A large arbor workhorse, Orvis’ Hydros SL fly reels are an indubitable staple amongst fresh and saltwater fly fishermen alike. Available in five sizes to work with line weights across the board, the Hydros SL, according to Orvis, delivers a “12% increase in line retrieval thanks to our super large arbor.” No doubt, retrieval is unabashedly smooth, startup inertia remarkable, and drag off the charts—especially for the price. And while the arbor is large, the spool is slim—simultaneously minimizing line stacking and maximizing backing capacity. Also, the drag mechanism is sealed to encourage oceanic endeavors. Pair it with the Helios 2 for a killer combo.
Best for: Trusting your kit without breaking the bank on a reel
Tech Specs
Key Features
- Fully machined frame and spool
- Super-large arbor
- Fully sealed disc drag system
- Narrow spool
- Asymmetric drag knob
- Left- or right-handed retrieve
Size: [II] 3.5 in, [III] 3.875 in, [IV] 4.25 in, [V] 4.5 in
Material: aluminum
