“Whoa!” … or another similar exclamation to that effect was my response when first holding the new Redington ZERO reel in July at ICAST/IFTD in Orlando. While the reel is attractive, its light weight was what provoked such a response. And more time with the Redington ZERO only triggered more one-word positive descriptions.
Interestingly, one of the first things that came to mind when spending time with the ZERO was an old reel from another company that is no longer on the market: the Ross Canyon. In the early 2000s, I thought the Canyon was one of the greatest trout reels ever made. Fully-machined, with a dang-big arbor and seemingly bulletproof, the Canyon seemed to bring together much of the latest in technology and trend at the time. The reel wasn’t the most expensive, but it certainly wasn’t the cheapest, and I thought it deserved the price. So why did I think of the Canyon? Because the ZERO is its opposite … and all for the better.
It turned out that the unnecessarily big and heavy trout reels that came out of the former new era of large arbor reels caused as much harm as good. For instance, the heavy reels truly did throw off the action and balance of the rod. What’s more, it was often for features that weren’t necessary for fighting trout. With the ZERO, function trumps and the result is a reel that feels great on any rod and will be accessible (price-wise) for most anglers.
Between the Orlando showroom floor and on the water in California, here are some additional words (beyond “whoa”) to describe the Redington ZERO:
Attractive
This reel looks good. The ZERO looks both light and strong and does not feature any unwelcoming flair. The ZERO comes in two colors: black and sand.
Affordable
All models are $89.95 with spools for $49.95. Seriously. (Enough said.) But to say more, many trout anglers contend that spending priorities should be the rod and line then reel. For many, this has often resulted in purchasing mediocre reels. Now, with the ZERO, anglers can get a high-performing, well-made reel for less than the line and backing that goes on it.
Light
The ZERO is the lightest in its class, and this aspect of the reel is likely the first thing you will notice. As mentioned above, this will result in optimal performance of your rod.
Among other features, the large arbor reel will result in a faster retrieve as well as smooth release of line when a pig pulls line. And when this happens, the ZERO’s spring-loaded clicker drag system has an audible click that will bring a nice sound to the battle.
To check out more on the Redington ZERO, please click here.
– Tim Harden
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Disclosure: Redington is in a professional relationship with the Fly Fishing Guide Directory, LLC and The Venturing Angler. Though potentially benefiting from this relationship, we do not post what we do not believe to be true. To read more, click here.
My 4/5 Zero does not balance with my 9′ 5wt Classic Trout any suggestions?
Bought the 2/3 for a new 3wt rod. LOVE it. However, watch how much backing you put on because it will not hold 100yds of 20lb. and a standard fly line no matter what the Redington site says.
I like “room” between my line and the reel when spooled and I stopped well short of a 100yds. It still wasn’t enough. Ere on the side of less; much less. My line is Scientific Anglers Sharkwave GPX WF3F.
GREAT site VA!
ddchile