DEMYSTIFLY

Aspen Reels: Made-in-the-USA Aspen reels come equipped with a host of features for rugged performance in a simple, yet handsome package. Some aspects of an Aspen Reel includes a frame and spool fully-machined from 6061 bar stock aluminum, Type III anodization, a hollow main shaft for heat dissipation, and an easy pop on/off spool. At the core of the reel's design, Aspen uses a fully-sealed teflon and stainless steel drag system and 4 stainless ball bearings to maintain smooth

Stu Apte Signature Series: New for 2016 from 3-TAND reels is the limited edition Stu Apte Signature Series. Limited to just 100 samples of each size, these fully-machined reels may be purchased as a set (with an optional case) or individually. Other noteworthy features include a sealed nano-carbon drag system, integrated spool counterweight, rubberized inset on the reel foot, and the Stu Apte signature along with a beautiful fish image on the back of the frame. Various sizes

Mirage Fly Reels: Orvis has redesigned the popular Mirage series of fly reels and given them both stunning aesthetics and impressive features. Mirage reels will now be made here in the USA, and will be machined from 6061-T6 aluminum with a Type III mil-spec anodizing. Other robust features include a sealed carbon/stainless disc drag, zero-to-full drag in just 330-degrees of knob rotation, super-large arbor, and a quick release spool. Available colors are black or pewter. Expe

Tibor Signature 11/12S: Tibor is adding an 11/12S model to their Signature reel lineup around the end of the year. Weighing in at 13.1 ounces, this new model has been narrowed to 1.250 inches in width as compared to the standard 11/12 which measures 1.450 inches. Despite the slimmer profile, it's still capable of holding 250 yards of #30 Micron or 300 yards of #80 Power Pro Super 8 Slick. Stopping power is provided by a fully sealed cork drag system which adjusts with a rear

Evolution R: The latest reel coming from Colorado-based Ross Reels is the Evolution R. Thanks to generous porting, this new model is extremely lightweight, making it the perfect companion for a high-performance fly rod. At the heart of the R is a synthetic drag system that's sealed from the elements. To adjust the drag, the "spoked wheel" (as I call it) on the back of the frame is turned rather than the typical adjustment knob you'd find on many reels. The Evolution R will ar

SKY Rods: New from Douglas is the premium lineup of SKY fly rods. Using blanks constructed with nano carbon matrix materials and resins from the aerospace industry, these rods are built with nice soft tips to allow them to load easily at close range but still have plenty of power to go long. Finished in an attractive matte-silver color, they're quite handsome, too. SKY rods are adorned with premium components like tangle-free Torzite stripping guides and unbreakable REC singl

X Rods: With the departure of the respected ONE series comes the new X fly rods from Sage. Made on Bainbridge Island, WA, these fast-action rods use Konnetic HD technology and boast optimized graphite-to-resin ratios for a higher-density blanks which results in higher overall performance. Sage also says that the new taper decreases lateral and medial vibrations while allowing anglers to "dig deeper" to access power lower down in the blank closer to the angler. Blanks are colo

Hydrogen Trout Spey Rods: Three new two-handed models join the Hydrogen lineup of fly rods from Redington and are said to be the most lightweight in their class. Geared towards the trout angler, these long rods are designed with medium-fast actions, Zirconia stripping guides, and down-locking skeletonized reel seats. Hydrogen Trout Spey rods come in an 11-foot 2-weight, 11-foot 3-inch three weight, and 11-foot 6-inch 4-weight sizes at a price of $349.95. Predator Rods: On the

Asquith Rods- Every so often, a product comes along that's especially unique. At the IFTD show this year, Shimano and G. Loomis have teamed up to bring us such a product. The new high-end Asquith series of fly rods is said to be "The Most Technologically Advanced Fly Rods in the World." If you're a fly angler and that doesn't grab your attention, I don't know what will! Both G. Loomis and Shimano have collaborated to bring us these ultra-premium rods. Developed and hand-finis

When I first saw the Redington BEHEMOTH fly reel in a press release last year I had to pause. The reel was a total stunner and immediately had my attention. Not only did I love the looks, but the added bonus of a great price along with a drag system that produced crazy-strong tension really seemed like a home run. Die-cast reels such as this one are usually not on my radar, but this seemed different. The folks at Redington were kind enough to loan us a 5/6 BEHEMOTH to fish an