Redington Zero Fly Reel Review (Hands-on Tried & Tested)

Redington Zero Fly Reel: my game-changer for unforgettable fly fishing with standout features and performance.

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Over the last fourteen years, I have fixated on the world of fly fishing, and throughout the past four trout seasons, I have spent a considerable amount of time targeting brown trout with the Redington zero fly reel. This article aims to offer you an in-depth evaluation of the reel’s performance, its key features, as well as its limitations. 

The Redington Zero fly reel stands out as one of the most enjoyable reels I’ve experienced for light-action fly fishing. In this Redington Zero fly reel review uncover the distinctive feature that sets this fly reel apart from its competitors.

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Why Trust My Redington Zero Fly Reel Review?

Before we commence our in-depth review of the Redington zero fly reel it should be noted that at Into Fly Fishing, we exclusively assess gear that our team has extensively field-tested. This commitment to comprehensive testing ensures that Into Fly Fishing remains a  reputable, trustworthy source of information for all fly fishing enthusiasts. 

An up-close image of the Redington zero fly reel.

Having had the privilege of extensively testing a diverse array of fly reels, handling some of the finest gear on the market. I continually seek to find the best all-around reel available and in terms of value for the price, the Redington Zero continues to stand out as a formidable contender for this position.

How I Fished The Redington Zero Fly Reel

I’ve been using the Redington Zero for the past four trout seasons, particularly at the start of the season before the larger migratory fish enter the rivers in Ireland. My primary focus with this reel is targeting small brown trout and I find the reel’s action and satisfying click enhance the enjoyment of landing these smaller, hard-fighting fish.

Despite subjecting the reel to a fair amount of abuse and pushing it to its limits, I’ve been surprised at how little maintenance it requires to stay in good condition. Currently, I have a budget-friendly floating line on the reel, however, if I were to recommend a setup for this line, it would be the Rio Gold Floating Line series due to their versatility and high quality.

What’s In The Box?

Redington’s packaging is relatively straightforward; within the cardboard box, you’ll discover the reel itself, a reel pouch, and a small owner’s manual.

Reel

At first glance, the reel stands out for its exceptional lightweight design. Unpacking the Redington Zero fly reel, I distinctly recall being amazed at its truly weightless construction.

The Redington zero fly reel in the case

Reel Pouch

The reel pouch features Redington’s custom red embroidered logo on the front. It’s a black pouch equipped with velcro for easy opening and closing and a soft interior for added protection. The quality of the stitching on the pouch is commendable.

The Redington zero fly reel case.

Owner Manual

The owner’s manual is a small leaflet located at the bottom of the box, containing all the essential reel-related information. It’s advisable to retain your owner’s manual as it typically includes contact details and warranty information.

Redington Zero Review Features & Specs

In this section, we will dive into the species and features of the redingotn zero fly reel. We will discuss essential information such as weight, warranty, ergonomics, and comfort. 

The fly spool detached

Knowing the specs of a fly reel before purchasing is crucial to ensure the reel aligns with your desired fishing style and ability. Making an informed choice based on these specs will ensure you get the best fly reel match.

Weight

The Redington Zero fly reel, weighing a mere 2.7 ounces, is remarkably lightweight and stands as one of the lightest in my collection. Available in two models, the 2 / 3 and the 4 / 5, with a range of diameters, the larger diameter reels tip the scales at a total of 3 ounces.

Warranty

Redington’s warranty is exceptional; as of 2019, they explicitly cover any material or workmanship defects, offering a lifetime warranty for the original owner. However, it’s crucial to highlight that second-hand buyers do not fall under this warranty coverage. 

Additionally, it’s worth noting that this warranty excludes direct, indirect, consequential, and incidental damages.

Sound

Crafted with the intent of being the lightest fly reel under $100, the Redington Zero features a classic click-check sound. While I appreciate the satisfying click of the drag system, it’s worth noting that some anglers may find the louder noise off-putting.

Reel Handle

The Redington fly reel has a twin-molded, soft-touch ergonomic handle, providing a comfortable feel in hand. While I appreciate its ergonomic design, there are instances where it lacks grip; however, custom add-ons for enhancing the handle’s size can be found on platforms like Etsy.

Changing Spools

Changing spools is incredibly straightforward with the Redington Zero; simply press down on the button in the center of the reel, and the spool comes off effortlessly. It’s one of the easiest spool changes I’ve encountered on a fly reel.

Finish

The Redington zero fly reel stands out with its die-cast construction, presenting a choice of two sizes and an array of distinctive colors—Avocado, Sand, Matte Black, and more. The reel’s construction and finish not only offer a pleasing aesthetic but also play a crucial role in enhancing its lightweight performance.

Drag System

The Redington zero fly reel has a click-check drag system, specifically designed for applications like small trout fishing where an overpowering drag is unnecessary. Comprising an anodized aluminum clicker and a Delrin gear, the materials chosen for the drag system strike a balance, minimizing weight while ensuring increased reliability.

Available Colors

The Redingto Zero fly reel comes in a wide variety of colors, currently, there are four main colors displayed on the website, which are burgundy, matte black, avocado, and wolf grey. However, you can find previous models with alternative colorways such as the Dreamsicle zero fly reel.

Durability

Durability-wise, the Redington Zero may not top the charts among fly reels on the market, but it is more than suitable for most lightweight fishing applications, serving its purpose admirably.

Overall Ergonomics

The Redington Zero fly reel excels in overall ergonomics with its twin-molded, soft-touch ergonomic handle that provides a comfortable grip during extended use.

Drag Tension

The Redington Zero fly reel lacks a strong drag system, but for its intended purpose, I don’t consider it a necessary component. Users should refrain from using this reel in situations that demand a robust and adaptable drag.

Comfort

The reel feels excellent in hand, providing comfort for long day sessions on the water. It demands minimal strength to operate, making it an overall satisfactory choice.

Made in the USA

All of Redington’s products are handcrafted in Bainbridge Island, Washington, ensuring that you receive a high-quality, American-made product when choosing to invest in Redington.

How The Redington Zero Fly Reel Compares

Among the primary competitors, including the Orvis Clearwater, L.L.Bean Quest, and Echo Ion, the Redington Zero stands out as the lightest option. Despite its competitors, the Redington fly reel maintains a weight advantage.

An up-close look at the click-check drag system.

While the Orvis Clearwater is a commendable reel, its limitation in smaller sizes is notable, as the standard Clearwater size is 4/6 weight, a common trait among many reels under $100.

The L.L.Bean Quest, another solid option, offers smaller sizes like the 3/5 weight models. However, it leans towards the heavier side, weighing in at 6.1 ounces, doubling the weight of the Redington Zero.

The Echo Ion emerges as a close competitor with its large arbor hybrid machined and cast aluminum design, starting from a 2/3 weight, making it a comparable choice to the Redington Zero.

Redington Zero Review: My Personal Thoughts

Pros:

  • Redington’s click-check drag system
  • The reel’s simplistic design, making cleaning easier
  • The efficiency of the reel’s spool changing 

Cons:

  • The reels lack of durability 
  • The reels lack of usability 

I would wholeheartedly recommend this reel to fellow fly fishermen. I adore the click-check drag system, particularly when engaging with smaller brown trout—it genuinely enhances the overall excitement of the experience.

The reel’s simplistic design not only makes it easy to clean but also features an efficient spool-changing mechanism; with just a click of a button, I can seamlessly transition between sinking and floating line setups.

Pressing the release mechanism on the Redington reel

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that the reel’s lightweight construction comes at the expense of durability. While this trade-off is understandable for the specific purpose of targeting smaller fish species, it may not be the ideal choice for those seeking a more robust product. 

The Redington’s spool in the case

Another consideration is the reel’s limited usability, best suited for targeting smaller species in streams. Consequently, I wouldn’t recommend it to someone without a diverse reel collection catering to various fly-fishing scenarios.

FAQs About Redington Zero Fly Reel

In this section, we will address frequently asked questions regarding the Redington Zero fly reel.

Is it necessary to invest in high-priced fly reels?

Investing in high-priced fly reels is not necessary unless you aspire to become a competition angler. In such instances, opting for a higher-priced reel may provide a strategic advantage attributable to enhanced build quality, increased durability for larger fish, and superior drag systems.

Is the Redington rise fully sealed?

Yes, the Redington Rise is crafted with a fully sealed, robust disc drag system. This drag system is not only smooth and lightweight but also delivers a performance that sets a new standard for Redington.

Who makes the best fly reels in the world?

Several premier fly fishing reel brands include Hardy, Redington, Abel, Tibor, Hatch, Ross, Nautilus, Bauer, Sage, and Lamson.

What is the best size fly reel?

Identifying the ideal size for a fly reel hinges on the specific type of fishing you’re undertaking. Generally, fly reels in the 3-5 weight range are well-suited for trout and bass, while those in the 8-12 weight range are better suited for pursuits such as tarpon and GT fishing.

Are Redington rods made by Sage?

Redington rods are not directly manufactured by Sage; however, it’s noteworthy that both companies are under the ownership of Far Bank.

Who owns Redington?

Redington is owned by Far Bank, the same entity that possesses Sage and Rio.

Does an expensive fly rod make a difference?

Yes, an expensive fly rod can make a difference in several aspects. With a pricier fly rod, you often gain the ability to cast farther and more efficiently. Additionally, you’ll experience better control over the fish, thanks to improved sensitivity and feel provided by the higher-quality materials and craftsmanship.

How much does a good fly fishing reel cost?

A quality fly fishing reel typically falls within the price range of $200 to $300. Reels in this bracket are designed to endure the challenges of your fishing adventures throughout your lifetime. This category represents an investment for those seeking a reliable product they can confidently settle down with for long-term use.

How do I know what fly reel to buy?

To determine the appropriate fly reel to purchase, ensure that the size of the spool matches the size of the rod you plan to use. This compatibility ensures optimal performance

What key considerations should guide my choice of fly line for freshwater fly fishing?

When selecting a fly line for freshwater fly fishing, you should consider  the type of fish you’re targeting, conditions, rod and reel setup, line weight, water type (rivers, lakes, etc.), and choose the appropriate line taper e (e.g., nymphing, dry fly, or streamer fishing)

The Verdict

I hope this Redington Zero fly reel review highlights its exceptional qualities. Overall, my experiences with this reel have been overwhelmingly positive, and I’m impressed by its durability relative to its size. The reel’s lightweight and compact design makes it incredibly convenient; I toss it into my fly fishing bag, often forgetting it’s there until I need it.

The Redington’s spool detached

I believe the reel’s true appeal lies in its specialization. Purchasing this reel means investing in a product specifically crafted for light fly fishing, targeting smaller trout.

Shop The Redington Zero Fly Reel

View the Redington Zero Fly Reel and compare prices on AMAZON.

Compare At:
TRIDENT

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Its engineering caters to this specific purpose, making it the optimal choice if that’s the type of fishing experience you enjoy.

The Redington zero-fly reel

In summary, the Redington Zero excels in practicality, efficiency, and specialization, offering an impressive solution for those passionate about fly fishing for small trout.

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Meet Daniel O'Neill, a writer and angler from Northern Ireland. With a love for fly fishing, he excels as a fishing guide and instructor, bringing abundant expertise to his writing. Daniel has taught beginners all over Ireland and guided anglers pursuing Ireland's mighty salmon. At the beginning of Daniel's angling journey, his fondest memories revolve around the joy of catching brown trout with his friends on his local streams. The thrill of experiencing subtle takes on a dry fly and successfully landing the fish brought them immense satisfaction, regardless of the size of the catch. Daniel's early love for fishing has paved the way for many ventures resulting in impressive catches such as bass, sturgeon, double-figure pike, and Atlantic salmon. His angling journey has taken him to various locations worldwide. Daniel has targeted saltwater bass in the Canary Islands, chub in France, carp in Poland as well as trout and salmon in Scotland. As Daniel continues to journey through the world of angling, he remains committed to sharing his experiences and knowledge through his content creation.

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