Orvis Mirage Review in 2024 – Fly Reels

In this orvis mirage review we take the Orvis for a spin to see if it's the ideal fly reel for you. Take a minute to read our review and see exactly what this reel has to offer.
Orvis mirage Review

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You’ve probably heard of the Orvis Mirage fly reel. Maybe you’ve had the chance to admire one out on the river, or even try it out for yourself. This mid-range to premium reel has been making waves since it arrived on the scene, so we couldn’t wait to get our hands on this popular fly reel and review it for you!

So, here’s the lowdown on the Mirage! In this Orvis Mirage review, we’ll dig deep into the features from the construction to the drag system, ergonomics, and more. Read on to find out whether the new Mirage is the right fly reel for you!

Orvis Reel Mirage USA

Orvis Mirage Specs:

Available Size: 3 – 13 Overall Weight: 5.6 – 12oz
Arbor Size: Extra Large Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.5 – 5in Colors: Midnight, Pewter
Spool Capacity: 125 – 600yds Warranty: Orvis Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

91%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
100%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
90%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
90%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

Orvis Mirage fly reel

Check AvidMax Price

Available Sizes

  • Mirage II for line weights 3-5
  • The III for line weights 5-7
  • The IV for line weights 7-9
  • The V for line weights 9-11
  • The VI for line weights 11-13
  • Mirage VI-Deep for line weights 13-15

Orvis Mirage Review

The Mirage is a super versatile and one of the most effective fly reels with premium features. It has a user-friendly design for a smooth, impressive performance, every single time.

If you’re into saltwater fishing or love the adrenaline rush of going for big beasts when fly fishing, the Mirage might be exactly what you’ve been looking for! With a bombproof disc drag and corrosion-resistant components, you can take this reel fly fishing anywhere.

There’s the right Orvis Mirage reel out there for everyone, whether you’re a trout fisher or a deep-sea angler. You can even choose between two different types of spools for the Mirage VI, depending on whether you go for bluewater species or if you’re more of a tarpon hunter!

Construction

The Orvis Mirage feels great in handy – sturdy, solid, yet lightweight – and the specs are just as impressive. It’s fully machined from 6061 T6 aluminum barstock and finished with a type III hard coat anodizing that meets military standards. If you thought that a type II finish was all you needed, wait until you try this baby out. The type III finish can withstand anything you (literally) throw at it.

From start to finish, it’s designed and built in New Hampshire, US to exceptional standards – no corners are cut or detail missed. It has a super large arbor, which means you get a fast line retrieve and less line memory. The spool picks up line at an impressive rate, and the porting on the spool allows you to carry plenty of backing.

Plus, the internal mechanisms are manufactured with minute attention to detail. So you get components that are not only strong and hardwearing, but efficient and effective, too.

The result is incredible durability and faultless performance. It’s hard to find flaws in this fly reel, and it compares favorably against other reels in the same price range.

Orvis Reel Mirage USA

Drag System

This Orvis reel boasts a fully sealed carbon and stainless steel disc drag. It’s as durable and powerful as it sounds, with a unique ball-and-ramp drag mechanism. This proprietary design (pending patent) means that you can make ridiculously smooth and precise adjustments, and you won’t need to worry about startup inertia.

What’s more, it requires practically no maintenance for the ultimate ease of use. There’s no regular dismantling and finicky cleaning with this Orvis reel – it’s completely maintenance-free! That translates to more time on the water, something that every fly angler will be happy to hear.

To sum up the drag section of our Orvis Mirage review, this reel can easily handle anything from trophy-size trout to steelfish, tarpon, and other saltwater whoppers. But it will also protect your lighter tippet, and making the switch from light to full drag takes a fraction of a second.

Weight

We have to say straight up that this isn’t the lightest fly reel on the market. But it balances out the fly rod beautifully, for a fishing setup that works wonders. The Mirage II comes in at 6.2 ounces, while the V model (for 9-11 weight rods) weighs 9.7 ounces.

So as you can see, there are lighter rods available. If you’re looking for a super-light rod, you might be better off going for something else. But if you’re after an excellent all-rounder, this beauty won’t let you down.

Orvis Reel Mirage USA

Ergonomics

The ergonomics and other features are pretty slick, too, from the knurled drag knob to the fully radiused reel foot. The drag knob has a nice shape that is easy to grab. It requires just one turn to get you to maximum drag, so you can put on the breaks and stop that fish in its tracks.

The machined aluminum handle also has a comfortable, ergonomic shape, while the quick-release spool allows for speedy conversion from left-hand to right-hand operation. This reel truly ticks all the boxes!

Pros

  • Incredible performance
  • Powerful, easily adjustable drag
  • Faultless craftsmanship
  • Very durable and hardwearing

Cons

  • Not the lightest reel on the market

Orvis Reel Mirage USA

FAQ

Where are Orvis Mirage reels made?

Orvis Mirage reels are made in Korea.

Is Orvis Mirage reel machined?

Yes, the Orvis Mirage reel is machined from a solid block of aerospace-grade aluminum.

Is Orvis mirage fully sealed?

Yes, the Orvis Mirage reel is fully sealed and waterproof, making it suitable for all environments.

Can you use the Mirage for freshwater and saltwater?

Yes, the Orvis Mirage reel is designed for both freshwater and saltwater use.

The Wrap Up

The new Mirage from Orvis provides a consistent performance every time – it feels in a class of its own compared to other products on the market. It’s hard to put into words what’s so good about this product, as it all comes together so smoothly and effectively. But if you fish with the Mirage reel, you’ll know what I mean – and you won’t want to go back to anything else, either!

So if you want to take your fly fishing hobby to the next level, invest in one of these spectacular reels. You won’t regret it! It brings performance, craftsmanship, a super-strong drag, and premium features to the table – plus, it’s effortless to use and maintain.

Can’t afford the Mirage just yet? Not to worry – we’ve reviewed tons of reels from budget buys to sturdy workhorses at Fly Fisher Pro. Or maybe you’re looking for the perfect fly rod to pair with your new reel – we’ve got you covered there too! If you have any questions, feel free to drop them below in the comments and I’ll get back to you ASAP!

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