10 Best Large Arbor Fly Reels 2025 in the United States

The Lamson Speedster S-Series 7+ reel stands out with its super large arbor, designed to help you quickly reel in line while reducing line memory and coiling issues. It’s built for speed, with a tall, narrow shape that neatly stacks your fly line and allows for rapid line pickup, which can be a big advantage when fighting fast or strong fish. The reel’s drag system uses a sealed conical design that provides smooth and powerful resistance, protecting it from water and debris, which means it should perform reliably in both freshwater and saltwater conditions.

Made with fully CNC-machined stainless steel and aluminum, it is both strong and durable while maintaining a good strength-to-weight ratio, so it won't feel heavy on your rod. The reel handles 6 to 8 weight lines and offers ample backing capacity, fitting a wide range of fishing scenarios from panfish up to bigger saltwater targets. One consideration is that the reel is left-hand oriented, which may not suit everyone.

At 0.27 kilograms, it’s fairly lightweight but might feel a bit bulkier compared to some other models if you prefer ultra-light setups. If you want a high-quality, fast-retrieving reel that excels in diverse environments and values durability and smooth drag, the Speedster S-Series 7+ is an excellent option.

The Ross Reels Animas Fly Fishing Reel is designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it versatile for various fishing conditions. One of its standout features is the ultra-large arbor, which allows for a faster retrieve rate and reduces line memory issues. The composite-disc drag system, combined with a stainless steel interface, offers reliable and powerful drag performance, which is crucial for managing larger fish.

The machined aluminum construction ensures durability and longevity, while keeping the reel lightweight and easy to handle. The ergonomic design, including a redesigned frame and spool geometry, adds to the reel's visual appeal and functionality. The handle, made from ultra-light canvas phenolic, becomes tackier when wet, enhancing grip during use.

The reel is ambidextrous, suitable for both left and right-handed users. However, the premium build quality and performance come at a higher price point, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious anglers. For anglers looking for a reliable, high-performance reel that can handle both freshwater and saltwater environments, the Ross Reels Animas is a solid choice.

The Redington Behemoth 7/8 fly reel offers a strong combination of power, durability, and speed designed for anglers who want a reliable reel for a range of fishing situations—from trout fishing with a 5-weight rod to tackling larger saltwater species. Its large arbor spool enables faster line retrieval and reduces line memory, helping you respond quickly when a fish takes off. The reel features a heavy-duty carbon fiber drag system that provides smooth, reliable resistance up to about 9 kilograms, making it easier to control stronger fish without line breakage.

Weighing just 0.65 pounds, it is lightweight enough for comfortable long fishing sessions, with carbon materials contributing to its strength without extra weight. The line capacity is generous for its size, holding up to 200 yards of 20-pound backing line, which is suitable for handling long runs in both freshwater and saltwater environments. The design includes an ambidextrous handle with soft grips for better control and feedback.

While the reel is built tough with die-cast construction, it may not feel as premium as fully machined reels preferred by some experienced anglers. The retrieve rate is strong but not specifically quantified, so if ultra-fast retrieval is essential for certain techniques, this might be a minor consideration. This reel suits beginners through advanced users who want a versatile, reliable fly reel with a powerful drag and large arbor, especially if fishing multiple types of water and needing a solid all-around performer.