This is not just a beginner reel. It is affordable but not cheap. This reel has quality equal to if not superior to many “big name” reels in the $200 plus range. Too many fisherman think they need to spend $400 and up on a fly reel. That is simply BS. You do not need a Ross or Tibor fly reel to catch 8” trout and panfish which will never touch your drag or backing on your 3 wt. This is a damn good real for even established fly guys. The price snobbery in fly fishing is out of control. Dont even get me started on $800 fly rods. That is simply asinine.
A great reel. Machining is good. line is not bad. For the price it is a fantastic reel that has performed flawlessly on everything from Smallmouth & Largemouth, some over 4lbs. Trout up to 21” & even down to the shore for Schoolie stripers. Salt has been no problem. I fish sealed and no sealed reels in salt with no problems. Pull the spool of, swish around in bucket of water wipe down and let air dry. This is a killer reel that if it said O-VIS on the side would cost WAYY more.
Stuck between this reel and the Okuma Helios SX. On here you say this reel has a cork drag system but I'm pretty sure the product page says carbon fiber which if true is better than the Okuma which is felt. The Okuma cost about twice as much but I'm not sure it's really a better reel.
What did you end up going with? I was between both but just found reviews saying the okuma only lasted a few fish before drag system failing. I bought a super cheap maxcatch set and the die cast reel blows so I want to get a little upgrade in reel department but not trying to spend 100+ for reel as I'm a beginner
I had a 5wt for about 4 years, they’re a great entry level fly reel. A few things I did not like was the drag system as it would stick or come loose when pulling line for a cast. Also the spacing between the arbor and main frame was not the best, your line will slide through the crease. I understand that it’s only 50 bucks, but I want people to know that you’re getting what you pay for, it’s equivalent to a Zebco 33 for the fly fishing community. It’s a great reel for little bass or small native brookies, but I wouldn’t trust it with a fish of a lifetime.
Wish I watched some videos but a dude told me just get any of the cheap kits to get started. My maxcatch die cast reel that came with their extreme rod package is absolute garbage. Not even smooth to reel it at all it like catches in two spots from rough machining. I can see imperfections. Been considering returning it as I'm still in that window. Then I'd just order one these reels and some other rod
Been using the Sword rod and reel for over a year. Great combo, reliable, no issues. Best budget/ serious entry level combo IMO.
This is not just a beginner reel. It is affordable but not cheap. This reel has quality equal to if not superior to many “big name” reels in the $200 plus range. Too many fisherman think they need to spend $400 and up on a fly reel. That is simply BS. You do not need a Ross or Tibor fly reel to catch 8” trout and panfish which will never touch your drag or backing on your 3 wt. This is a damn good real for even established fly guys. The price snobbery in fly fishing is out of control. Dont even get me started on $800 fly rods. That is simply asinine.
I might pick this up for light saltwater
I have 5 of them. They work great and look good!
A great reel. Machining is good. line is not bad.
For the price it is a fantastic reel that has performed flawlessly on everything from Smallmouth & Largemouth, some over 4lbs. Trout up to 21” & even down to the shore for Schoolie stripers. Salt has been no problem. I fish sealed and no sealed reels in salt with no problems. Pull the spool of, swish around in bucket of water wipe down and let air dry.
This is a killer reel that if it said O-VIS on the side would cost WAYY more.
good review the reel actually looks pretty good for $44.I wouldnt mind seeing what you think of the reel a year down the line
For sure. When I started fly fishing there were definitely no decent reels at this pricepoint. Pretty amazing.
Stuck between this reel and the Okuma Helios SX. On here you say this reel has a cork drag system but I'm pretty sure the product page says carbon fiber which if true is better than the Okuma which is felt. The Okuma cost about twice as much but I'm not sure it's really a better reel.
What did you end up going with? I was between both but just found reviews saying the okuma only lasted a few fish before drag system failing. I bought a super cheap maxcatch set and the die cast reel blows so I want to get a little upgrade in reel department but not trying to spend 100+ for reel as I'm a beginner
Right hand retrieve?
can be either
I had a 5wt for about 4 years, they’re a great entry level fly reel. A few things I did not like was the drag system as it would stick or come loose when pulling line for a cast. Also the spacing between the arbor and main frame was not the best, your line will slide through the crease. I understand that it’s only 50 bucks, but I want people to know that you’re getting what you pay for, it’s equivalent to a Zebco 33 for the fly fishing community. It’s a great reel for little bass or small native brookies, but I wouldn’t trust it with a fish of a lifetime.
Nice .Everything you need ...except spare spools.
Nice review! You mentioned it was "saltwater ready", but is the drag system sealed? Thanks in advance.
as a spin fisherman, I wouldn't say budget is the word, more, affordable. But the price is quite nice.
Maxcatch makes pretty decent stuff. Stay away from their lower priced offerings. It's crap.
I have to agree with you. My Piscifun is a lot better than my Maxcatch ECO. No issues with the Maxcatch Extreme rod though.
Wish I watched some videos but a dude told me just get any of the cheap kits to get started. My maxcatch die cast reel that came with their extreme rod package is absolute garbage. Not even smooth to reel it at all it like catches in two spots from rough machining. I can see imperfections. Been considering returning it as I'm still in that window. Then I'd just order one these reels and some other rod