as strong as compared to the disc drag. Moreover, it is much cheaper.
The disc drag is perhaps the best in the fly reel industry. Ideally, if you are into fishing larger fish, buying a fly reel with a disc drag can be the best decision you can make.
Sound
Be sure to factor in the sound of the line zipping off the drag when buying your ideal 5 weight fly reel. Most anglers find the sound produced by the line satisfying and unparalleled. A click and pawl drag systems generate this sound, although it makes no difference in how you catch your fish. Regardless, the sound can be exceptionally soothing.
Material
The material from which the fly reel is built determines the strength, durability, and overall performance. Most reels constructions are from milled or machined aluminum, which is arguably the best material you can find in a fly reel.
Fly reels made from these materials are stronger and long lasting even under the most dedicated fishing tours season after season.
Although cast aluminum, cast steel, plastic, and composite are the other materials that deliver better performance in reels, they can’t beat machined aluminum in durability. As a result, these materials are comparatively cheaper!
Weight
How long will you be on your fishing trips? The length of your fishing days will determine the kind of weight you will want in a fly reel. If you are going for longer, then you need a lightweight fly reel. Frequent casting a rod with a heavy reel can quickly lead to casting fatigues. Certainly, this is not what you want when you are mid-way your fishing expedition.
However, give more attention to how well the reel balances on your rod! You can be well off with a little heavier fly reel, but well-balanced.
Arbor Size
The size of the arbor determines how fast you will retrieve the line. Obviously, the larger the arbor, the fast you will draw your line. If you intend to catch more fish, then buying a larger size is important.
But if you are going to play with the fish just for fun, then the size of the arbor shouldn’t bother you. Regardless, having a larger arbor is recommendable even though it is not necessary.
Price
When it comes to price, you will get what you pay for. If you need a simple reel model to hold the line, retrieve the fish, have a relatively good drag, and doesn’t break on you, you might have to spend about $100. A 5 weight reel with these kinds of features will cost you less than $100, which is better.
However, the best thing to do is budget for your reel and stick to it. You will find a 5 weight fly reel that is within your budget range.
5 Best 5 Weight Fly Reel
Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reel
If you are looking for a heavier and a large capacity reel for throwing 12 wt. line with a larger buss, then this is it. BEHEMOTH comes with a powerful drag system cranked down just as instructed in the guide. The un-machined die-cast construction blends with a long lasting, interlocking, and large-arbor spool to make the entire fly reel outstanding.
The carbon fiber is a superior heavy-duty material that delivers drag strength, better performance, and reliability. It comes with a handle that has a soft rubber and ergonomic grip that is responsive, especially when pulling bigger fish.
To attain a wider range of drag the oversized aluminum drag knob offers your better control, especially when it comes to pulling your catch. So, if you are looking for a fly reel that fits a heavy line, the Redington is the best choice.
Pros
- Extra weight for easy casting
- Powerful yet smooth drag
- Ergonomic rubber handle
Cons
- Poor finish
- The drag knob is poorly designed
Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel
Piscifun Sword is a well-machined fly fishing reel, especially at its price point. Although it might not be hard anodized or lacks a cork disc drag, the finish it has makes it durable enough. Moreover, the drag system feels smooth right out of the box.
The reel features an adjustable drag dial that is, however, loosely threaded such that the spins easily and quickly runs from light to heavy. However, the large knob allows you to crank down the drag while the large spool makes cranking even easy, especially when controlling a larger fish.
The fly reel features high purity aluminum alloy construction that features a well-polished finish to make the fly reel stronger than die-cast reels of the same level. Moreover, the aluminum alloy is designed for greater-impact durability while the fly reel is relatively light as compared to the common ones due to the hollow CNC design.
With this reel, you will have a quick-line pickup due to reduced memory courtesy of the mid-arbor design. If you are looking to angle fast-moving fish or for occasional angling, this fly reel will do a decent job.
Pros
- High-quality fly reel
- Lightweight but solid
- Smooth drag
Cons
- Loose drag adjustment
- Lacks positive indexing clicks
Waterworks-Lamson Liquid Fly Reel
Waterworks-Lamson is a fly reel that comes at a high price point that most can beat. However, considering the quality of this reel, you are guaranteed many years of heavy use without experiencing any issues.
It comes with a large arbor that features a pressure-cast aluminum frame, which ensures the reel is durable. Made in the U.S.A by Water-Works, the fly reel comes with outstanding quality and design.
It comes with the best drag by far when compared to the other reel on this review. The smooth drag system makes this reel perfect for fishing in both sand and cold water. Moreover, if you are fishing a light tipper, this smooth drag comes in handy. Besides, the smooth drag system helps in preventing breaking off fish.
The reel comes with a lightweight design, solid construction, and a strong feeling. You will have a great fishing experience since there is no slop, wiggle, or run out on the reel. Although it is a little excess capacity for even a bass taper 7wt, it comes with a high retrieve rate. So, you don’t have to wind it as much.
Pros
- A high-quality fly reel
- Awesome smooth drag
- Quality design for durability
Cons
- High price point
Orvis Battenkill Disc Drag Fly Fishing Reel
The Battenkill Disc Drag is a five weight fly fishing reel designed and made by Orvis. The 5 weight fly reel is powerful and technologically advanced as compared to other Battenkill reels generation. The disc drag comes with excellent looks and outstanding performance needed for a powerful reel drag.
It features the traditional finish and porting of the Battenkills while incorporating a mid-arbor design, which is currently best-selling. Moreover, beneath the mid-arbor is the Hydros SL sealed drag system.
It features an incorporated six carbon and stainless drag surface that is well-interacted. With the simple and easy to adjust positive click, you can be sure of a smooth drag in every fishing expedition you engage in.
With all aircraft construction material, the reel is lightweight yet strong enough to deliver a fast retrieve rate without a hassle. The ergonomic handle allows for effective handling of the fly reel during fishing.
Pros
- Lightweight and an exceptional quality reel
- Smooth drag system
- Great performer for heavy fishing
Cons
- Difficult to adjust the brake while fighting a fish
Redington ZERO Fly Reel
Redington ZERO is one of the most lightweight performances that come with the most affordable price point in its class. It features a die-cast construction, which makes it incredibly lightweight that no machined reels can beat.
It features a new-design clicker drag system that is adjustable and stylish to compliment the reel’s looks. The default tension is better at holding the line in even when dragging is occurring.
The reel comes in an uncomplicated design, which makes it reliable, easy to handle, and maintain. Its skeletonized design is not only neat but looks pretty cool with a fun colored backing. Even with its affordable price point, the ZERO reel is spectacular!
Pros
- Great minimalist reel
- Compact and lightweight
- Simple and reliable performance
- Easily adjustable drag
Cons
- Not durable as it dents easily
Conclusion
Finding the best 5 weight fly reel is not akin to entering the market and coming out with it. It requires significant considerations and compromises, especially when on a budget. Hopefully, by reading this review to this point, you now have a bearing on how to narrow down to the right 5 weight fly reel for your needs.
Any 5 weight fly reel you pick from this review will serve you in the best way possible. However, the clear winner today is Redington BEHEMOTH Fly Reel. It is because it comes with extra weight for easy casting, smooth drag, larger arbor, and relatively priced, thus within many people’s reach.
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