Best 5wt Fly Reel for the Money
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Introduction
If you are looking for the best 5wt Fly reel for the Money, then you are in luck. This article will cover the top 4 best 5 wt reels.
It is difficult to know which reel to pick, which rod to pair it with and ultimately just what you need out there on the water.
For this reason, I wanted to take the time to write this and the many other articles here so that you can have a quick and easy review from an experienced angler, making it so you can get out on the water and enjoy what we all love more often.
I hope this article can be helpful to you.
Lets get to it
Comparison Table
Table could not be displayed.#1Best Overall: Ross Reels Evolution Ltx Fly Reel
This is an incredibly versatile fly reel, and while it is on the expensive side, what you get with this reel makes it hands down the best 5wt fly reel for the money.
This reel takes all the ones before it built by Ross Reels and combines their features to get a reel that is built for trout but has a strong enough drag system to take on the saltwater species as well. Not only is the drag incredibly strong but it is super smooth as well.
Another great thing about this reel is that it has an extra large arbor spool that was designed to hide the arbor knots when winding on backing. Ross Reels also has a unique bell shaped arbor that adds strength to the overall function of the reel.
The handle on the LTX is machined out of canvas phenolic rod (fancy right) which is unique to Ross Reels, and this ultimately reduces weight and increases grip when wet.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
If you are truly trying to find the best 5wt fly reel for the money, then this is one you should consider for sure. This reel is on the expensive side, but being completely machined in its production, having a strong disc drag, and other unique designs/features as mentioned above sets this reel apart from the rest.
What I like most about this reel is the multiple uses. Many of us start with trout fishing and eventually move to some larger species, this is the reel that would last a lifetime and allow that move to new species without having to buy a new reel.
That is where the value really comes in, the reel lasts a lifetime and it has multiple applications, so while it is more expensive than the others on this list you buy less reels overall, reducing your overall costs. So, it truly is one of the best 5 wt fly reels for the money.
#2 Best Beginner Reel: Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor Reel
The Orvis Clearwater large Arbor reel has been touted as one of the best performance to value reels in the industry.
This reel has a powerful inline carbon to stainless disc drag system, that is specifically designed for trout fishing. The stacked disc drag system of this reel makes it so this reel can hold its own against the higher end expensive reels.
This reel can easily be converted from left to right hand retrieve.
The handle is easy to use and the drag system has a grout sound to it without being overly loud, you will know when a big one is taking your line, but everyone else wont.
A great thing about the Orvis brand is that they have a lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects. So, if you happen to get a defective reel then you will get it replaced.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
Orvis Clearwater: Best Beginner Reel
This is a great reel for the money. The operation of this reel is smooth and easy, the drag is good enough to put some pressure on the larger fish and the clicks it makes will get your attention when one of the big ones starts to run with your line.
This reel is a great budget reel that is perfect for beginners, as it is simple to use, but you won’t be upset if you get a few dings on it.
Overall, if you are looking for a spare reel or just looking to get into fly fishing and have decided tat a 5 weight reel is what you want, you should seriously consider this reel.
#3 Echo Bravo LT Fly Reel
The Echo Bravo fly reel is a great reel overall. This reel has some fantastic features that includes the 4 carbon disc drag system. This drag system has been proven on many other reels in the Echo brand, but the key with the Bravo LT reel is that they took that drag and shaved it down and made it out of 4 carbon, which makes it lighter and a lot stronger.
This drag is completely sealed.
Other great features are that it has a premium roller clutch making it super smooth in operation, large arbor design that helps with fast line retrieve.
The reel has a solid and durable aluminum construction.
Of huge importance is the 1 year warranty on this reel. I love buying reels that have warranties, because until it is out in the field you just don’t know, but rest easy knowing you can get a new one if this breaks in that first year.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
This is a great fly reel, it is rated for use in the saltwater meaning its drag is strong and the components are completely sealed to avoid salt corrosion.
This can be used with trout as well.
This is one of the best 5wt fly reels for the money, you will get a lot out of this reel.
The only downside is that it requires regular maintenance as mentioned above. It does have a warranty but it is a limited 1 year warranty.
#4 Piscifun Platte Fly Reel
This is a solid CNC machined fly reel. The drag system on this reel is a multi disc carbon and stainless steel set up that has a one way roller clutch for quicker reactions.
The large arbor design of this reel makes it so your line memory is reduced, while also making line retrieval much faster. The reel has the ability to be easily converted from left to right handed.
Also, the manufacture has a lifetime warranty on the reel, that covers defects in production.
Key Features
Pros
Cons
Bottom Line
This reel is touted as the saltwater reel on a budget. The pricing point on this reel along with the versatility makes it a great reel for those that like to do some freshwater and saltwater angling.
Tjhis reel with its completely sealed drag system and large arbor will make reeling in the big fish so much easier. The drag system will also put up a fight and help tire out the fish, making your job easier.
If you are interested in both saltwater and freshwater fishing, but don’t want to spend a ton of money then this is a great option. It won’t get you through a lifetime of fishing like the Ross Reel above will, but this is still a dependable and great reel.
What makes a great 5 Weight Fly Reel?
Drag System: Click or Disc
Click Drag System
This is short for “click and pawl” which is an early drag design in which there was a gear system that provided the drag in fishing reels. This is largely an outdated drag setup and has been mostly replaced by the disc system that most reels have.
Disc Drag
Essentially this set up is a set of washers that can be made of various materials that applies pressure on the spool and this results in a smooth resistance that dissipates heat easily. This type of drag is much smoother than the click drag system above.
I like to think of this like disc brakes. There is pressure applied to a section of a circular device and this creates friction which provides the stopping power.
The majority of reels are equipped with Disc drag now a days.
Material
When people refer to the material of a fly reel they typically mean what the reel body and spool is made of.
There are a lot of options when it comes to this, but machined aluminum is the best option out there. It is lightweight, resists corrosion, and being machined with a CNC machine makes all of the cuts and contours extremely precise.
You may see the term anodized mentioned on reels. This is a electrochemical process that makes the top layer of the aluminum much stronger and more durable.
This guide goes into more detail about choosing a fly reel.
Construction
The higher end reels are going to be made of fully machined aluminum. Then there are other reels which are made of cast aluminum and others are made of resin.
Ultimately make sure your reel is made of fully machined aluminum, it makes the reel incredibly strong and lightweight.
Weight
When thinking about weight of a fly reel, you don’t typically think of the actual weight of the reel, but fly reel weight refers to the rating of the reel for the weight of line it should use.
The reason for this is that the line is typically thicker the heavir weight it is and this means it will physically take up more space, on the reel, so heavier weight reels usually have more space on the spool.
You will either see the reel sold as a single weight ie “5wt” or it will be a range ie “4/5 wt”.
Arbor Size
The Arbor is the portion of the reel where the backing attaches and the line winds around. The larger the arbor the better in my opinion.
Larger Arbor size means less line memory, faster line retrieval rate, and also a much smoother drag.
When I am looking for a new reel, I am typically looking at reels that have a larger arbor on them for those reasons.
The price
Price is always something to consider right?
The reels that are <$50 are likely going to be cheaper reels that just wont last long. These may be the resin reels or the die cast aluminum reels.
Don’t be fooled, if you are serious about finding a good quality reel that will last, you can expect to pay in the neighborhood of $100.
Other Related FAQ’s
Are Expensive Fly Reels Worth it?
Absolutely. Well, it depends. Some people would classify expensive as $100, others would say much more.
If the reel is $500 and you fish twice a year then no its not worth it. If the reel is $150 and you fish every weekend then of course.
Point being, don’t go buy a $30 reel and think it will give you a great performance every weekend for a few years, cause it just won’t.
What does 5 Wt Fly Reel mean?
This means that the reel is weight for 5 weight fishing line. Higher weight fishing lines are typically thicker, so they need more room on the arbor. Higher weight reels are built to accommodate the size of the heavier weight line.
What is a 5 Wt fly rod good for?
Trout.
The 5 weight fly reel/rod is touted as one of the most versatile weights in the fly fishing world. It will do great in mountain streams fighting smaller trout and it can handle the 20 inch trout as well.
The lower line weight offers more finesse and touch, while the heavier weights are more powerful. 5 weight is a great multipurpose option that has plenty of touch as well as power.
How do you adjust the drag on a fly reel?
Typically most reels have a wheel on one of the sides of the reel that allow you to adjust it. I like to turn the drag way down and pull all my line off of the line that I think I will need for my cast, then increase the drag back up before I cast.
Can Fly reels get wet?
They can get wet, but it is typically best to avoid submerging them in water. Event he reels with a completely sealed drag system should avoid being submerged in water.
If they get wet, don’t panic, it will be okay.
It is especially important to not submerge them in salt water. Well, neither salt or fresh water a good to submerge them into, but saltwater can really cause some issues if the reel is repeatedly submerged in it.
What does max drag on a reel mean?
This is the max back pressure being put on a fish as you don’t reel and they are running with line. When reeling in a fish, sometimes we stop reeling and let the fish fight the line. When fighting the line they are pulling a lot, and if the line is completely locked out and won’t move the fish might be able to break the line.
Drag allows the fish to take line out to avoid snapping it, but still puts pressure on the line kind of like a light braking would do in a car. This way the fish gets tired while you rest and your line doesn’t snap.
Max drag means to max amount of pressure it will apply. So, most reels come in a range of drag, for example: 5-7lb of drag. 7 lb of drag would be the max in this setting.
Why do Fly reels click?
Some of the older reels that still use a click and pawl drag system will click when line is taken out and reeled in. The newer disc drag set ups will typically only click when line is taken out.
This is to help you know when you have landed that big fish! When the line is taken out it will click and if a fish is running away with your line then you can’t help but know because of that clicking.
Best 5wt Fly Reel for the Money: The final Verdict
My top choice is: Ross Reels Evolution LTX
This is really the best 5 wt fly reel for the money in my opinion.
If you are looking for a little bit of a less expensive option then the Orvis encounter mentioned above is also a great reel for a cheaper price.
Overall the Ross Reels is the best reel, but all the reels mentioned above are good options when it comes to trying to find the best 5 wt fly reel at a good price.
Thanks for reading, I hope this has been helpful to you.
Good luck out there
Sean
