We had previously written a review for entry-level reels, and while any one of those products may give you the extra reel in the gear bag that you needed, they may not be your go-to. As such, we wanted to do another review and amp it up a bit, taking it into that realm of not quite breaking the bank but still the best quality fly reel that you have ever owned, and all under $500.00!
We all love our local fly shop, but they are usually somewhat limited as to what they can get and typically only carry certain brands. With that in mind, we also wanted to try and expand on those horizons and maybe introduce you to some reels that you may not have seen before in your local shop.
Performance-wise, we think you will find most of these products to be on a similar playing field, and ultimately your next purchase is more likely to be influenced by your own personal preference, the look of the reel, brand name or both. Either way, come for the ride and check out this line-up of fantastic reels! You are not going to believe what we have found in the “under $500” line-up!
- 4 Position Internal Click and Pawl Drag System
- Larger Spool Diameter
- Constructed of Machined Bar-Stock Aluminum
Here is a classic reel from Orvis! The Orvis Battenkill has been in production for generations, and its reputation speaks for itself.
Constructed of Machined Bar-stock aluminum, this reel is lightweight and designed specifically for the stream-angling enthusiast. The classic click and pawl remove unnecessary weight making this reel a perfect match for short rod set-ups. At the same time, the four-position click and pawl can be internally adjusted to work in concert with the palming rim for those big runs.
This reel is available in 1/3, 3/5 and 5/7 weight models in black nickel and is easily adjusted to right or left-hand retrieve.
If you are looking for a classic and simplistic reel with the beauty of the click and pawl system, this is the place to start! We love the sound of a click and pawl drag system, and you will too!
Check out this classic reel priced at $129.00 – $149.99. Orvis includes free shipping for orders over $50.00 within the USA.
- Available in 1-11 wt models
- Multiple colour options are available
- Interchangeable retrieve, RH & LH
- Fully sealed drag system (saltwater worthy)
- Matte type II anodized finish
Orvis has taken a bestseller and made it even better! This is the Orvis Hydros Fly Reel.
Available in 1-11 weight models and in multiple colours, this reel is flashy and performance-driven! Orvis has taken the original reel and reduced the weight, and, at the same time, stiffened the spool to minimize line stacking even further.
The drag knob has been upgraded to provide a more ergonomic design, making for quicker line retrieval.
And the sealed drag has been upgraded to offer additional protection against the elements. This reel still boasts one of the strongest drags in the industry with its stacked carbon and stainless steel disc washers while still maintaining near-zero start-up inertia.
The fully sealed drag system is saltwater worthy, and the larger models will perform against the most ferocious of prey!
In short, another innovative piece of equipment from Orvis with the 25-Year Guarantee to back it up. This fantastic piece of equipment is on sale right now for $199.00 – $235.00, and with free shipping in the USA, this reel is guaranteed to perform for years to come!
- 30% lighter and 30% narrower version of the original Mirage
- Ergonomically designed, machined 6061 T6 aluminum
- Constructed to balance ideally with lighter freshwater rods
- Adjusts from zero to full drag in a single drag knob rotation
- Quick-release spool converts from left- to right-hand retrieve with ease
Here is the Orvis Mirage LT Fly Reel! The same legendary engineering in a lighter-weight model specifically designed for the freshwater angler.
The sealed, maintenance-free drag system offers indisputable stopping power with zero start-up inertia. The easy-access drag knob will take the carbon/stainless steel drag from zero to total capacity in a single turn, giving you the stopping power you need when you need it.
The quick-release spool switches quickly from left to right-hand retrieve. In addition, this reel is available in four models, 1/3, 3/5, 5/7 & 7/9. Plus, the Mirage comes in four different colour options Midnight, Blackout, Olive and Carbon.
Another performance-driven piece of equipment from Orvis and priced for the everyday angler at $349.00 – $479.00. It is hard to find top-quality equipment in this price range, so don’t miss out on this five-star reel!
- High-quality bar stock aluminum, machine-finished construction
- Sealed Carbon disc drag system
- Modern large arbor industrial design
- Supplied with reel pouch
This is a super sexy reel in the under $500.00 category! The Greys Tital Fly Reel checks all the boxes!
This fully machined flagship reel from Greys comes in four models from 3/4 wt to 7/8 wt. And, with its fully sealed drag system, this reel is both fresh and saltwater worthy.
The sealed drag boasts a 4lb drag capacity in the 3/4 & 5/6 models and an impressive 12 lbs of drag in the 7/8 model.
The Tital has the look and performance of a high-end reel with its large arbor design, quick-release spool and fully sealed carbon disc drag and is sure to impress.
This reel is priced at an unbelievable price of $225.95 and definitely fits in the “Best quality fly reels under $500.00” page.
For those that are interested, you can also get the Tital spare spool for $130.95-$150.95, depending on the model.
- Ultra-large arbor design for quick line retrieve
- CNC machined, anodized 6061-T6 aluminum design with quick-release spool
- Smooth, compact carbon fibre drag system
- Oversized drag knob for easy adjustment
- Twin moulded, soft-touch ergonomic handles
- Easily converts to right or left-hand retrieve
- Nylon reel case included
- Lifetime warranty
Here is another quality fly reel in the under $500.00 range! The Redington Rise fly reel is a fly fisher’s dream!
This reel comes in sizes 5/6, 7/8 and 9/10 wt. and is available in both black and silver. Easily switched from left to right-hand retrieve. With its modern style and fine attention to detail, you are going to want to add this one to your gear bag!
Constructed from machined, anodized 6061-T6 aluminum for durability and designed with a U-Shaped spool for easy line management, this reel is all about performance. Add the carbon fibre drag system with an oversized quick adjuster knob, and you are left with a precision piece of equipment.
This reel is lightweight and built to handle any battle! Priced at $219.99 – $249.99, you can’t beat the value this reel has to offer!
Conclusion
This is an excellent line-up of quality reels in the under $500 category! As mentioned, your next purchase is more likely to be influenced by personal preference. However, we suggest that you always consider the multi-faceted applications of your purchase. Maybe you have always dreamt of doing that trip to Belize for bones, and maybe you haven’t made it there yet, but you will! Wouldn’t it be nice to have a saltwater-worthy reel that will give you a great day on your favourite river and double for your first bonefish? Consider that when you are planning your next purchase!
