Orvis Mirage LT

Usually, lower weight means a higher price. Not so for Orvis’ Mirage LT—it’s 30% lighter and 30% narrower than the original Mirage but available at a cheaper price point. The LT is designed to pair with lighter freshwater rods, and we tested the LT with the Orvis Helios, and the lightweight reel synced up perfectly with the Helios’ highly accurate build. The machined exoskeleton is built from a durable aluminum construction, while type II anodizing offers up several attractive colorways. We were impressed by the sealed carbon fiber and stainless steel disc drag system, which is adjustable on the fly and offers ample, fluid drag. While dubbed a “lightweight,” we never came close to maxing out drag while fishing for sizable hard-fighting rainbows and browns in Colorado. And when relying on lighter tippets and technical, tiny dry flies, minimal start-up inertia helped mitigate lost fish, busted tippets, and involuntary cursing. All told, the Mirage LT offers up the features of a much heavier reel in a compact yet stalwart package that freshwater fly fishermen will appreciate for years to come.