Abel Reels Complete Lineup Review in 2024 – Fly Reels

Abel has a wide range of reels for every angler. In this post, we give you our thorough review of every Abel reels available in the market today. From freshwater to saltwater fly reels, we covered it all here.
abel reels review

Fly Fisher Pro is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more.

Since 1980, Abel Reels has been producing some of the best quality fly reels around. Loved by top guides and fishers all over the world, Abel offers quality, performance, and intelligent design. What’s more, every single reel is manufactured in Colorado, USA, to the standard you’d expect.

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest TechnologyVAYA Series
  • Great Design
  • Great Aesthetics
  • Great for Trout Fishing
Check Today's Price
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest LightweightAbel TR
  • Fast Retrieve
  • Integrated Spool Clicker
  • Carefully Constructed
Check Today's Price
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest For TroutModel SDF
  • Broad Range
  • Made In USA
  • Great Freshwater
Check Today's Price
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest SaltwaterModel SDS
  • Durable
  • Great For Big Fish
  • Fully-Sealed Multi-Disc Drag System
Check Today's Price
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest DurabilitySuper Series
  • Standard Large Arbor
  • Hand-Anodized Finish
  • Robust Aluminum Frame
Check Today's Price
With a wide range of reels for every situation, Abel has the perfect reel for every angler. Here’s a quick guide so you can find the right sort of reel for you!

Abel Fly Reels

Here are all the reel models that are currently available. From saltwater to freshwater reels, Abel produces every sort of reel you could ever need.

If there’s a particular reel you’re interested in, you can shop online or visit your nearest shop that sells Abel. Check here to find your local shop/Abel dealer.  Most online retailers also offer free shipping, so in most cases, you won’t have to factor shipping into the price if you buy online.

VAYA Series

Abel Vaya Fly Reel Review

Vaya Series Specs:

Available Size: 4 – 8 Overall Weight: 5.16 – 5.45oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.36 – 3.88in Colors: – Black
Spool Capacity: 4 + 100 20# 5+ 85 20#, 5+100 20# 6+80 20#, 7+ 150 20# 8+ 125 20# Warranty: Abel Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

87%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
90%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
100%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Check Trident Fly Fishing Price

Available Sizes

  • 3/4
  • 5/6
  • 7/8

Description

The VAYA is a work of art, anodized by hand with a stunning pattern. The VAYA Series boast a large spool, dual-pawl drag engagement design, and a stainless/carbon multi-disk drag system. When it comes to technology, design, and aesthetics, the VAYA series by Abel are second to none.

The Vaya is suitable for trout fishing, as well as smaller saltwater fish. These lightweight but sturdy Abel are more than worth the mid-range price of $495. You can buy the VAYA in sizes 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8.

Abel TR

Abel TR Rights Reserved

Abel TR Specs:

Available Size: 2/3, 4/5, 5/6 Overall Weight: 4.19 – 5.19oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.06 – 3.68in Colors: – Black
Spool Capacity: 2+65 #20, 4+85 #20, 5+ 110 20# Warranty: Abel Warranty
Drag Type: Click-Pawl Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

79%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
60%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
70%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Check Trident Fly Fishing Price

Available Sizes

  • 2/3
  • 4/5
  • 5/6

Description

The Abel TR is a classic product from Abel, now re-released with some modern twists. The redesigned Abel TR looks edgy, is lighter than ever, with the iconic partial porting of Abel rods. Not a single detail has been missed on the Abel TR, right down to the machined silhouettes of stoneflies, mayflies, and caddisflies on the inner frame.

The larger spool means that you get less line memory and a faster retrieve, while the integrated spool clicker eliminates the need for an external counterweight. The TR is constructed and finished with careful attention to detail.

Model SDF

Abel SDF Rights Reserved

Model SDF Specs:

Available Size: 4/5, 5/6, 6/7 Overall Weight: 5.02 – 5.63oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061-T651 Cold Finished Machined Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.26 – 3.76in Colors: Multi
Spool Capacity: 4 + 90 #20, 5 + 125 #20, 6 + 165 #20 Warranty: Abel Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

86%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Check Trident Fly Fishing Price

Available Sizes

  • 4/5
  • 5/6
  • 6/7

Description

The SDF (Sealed Drag Fresh) is an awesome machined for chasing trout, bass, and more. It performs exceptionally out on the water, with hardly any startup inertia, and a fantastic drag system of carbon fluoropolymer and stainless steel. You can adjust the drag more easily and with a broader range than before, from zero up to a whopping 10 pounds of pressure.

As with almost all Abel reels, it has the standard large arbor, which aids line retrieval and reduces your line memory. The SDF is constructed by experts in Colorado, among the best trout waters. So it’s not hard to see why this reel stands out so much! 

If you’ve been looking for the best sort of freshwater reel, check out the SDF by Abel. You can shop online (with shipping included in the price) or find your nearest fly shop to check out the Model SDF in person.

Model SDS

Abel Model SDS Rights Reserved

Model SDS Specs:

Available Size: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 Overall Weight: 9.07 – 9.95oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061-T651 Cold Finished Machined Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.86 – 4.84in Colors: Multi
Spool Capacity: 7 260 + #20, 9 + 250 20#, 11 + 285 + 30# Warranty: Abel Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

86%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Check Trident Fly Fishing Price

Available Sizes

  • 7/8
  • 9/10
  • 11/12

Description

The SDS is Abel’s saltwater-specific product, designed to withstand the harsh, corrosive conditions of the sea. So if you’ve been on the search for a reel that can handle fishing off-shore, the SDS is the reel for you!

With a buttery smooth drag and all the power you need for big saltwater gamefish, this reel does not disappoint. In fact, it’s won many awards and is well worth the price, which starts at $895. 

Equipped with a fully-sealed multi-disc drag system, large arbor, and quick-change spool, the SDS by Abel is exactly what you need. Shop online for the SDS, or if you wan’t wait for the shipping time, find your nearest Abel dealer/shop instead!

Super Series

Abel Super Series Reel Review

Super Series Specs:

Available Size: 4/5, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10, 11/12, 12 Overall Weight: 5.42 – 10.06oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061-T651 cold finished Aerospace grade aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.3 – 4.7in Colors: –
Spool Capacity: 4 + 100 20#, 6 + 80 20#, 5 + 115 20#, 6 + 95 20#, 7 + 220 20#, 8 + 200 20#, 9 + 300 20#, 10 + 250 20#, 11 + 285 30#, 12 + 250 30#, 11 + 285 30#, 12 + 250 30# Warranty: Abel Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

80%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
70%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
60%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Check Trident Fly Fishing Price

Available Sizes

  • 4/5
  • 5/6
  • 7/8
  • 9/10
  • 11/12
  • 12

Description

The Super Series has been around since 1999. These models have a robust aluminum frame and the standard large arbor size of all Abel reels.

And as you’d expect, the Super Series also look amazing, with the iconic hand-anodized finish. An excellent reel to take out on any fly fishing trip! You can shop for the Super Series online (shipping included) or from any Abel dealer/shop.

Limited Edition – AC/DC and Johnny Cash

Abel Limited Edition

Overall Score

86%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
100%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Check Limited Edition AC/DC Price From Abel

Check Limited Edition Johnny Cash Price From Abel

Available Sizes

Limited Edition AC/DC
  • 5/6
  • 7/8
Limited Edition Johnny Cash

Overall Score

86%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
80%
Aesthetic and Design
100%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

  • 5/6
  • 7/8

Description

If you’re an AC/DC fan or you adore Johnny Cash, you’ll love this premium, special edition. These incredible, hand-painted models will be available in a tiny number, individually serialized. So if you’re a fan of the rock stars AC/DC or the legendary Johnny Cash, take the opportunity to snap them up before they run out. The high price reflects the hours of meticulous care that goes into these one-of-a-kind reels.

You can shop for them directly from the Abel online shop, with shipping included. And if you miss these limited edition models, don’t worry. Abel runs different special editions from time to time.

Mooching Reel

Abel Mooching Reel

Mooching Reel Specs:

Available Size:  Overall Weight: 15.52oz
Arbor Size: Mid Material: 303 stainless steel
Spool Diameter: 4.7in Colors: –
Spool Capacity: 550 50# Mono Warranty: Abel Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

84%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
90%
Weight and Balance
80%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
70%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Check Moching Reel Price

Description

The company introduced the Mooching reel in 2013 after plenty of extensive testing in the factory and out on the water. The Mooching reels are designed specifically for anglers who use the mooching fly fishing technique. This means combining a disc-drag system with monofilament line for open water fishing.

These models are constructed in Colorado, as all Abel reels are. The price reflects the high quality and attention to detail that go into this sort of premium products. 

The Mooching reels come equipped with a stellar cork drag system, standard large arbor, and a bigger, milled aluminum drag knob for easy adjustments. So if you’ve been on the search for a mooching reel, this is the product for you! You can get free shipping when you shop online, too.

FAQs

Are Abel reels worth it?

Yes, Abel reels are worth the investment. Abel reels are high-quality fly fishing reels that are well-crafted and built to last. They are designed to offer smooth performance, excellent drag and reliable operation. They are a great choice for anglers who want a reliable reel that will last for years.

Are Abel and Ross Reels the same company?

No, Abel and Ross Reels are not the same company. Abel is an American company that manufactures fly fishing reels, and Ross is an American company that manufactures fly fishing rods.

Who owns Abel reel?

Abel Reels is owned by The Abel Family, which includes four generations of reel makers. The company was founded in 1980 by Jack Abel, a former aerospace engineer and avid fisherman.

Where are Abel reels made?

Abel Reels are made in Montrose, Colorado, USA.

Does Abel make spinning reels?

No, Abel does not make spinning reels. Abel only makes fly fishing reels.

The Wrap Up

So there you have our guide and reviews to all the Abel fly reels, from the Super Series to the VAYA series. All of the Abel reels are constructed from superior materials in the Abel factory in Colorado, USA. With a dedicated team of rod designers and manufacturers, quality and performance are assured.

Every Abel product is carefully designed and tested before it hits the market, so it meets the fly angler’s needs. You can even select a custom finish from a wide variety of cool, colorful designs, to make your Abel reel stand out. The extra custom job comes at a high price, but if you want a unique Abel reel that looks amazing, it’s worth the splurge.

You can buy online from your favorite shop (most offer free shipping when you buy one of the Abel reels). Or, if you don’t want to factor in shipping time, search for your nearest Abel shop instead.

If you found this guide and reviews to Abel reels, drop us a comment to let us know which of the Abel product range you’re most tempted by! And don’t forget to share this Abel reel guide on Facebook or Twitter, to

Save Up To 50% At Trident Fly Fishing

We’ve partnered with Trident Fly Fishing to get you EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS on a huge selection of fly fishing gear. I highly recommend checking out their USED GEAR SECTION to save a ton on a premium rod and reel.

Trident Fly Fishing Deal

1 thought on “Abel Reels Complete Lineup Review in 2024 – Fly Reels”

Leave a Reply to Mike Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top