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10 Best Large Arbor Fly Reels 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reels with CNC-machined Aluminum Alloy Body Fly Reel 5/6wt (Gunmetal)

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,219
Drag System
Weight

Most important from
2448 reviews

Drag System
The drag system is impressive and the gunmetal finish looks great with any rod.
Weight
It’s machined, not cast like most inexpensive reels, and spins smoothly while being lightweight.

The Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel in Gunmetal is a solid choice for enthusiasts looking for a reliable large-arbor fly reel. Crafted from precision CNC-machined 6061-T6 aluminum alloy, it boasts excellent impact resistance and durability. The larger CNC hollow design helps keep the reel lightweight at just 4.7 ounces, making it easy to handle on long fishing days.

It features a mid-arbor design, which is beneficial for minimizing line memory and ensuring quick line pickup, enhancing the fishing experience. The drag system is a standout, combining premium carbon and stainless steel discs with a one-way clutch bearing for smooth and instant drag engagement. This setup provides precise control and a seamless retrieve, essential for fly fishing. Additionally, the reel’s hard-anodized surface treatment adds to its corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in various weather conditions.

Users will appreciate the ambidextrous hand orientation and easy conversion from left to right-hand retrieve. With a maximum drag of 20 pounds and a retrieve rate of 25 inches, it can handle a variety of fly fishing situations. The three-year warranty further attests to its reliability. However, some may find that the mid-arbor design, while effective, may not match the line capacity of some large-arbor models. Nonetheless, for its price and features, the Piscifun Sword Fly Fishing Reel offers a great balance of performance, durability, and user-friendly design.

Rating
9.8
Chosen by1,219
Drag System
Weight

Most important from
2448 reviews

Drag System
The drag system is impressive and the gunmetal finish looks great with any rod.
Weight
It’s machined, not cast like most inexpensive reels, and spins smoothly while being lightweight.
#3

LAMSON | Guru S-Series -5+ Fly Fishing Reel | All-Water | Large Arbor, Fully CNC Machined/Anodized, Lightweight Durability | Blaze | 4wt 5wt 6wt Size

Rating
9.4
Drag System
Weight
Material

Most important from
65 reviews

Drag System
American made, very light, finely engineered and excellent craftsmanship. The drag is wonderful.
Weight
American made, very light, finely engineered and excellent craftsmanship. The drag is wonderful.
Material
American made, very light, finely engineered and excellent craftsmanship. The drag is wonderful.

The LAMSON Guru S-Series -5+ Fly Fishing Reel is a robust and reliable choice for anglers, whether you are a seasoned professional or a hobbyist. With its large arbor design, it allows for quick line retrieval and minimizes line memory, keeping your lines neat and ready for action. The reel's fully CNC machined and anodized construction ensures durability and protection against damage and abrasion, making it suitable for all types of water, from freshwater to saltwater environments.

Weighing just 8.78 ounces, its lightweight design adds to its ease of use without compromising on strength or reliability. The standout feature is its sealed conical drag system, which provides a smooth, broad range of drag and keeps the mechanism safe from water and debris. The drag system is powerful enough to handle a wide range of fish sizes and conditions.

However, for some users, the weight might slightly be on the heavier side compared to other high-end options. Additionally, the reel is designed for left-hand orientation, which may not be suitable for everyone. With its sleek Blaze color and excellent balance of functionality and aesthetics, the Guru S-Series is a worthy investment for your fly fishing gear.

Rating
9.4
Drag System
Weight
Material

Most important from
65 reviews

Drag System
American made, very light, finely engineered and excellent craftsmanship. The drag is wonderful.
Weight
American made, very light, finely engineered and excellent craftsmanship. The drag is wonderful.
Material
American made, very light, finely engineered and excellent craftsmanship. The drag is wonderful.

Buying Guide for the Best Large Arbor Fly Reels

Choosing the right large-arbor fly reel can significantly enhance your fly fishing experience. A large-arbor reel is designed to hold more line and retrieve it faster, making it ideal for catching larger fish. When selecting a fly reel, it's important to consider several key specifications to ensure it meets your needs and preferences. Here are the key specs to look at and how to navigate them.
Arbor SizeThe arbor size refers to the diameter of the spool where the line is wound. A larger arbor allows for quicker line retrieval and reduces line memory, which is the tendency of the line to retain the shape of the spool. Large-arbor reels are great for targeting bigger fish and for situations where you need to quickly reel in line. If you often fish in fast-moving waters or target species that make long runs, a large-arbor reel is a good choice.
Drag SystemThe drag system controls the resistance a fish feels when it pulls on the line. This is crucial for preventing the line from breaking and for tiring out the fish. There are two main types of drag systems: disc drag and click-and-pawl. Disc drag systems offer smoother and more adjustable resistance, making them suitable for larger fish. Click-and-pawl systems are simpler and provide less resistance, which can be ideal for smaller fish. Consider the type of fish you target and choose a drag system that matches your needs.
WeightThe weight of the reel should match the weight of your fly rod and the type of fishing you do. Reels are typically rated by the weight of the line they are designed to hold, such as 5-6 weight or 7-8 weight. A balanced setup ensures better casting performance and reduces fatigue. If you have a 5-weight rod, for example, you should look for a reel that is rated for 5-6 weight lines.
MaterialFly reels are made from various materials, including aluminum, graphite, and composite. Aluminum reels are durable and lightweight, making them a popular choice for many anglers. Graphite reels are lighter but may not be as durable. Composite reels offer a balance between weight and durability. Consider where and how often you fish to determine the best material for your needs. If you fish in saltwater, look for corrosion-resistant materials.
Line CapacityLine capacity refers to the amount of backing and fly line the reel can hold. This is important for ensuring you have enough line to handle long runs from fish. Large-arbor reels typically have greater line capacity, which is beneficial for targeting larger species. Consider the type of fish you are targeting and the environments you fish in to determine the appropriate line capacity.
Retrieve RateThe retrieve rate is how quickly you can reel in the line. A higher retrieve rate means you can bring in line faster, which is useful when fighting fast-moving fish. Large-arbor reels generally have higher retrieve rates due to their larger diameter. If you often fish for species that make quick runs, a reel with a high retrieve rate will be advantageous.

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