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 and share with our great Demystifly audience, so without tantalizing you any further here's a breakdown of our test reel:

Line Size: 5/6

Weight: 5.7 ounces

Diameter: 3.6 inches

Backing Capacity: 125 yards/20lb

Drag: Carbon Fiber/stainless (unsealed)

Drag Power: 15 pounds!!!!

Machined/Cast: Die-Cast aluminum

Quick Release Spool: Yes

Colors: Black or Gunmetal

Reel Pouch: Yes

Price: $109.95

The 5/6 BEHEMOTH offers a super value for a tad over a hundred bucks. Just the drag itself is quite a selling point. With over 15-pounds of pressure on tap it seems unnecessary but hey, why not?! Throughout its settings, the drag starts up without hesitation and is silky smooth. To go along with the smooth operation, there's a mild click when line is pulled off the reel. Drag adjustability comes via a large, easy-to-grab knob on the rear with soft clicks throughout its turning range. The drag is not fully sealed.

Line pickup speed is quick and produces a mild, pleasant clicking sound similar to the drag output. Other noteworthy features include a handle with colored rubberized inset (red on black reels, grey on gunmetal reels), an integrated spool counterbalance, and quick-release spool. Overall, the construction is pleasingly smart, clean, and crisp.

BEHEMOTH reels come in 5/6–11/12 weights (11/12 also pictured in this blog). Prices run $109.95–$129.95, and spare spools run either $59.95 or $69.95.

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