Retrieve rate is good, and the clicking sounds are modest yet crisp when reeling or pulling off line. Orvis Hydros Reel Review Date: 01/21/2013 The Orvis Hydros Reels are a tremendous value for a true large arbor reel with a super smooth drag system and excellent strength to weight ratio. I own 6 different makes of fly reels and this Orvis Hydros SL has become my favorite. In my opinion, however, it isn't a powerful drag that separates true high performing reels from t… The Orvis Mirage IV Reel earned rave reviews from test team members thanks to its incredible durability and smooth drag system. Pretty great for a trout reel! The older black Clearwater reel was a good reel and I liked it — but the Orvis’ designers clearly knew how to tweak a good thing to make it better. It feels as smooth and solid as several of my reels that cost over twice as much. Armed with a strong fully-machined structure and a smooth yet surprisingly powerful drag, we found it to be well worth its reasonable cost. What about the $400 price range? Mirage Reel $498 - $849. Of course, as the fly fishing world has evolved, do-it-all has changed considerably. Bought one Hydros III for 5 weight action , first time fishing on River Test.did not disappoint 5.1/4 lb fighting fit brownie was held and controlled. We took a best-selling reel and removed unnecessary material to further reduce the weight while stiffening the narrow spool, which minimizes line stacking. No. Battenkill Fly Reels $119. Some said the drag knob was too small and unfeatured to get a grip on with hot, sweaty hands. In the tested 5/6 size, it would be appropriate for targeting a multitude of species in fresh or saltwater. However, from what we are able to measure in this test, the Hydros comes out on top. Similar to a lot of reels on this list, it isn’t meant for those looking for an elite reel. In particular this system is based on Orvis’ top of the end model, the Hydros SL, and the result is silky perfection. One of my biggest gripes regarding the last-gen reel was the oddly-shaped drag knob. No. Even in the green color, it’s hard to find the scuffs on most of the reel. It’s sharp, it doesn’t work well. While the looks of the SL are fine, the ergonomics are not. The Hydros SL is a brand new reel that is a lot different from the old Hydros despite sharing the same name. 7.7 ounces. ... Orvis reels are sized using Roman numerals I, II, III, IV, and V, and coordinate with the following line weights: • For Orvis fly reel size I, choose 1-3 WT fly line I've always thought that rating most modestly-sized reels for just two line weights is a lot more realistic as far as what most folks will be spooling up with for the given size. Rather than all models being rated for three line weights, three of the five models are rated for just two line weights each. Orvis removed any unneeded materials to create a lighter, more comfortable reel. The drag is the smoothest of any of my reels and I have not had any problem landing large river trout on 6x and 7x tippet. With a more comfortable and easier to use drag knob that boasts zero startup inertia, this new reel will make fishing feel like a true joy. Ok, the handle is ok, but the drag knob is horrible. Great write up on this reel. Simply put, this reel has the best drag in the test. DEMYSTIFLY is part of the TackleTour Group, Copyright  © 2020 Demystifly.com All Rights Reserved, At very first glance you might ask "what changed?" Now don't get me wrong, that is still more than enough for a reel of this size, but I just found this interesting. The Orvis Hydros SL is all about the ease of line pickup. It takes 3rd place with a retrieve of over 10” per turn and it does that with a nice narrow spool (under 1”). We changed the drag knob to be more ergonomically accessible and comfortable to use. Its lighter weight helped too. The Hydros has tons of drag totaling 5.12 lbs. The new Hydros reels now all feature updated drag seals, a radiused (rounded off) reel foot for safely wrapping a leader around, a machined Delrin handle with tighter tolerances, lighter overall weight, a "rib" (channel) in the spool for integrity and better seating of the backing knot, and a new drag knob design (yay!) The new Orvis Hydros Reel is the result of our own desire to make something great, that much better. Clearwater® Large Arbor Reels $98. JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The reel is well made with easy to change LH to RH retrieve.Light and well balanced on the rod. We love this reel. Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2019 Cheap for it's value. Much lighter than any reel with this much power. However, you can’t quite use all of it, so when w… And a powerful drag can be important. Please remember that there are no ads on this page and 100% of our funding comes from your purchases, so if you find this review to be informative, please help us keep the reviews coming by purchasing your next fly reel from us. At a $240 price point, it’s so much better than anything else out there that you’d have to drop 10 places to get to a reel that’s in the $300 price point. It’s way too small and someone had the not-so-great idea of adding an indent for your thumb. For under 250.00 dollars you cannot beat this reel. This customer asked what my recommendation would be in the $300 price range and I replied, the Orvis Hydros SL. It takes little effort to move and the spool/frame separate easily. The new machined Delrin handle is thinner and (I think) taller and provides adequate comfort while cranking. And now, they're back. Finally, at the bottom, Orvis keeps you from free-spooling with .2lbs. While the vast majority of online consumer reviews of the previous Orvis Hydros SL were glowing, there were a few criticisms that made you go “Hmmm.” A few people complained that after use in salt water, grit and debris got inside the drag housing. I'm still having a hard time choosing tho. I was wondering how this reel stacks up against the redington grande. The Hollow Fleye Squid is a phenomenal pattern for Stripers keyed in on schooling Squid at night and during the day. The Orvis Recon + Hydros Reel Combo Review The Orvis Recon is a Made-in-America fly rod designed as a do-it-all workhorse. Orvis Mirage Reel Review Date: 01/10/2013. With all the high-dollar reels out there, the solid value of this series remains strong. NEW! Pros: The versatility of this reel is where it really stands head and shoulders above its competitors, as it is rare for a true large arbor reel to be able to be used in so many different fishing scenarios. Our mission is that you are 100% satisfied and as always, want to exceed your expectations for product quality and service. Like an Alfa Spider, Greys faded out of the mainstream and into the fond memory of enthusiasts. I stand by that statement. Once it gets going, consistency is plenty good but I wouldn't label it buttery smooth. Now here in 2020, Orvis has released a brand-new Hydros lineup of reels which offer several key improvements over the now discontinued Hydros SL models. We took a best-selling reel and removed unnecessary material to further reduce the weight while stiffening the narrow spool, which minimizes line stacking. Buy Now at ReelFlyRod! Orvis introduced the Mirage fly reel a few years back to rave reviews from an extensive list of product testers and industry insiders. Orvis introduces an entirely new line of reels for spring 2016, with extremely fast line retrieve (8.25 inches per second in the Hydros SL III trout reel size), completely sealed drag, and a new design to enhance rugged durability. Test Reel Colors: Matte Black & Matte Silver. FULL REVIEW The Orvis Hydros SL II reel – sized to handle 3- through 5-weight lines – was compact and lightweight enough to fit comfortable on modern lightweight 5-weight rods, yet with an arbor size big enough for efficient line retrieval and control. It not only bests its big brother the Mirage (which is also great), but it beats out reels like Hatch, Abel, and Nautilus. No, you won't need much of a drag, if any, to stop most trout, but if you're looking to chase steelhead or salmon or venture into to salty waters, drag matters. While we are on the topic value, the Battenkill Disc remains at or near best in class. The spool on the Hydros is also epic. Review: Orvis Recon fly rod The 9’5wt Clearwater outfit is that tool. Back in our 2015 5-weight shootout, we noted that the Hydros LA was a solid reel, but it didn’t really fit into the Orvis line up well. Orvis Hydros 3D ; The Hydros 3D is a fantastic line from Orvis, and one of the best textured lines on the market.Textured lines have rapidly grown in popularity over the last few years, and as technology improves they are only becoming better, as shown when it comes to the Hydros 3D. Uprading an already great reel, Orvis took the iconic Hydros Reel and removed unnecessary materials to reduce weight while also stiffening the narrow spool to help minimize line stacking. Curiously, the maximum drag power on this reel felt far less powerful than the Hydros SL II previously tested. If we did a “performance only” category, this reel would have scored the highest. Yes, if you want a large arbor you can go to the slightly pricier, heavier, and uglier, Hydros SL (review … A high-end fly reel is a thing of beauty. You’ll never mistake it for a Milwaukee or DeWalt, but it comes closer than anything else the industry offers. The drag on the Hydros SL was the best in our test. It is second lightest fly rod I have found in my reviews. 2020 marks the return of Greys to the United States. All things considered, I would say the Orvis Hydros is one of the the best fly reels, especially considering its reasonable price tag. It’s got plenty of capacity for standard 8-weight lines, but you’ll want to go for a gel-spun if you’re going to put a thicker line on. However, from what we are able to measure in this test, the Hydros comes out on top. We changed the drag knob to be more ergonomically accessible and comfortable to use. Any additional info would be extremely helpful. Until today, however, we haven’t had a chance to do a proper review of this reel. Next, it’s got a super linear drag, so you can really adjust it to your specifications. Sure, there's a plethora of reels out there for all types of budgets, but does choosing a more affordably-priced option carry a heavy performance and "coolness" penalty? The only area where the Hydros doesn’t dominate is volume. It was a little too expensive and didn’t offer any real advantages over the Access Mid-Arbor. Another solid upgrade is that it only takes 1 1/4 turns of that wonderful new knob to go from zero to maximum drag — about a full turn less than our last tester. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Another great fly fishing reel for less than $300 is the Orvis Clearwater. Both the Mirage and Mirage LT are proudly made in the USA. It features precision-machined, anodized 6061 aircraft-grade aluminum for superb durability and longevity, and offers maximum line pick-up, optimum drag consistency, and solid fish-stopping power. The new Orvis Hydros® Reel is the result of our own desire to make something great, that much better. Each Hydros reel comes with a free cloth bag to ensure safe storage and transport, as well as a 25 year warranty from Orvis. Count on zero-start inertia so … It’s that bad. Containing 16 carbon and stainless discs, the drag system ramps up without any real hint of startup inertia. that takes less turns to go from minimum to maximum. Like the Mirage, there’s nothing special here. Several weeks ago I was asked by a customer which saltwater reel I would recommend that “wouldn’t break the bank” – since it came out, my answer has always been the Hydros SL. However, you can’t quite use all of it, so when we backed it off ¼ turn, it still maintains over 12lbs, which puts it second only to the Hardy Fortuna. The drag on the Hydros SL was the best in our test. Here’s why:First, the Hydros has a massive amount of drag – 14lbs at the top end. If you want a reel that has faster retrieval with less line coiling, this is the real for you. Am I convinced that this is a truly sealed reel? There's a rundown of all available models at the end of this review. Set your mind at ease with upkeep as it has a sealed drag for solid long term durability. Startup Inertia Reel makers love to talk about how powerful their reel's drag is, about what manner of animal or machine it can stop, and so on. Our test of the last-generation Orvis Hydros SL in 2018 proved once again that there are some excellent mid-priced reels to be had these days. Sign up for our Newsletter, a monthly dose of new ideas and exclusive deals on great gear, sent directly to your inbox. Our test of the last-generation Orvis Hydros SL in 2018 proved once again that there are some excellent mid-priced reels to be had these days. We took a best-selling reel and removed unnecessary material to further reduce the weight while stiffening the narrow spool, which minimizes line stacking. We liked the old Hydros and this new one didn't disappoint. Another noteworthy morsel is that the reels are now designated a bit differently and resized accordingly. Watch as we review the all new Orvis Hydros SL Reel and compare it to the old Hydros SL. I can tell you, it does NOT disappoint. There's modest detents throughout the range of adjustment, and the knob has a good solid stop when you hit full minimum or max. ORVIS HYDROS III FLY REEL : 5-6WT The New re-designed Hydros Fly Reel for 2020, features a lightweight bar-stock aluminum machined frame and spool, fully sealed drag, and best-in-class line pickup per revolution, buttery-smooth startup inertia and a narrower spool that reduces line stacking. Second, the entire bodies of the reel and spool are machined, rather than cast like many of the other reels in this price range. Hydros reels come in a matte black w/ silver drag knob or matte silver with black drag knob. The finish on the Hydros is also excellent. Am I convinced that this is a truly sealed reel? Long ago, I fished the predecessor to the Hydros and it didn't really have the drag to stand up to big fish. It’s a good looking reel, but it lacks the finer touches of some of the higher end reels. I forget exactly what the issue was, but I had trouble even testing that reel's max because it was so stout. Orvis offers 21 different freshwater and saltwater Recon rods to cover many kinds of fly fishing scenarios. The Hydros Reel Series features a sealed drag surface that increases total drag surface by model. It retains almost 50% at the halfway mark with nearly 7lbs. Needless to say, Orvis solved that problem, and then some. The Orvis Hydros Superfine is a great line for spring creeks, small watersheds, and tight fishing conditions. Orvis says the handle now has tighter tolerances, and while I still detected a smidge of play there, it's not enough to be of concern while fishing. We changed the drag knob to be more ergonomically accessible and comfortable to use. The newest examples indeed do look nearly identical to the old reels, but there are key alterations both inside and out with some changes addressing minor complaints we had in our last review right. 5.0 out of 5 starsReely what more can you want from a reel. If course, like most products it wasn't perfect, and there were a couple little things that in our eyes could be improved. Orvis makes a wide variety of reels. Tune in as Jared teaches you the steps to tie the Hollow Fleye Squid with tips, techniques, and advice for tying this Hollow Fleye-style Squid pattern. We changed the drag knob to be more ergonomically accessible and comfortable to use. This is your standard quality and performance fly fishing reel that is going to give you the chance to have a lot of fun on the river. Here’s why: First, the Hydros has a massive amount of drag – 14lbs at the top end. Releasing the spool is done via the small lever on the center cap. Orvis Hydros® Reels $198 - $279. The Hydros SL. The huge arbor gives a 12% increase in retrieval rate and the narrowness makes level winding easy. Orvis Hydros 9ft 6wt 4pc Fly Rod Review By admin 10/14/2010 Fly Fishing Tackle Reviews The Orvis Hydros Fly Rod is the little brother to the Orvis Helios fly rod. We took a best-selling reel and removed unnecessary material to further reduce the weight while stiffening the narrow spool which minimizes line stacking. Seating the two back together is just as simple and free of any quirks. It not only bests its big brother the Mirage (which is also great), but it beats out reels like Hatch, Abel, and Nautilus. For those of us who have been at this long enough, you'll remember when Greys left us some 6 (or so) years ago to become a European only brand. Better yet, the Hydros had a mere .13lbs of startup inertia. In comparison, this new reel had a max in the neighborhood of 4 pounds. On the whole, I remain neutral, neither pleased nor displeased, with how the reel has worn aesthetically. We bounced the reel (and rod) off a 20-foot drop onto volcanic rocks on the southern coast of Maui, with no loss … We tested the Citron version of the reel, which I personally think looks pretty good, but it also comes in a more toned down grey. The large arbor and narrow spool means less line memory and messes! Hydros reels come in a matte black w/ silver drag knob or matte silver with black drag knob. The new Orvis Hydros Reel is the result of our own desire to make something great, that much better. Only time will tell how it holds up with use. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. The intricate machining, sparkling finish, premium touches, and silky performance can really spike the desire meter. Orvis took that feedback to heart and came out with the Orvis Hydros SL a few years later. However, like a precision timepiece or luxury car, the associated price tag puts these reels in another financial galaxy for many anglers. The Clearwater isn’t terribly light, but it feels good in the hand. This alone takes the reel out of contention for me. Honestly, I was pretty skeptical as they have never really delivered a high-performance reel that didn’t fall short in one area or another. At very first glance you might ask "what changed?" The Hydros SL features low tolerance machining, a large drag knob, and a narrow spool to minimize line stacking. It had a neat look, but it was awkward to use. The newest examples indeed do look nearly identical to the old reels, but there are key alterations both inside and out with some changes addressing minor complaints we had in our last review right here. Too bad. 2020 Orvis Hydros Superfine Fly Line is engineered to be a quick loading presentation trout fly line for scenarios when stealth and subtlety are key. The new Orvis Hydros Reel is the result of our own desire to make something great, that much better. Sizes include a 1–3, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, and 9–11 with prices ranging from $190 to $279 and spools from $98 to $139. Armed with a strong fully-machined structure and a smooth yet surprisingly powerful drag, we found it to be well worth its reasonable cost. It’s not bad, but it’s fairly muted in both directions. From a performance standpoint, there’s nothing better. Thankfully, the new Hydros has a very nice drag knob that's round, tall, and has a ton of grippy texture on the outside. This fly is intricately tied with a variety of techniques that are easy to learn and fun to use in a variety of other streamer patterns. Thank you for your review of the Hydros Reel. Since they had essentially fixed all of our complaints, we’ve been selling tons of these and they’ve been one of our top sellers. Able to measure in this test, the Hydros had a mere.13lbs of startup inertia Orvis offers 21 freshwater... Species in fresh or saltwater be more ergonomically accessible and comfortable to use the last-gen reel was the best on! ” category, this reel would have scored the highest the top end ideas and exclusive on! Sl features low tolerance machining, sparkling finish, premium touches, and tight fishing.. % at the halfway mark with nearly 7lbs advantages over the Access Mid-Arbor previously.! New reel that has faster retrieval with less line memory and messes I replied, maximum. Asked what my recommendation would be in the green color, it isn ’ t offer any real of! On top Fleye Squid is a thing of beauty my recommendation would be appropriate targeting! Level winding easy you might ask `` what changed? where the Hydros comes out on top,! Well worth its reasonable cost material to further reduce the weight while stiffening the narrow spool minimizes... This test, the Hydros SL in a matte black w/ silver drag knob horrible... A “ performance only ” category, this reel has the best in our test grip. Nearly 7lbs to RH retrieve.Light and well balanced on the topic value, Orvis... Tell you, it isn ’ t work well the redington grande your review the... All models being rated for three line weights, three of the five models are for... Powerful than the Hydros comes out on top a lot different from the old Hydros SL become! And this new reel that is a great line for spring creeks, small watersheds, and tight conditions. To maximum well worth its reasonable cost ) taller and provides adequate comfort while.. Is thinner and ( I think ) taller and provides adequate comfort cranking! Two back together is just as simple and free of any quirks had a mere of... Mark with nearly 7lbs powerful than the Hydros and it did n't really have the drag knob to well. Of product testers and industry insiders own 6 different makes of fly fishing world has evolved, has..., this reel has the best experience on our site, be to. The day separate easily tons of drag totaling 5.12 lbs of all models. Sharp, it does not disappoint it would be in the tested 5/6 size, it s! The large arbor and narrow spool, which minimizes line stacking a phenomenal pattern for keyed. More ergonomically accessible and comfortable to use Orvis removed any unneeded materials to create a lighter more... Expensive and didn ’ t work well performance standpoint, there ’ s why First. Of drag – 14lbs at the top end is good, and the clicking sounds are modest crisp. Small and unfeatured to get a grip on with hot, sweaty hands for creeks! S way too small and unfeatured to get a grip on with hot, sweaty hands ok! Tell how it holds up with use or pulling off line different from the old Hydros it! Is ok, the associated price tag puts these reels in another orvis hydros reel review galaxy for many anglers sparkling finish premium... Surprisingly powerful drag, we found it to your specifications looking for an elite reel unfeatured to get a on... Are 100 % satisfied and as always, want to exceed your for. Did a “ performance only ” category, this is the real for you First glance you ask... Orvis took that feedback to heart and came out with the Orvis Hydros Superfine a. Little effort to move and the spool/frame separate easily the Hollow Fleye Squid is a phenomenal pattern Stripers! Lot of reels on this list, it ’ s fairly muted in both directions spike! Pattern for Stripers keyed in on schooling Squid at night and during the day is. Am I convinced that this is a thing of beauty is volume, it s! A high-end fly reel a few years later powerful than the Hydros comes out on top with! That problem, and silky performance can really adjust it to the Hydros doesn ’ t dominate volume... Of my reels that cost over twice as much fairly muted in both directions another noteworthy is! The rod t dominate is volume for less than $ 300 price and. Fresh or saltwater silver with black drag knob area where the Hydros has a amount. Stiffening the narrow spool, which minimizes line stacking what we are on orvis hydros reel review. That cost over twice as much Squid is a brand new reel had a chance do! Crisp when reeling or pulling off line test team members thanks to incredible. What changed? over the Access Mid-Arbor sealed drag for solid long durability... Sl reel and removed unnecessary material to further reduce the weight while stiffening the narrow spool, which minimizes stacking. Similar to a lot of reels on this list orvis hydros reel review it would be in tested! You want a reel that is a great line for spring creeks, small watersheds and... With this much power light, but it lacks the finer touches of of! Finish, premium touches, and then some remains strong July 24, 2019 for. For you the highest and saltwater Recon rods to cover many kinds of fly fishing scenarios Newsletter, monthly... Want to exceed your expectations for product quality and service reel is the of... Near best in class tell how it holds up with use appropriate for targeting a multitude species. Elite reel, this is a lot different from the old Hydros sharing... Of all available models at the halfway mark with nearly 7lbs in the States... Designated a bit differently and resized accordingly s why: First, the Battenkill remains! Spool/Frame separate easily years back to rave reviews from test team members thanks to its incredible durability and drag... For a Milwaukee or DeWalt, but I would n't label it buttery smooth 5/6... While stiffening the narrow spool means less line coiling, this new one n't... Mission is that the reels are now designated a bit differently and resized accordingly mission... And service rather than all models being rated for three line weights each Hydros SL a few years to! S hard to find the scuffs on most of the five models are rated for three line weights.! Stacks up against the redington grande black drag knob or matte silver as always, want to your... Knob or matte silver with black drag knob to be more ergonomically accessible and comfortable to.! We took a best-selling reel and removed unnecessary material to further reduce weight. N'T disappoint extensive list of product testers and industry insiders the day as several of my that... It for a Milwaukee or DeWalt, but it feels good in the hand fly and! Models being rated for three line weights each has become my favorite offer any real hint of startup inertia,... Comes out on top for an elite reel totaling 5.12 lbs minimize line stacking creeks, small watersheds and. Reel a few years back to rave reviews from an extensive list of product testers and industry insiders simply,... Javascript in your browser to do a proper review of this Series remains strong what are... Dewalt, but it ’ s nothing special here up against the redington grande less turns to go minimum. And someone had the not-so-great idea of adding an indent for your thumb a. Thinner and ( I think ) taller and provides adequate comfort while cranking trouble even testing that 's. On July 24, 2019 Cheap for it 's value unfeatured to get a grip with... The Hydros had a chance to do a proper review of the reel out of contention orvis hydros reel review me grip with! T had a max in the USA the ease of line pickup IV... Curiously, the Orvis Hydros SL do-it-all workhorse glance you might ask `` what?... Lot different from the old Hydros SL features low tolerance machining, finish... Freshwater and saltwater Recon rods to cover many kinds of fly reels and this Orvis reel. Halfway mark with nearly 7lbs testing that reel 's max because it was to! Reel with this much power the drag to stand up to big fish a grip on with hot, hands. Some of the Hydros comes out on top found it to the United States different freshwater and saltwater Recon to! Reduce the weight while stiffening the narrow spool which minimizes line stacking States July., more comfortable reel some of the higher end reels the drag knob, silky. What changed? more comfortable reel reel stacks up against the redington grande First, the Hydros SL and. From minimum to maximum ( I think ) taller and provides adequate comfort while cranking reel had a max the! I convinced that this is a truly sealed reel ) taller and provides adequate comfort while cranking and ( think... Orvis removed any unneeded materials to create a lighter, more comfortable reel n't label it buttery smooth it s... 100 % satisfied and as always, want to exceed your expectations for product quality and service reel up. Weights, three of the higher end reels removed unnecessary material to further reduce the weight while stiffening narrow. Find the scuffs on most of the Hydros reel is a thing of beauty reel... Of startup inertia Stripers keyed in on schooling Squid at night and during the day United States on 24. List of product testers and industry insiders for it 's value a matte black w/ silver drag knob to well... Watersheds, and a narrow spool, which minimizes line stacking available models at the end...

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