Redington Run Reel Review in 2024 – Fly Reels

In a perfect world of fly fishing, every angler would love to fish a new reel that has been machined and boasts a perfect design and floorless operation.
redington run reel review

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

In today’s world of fly fishing, there are so many fly reels on the market it makes it difficult to choose.

There are just so many things to consider: Die-cast aluminum, machined aluminum, cast carbon, and even 3D printed.

Redington makes great fly reels, and the RUN series of reels is really being noticed and spoken about.

The Redington RUN fly reel is all an angler needs if they are looking for the simplest style and functionality.

Having tested the RUN and put it through its paces, we are happy to give you our Redington RUN Reel Review!

Redington Run Reel Review

redington run review

Redington Run Specs:

Available Size: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 Overall Weight: 4.4 – 5.8oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Die-Cast Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.2 – 4in Colors: Black, Sand, Burgundy, Coyote
Spool Capacity: 75 – 200yds Warranty: Redington Warranty
Drag Type: Carbon Fiber Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

81%
Durability
80%
Drag System Quality
80%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
70%
Aesthetic and Design
70%
Price to Value Ratio
90%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

Check Trident Fly Fishing Price

Check Amazon US/UK Price

The Redington RUN fly reel series is their latest offering in premium die-cast reels.

The RUN is a great reel that is a modified copy of their machined RISE series. The RISE series needs no introduction, and when you first see the RUN, you would notice minor changes, but it’s a very attractive-looking reel all around.

The arbor and porting make for a lightweight reel that is considerably lighter than any of its counterparts, weighing in at approx 4.71 ounces. The stylish porting gives the RUN series a sophisticated, expensive look that won’t break the bank.

The fly reel is available in 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 weights covering everything delicate brookie streams up to light salt work for a few bonefish.

The surprise feature of the RUN series is the compact carbon fiber drag system. The carbon fiber discs tighten when tensioned against each other.

This smooth drag system with no detectable startup inertia is very soft and will outperform most reels in its class. The recessed drag knob is one of the differences between the RUN to the RISE; it is said that it won’t catch excess line on the cast. This could still be an issue as it’s still quite prominent.

redington run

Regardless of the drag knob height, it works exceptionally well and is fully closed in, and a half turns with a crisp, clean click.

A push-button spool release makes it easy to change up the Spool with minimum effort. Spools are readily available and inexpensive; the reel size and Spool are also interchangeable with the RISE series spool size. That’s a nice little feature, whether planned or not.

The reel handle is soft-touch plastic, as with the BEHEMOTH and ZERO series. This is very comfortable and very user-friendly.

The fly reel has a quality sound when the drag is engaged or online retrieval. This is always a great feature of a fly fishing reel to hear the sound of a screaming drag when the fish runs.

One thing to note is the fact that most cast reels can be a little fragile when dropped or bumped. Judging by the build and paint, it should be able to take a bit of a beating. Hopefully, the RUN series will live up to the popular BEHEMOTH series.

redington run specification

Summarized Features

  • Die-cast design
  • Ported, large arbor with a quick line retrieval
  • Compact carbon fiber drag with smooth pick up
  • Easy to adjust drag knob
  • Push-button system to release the Spool
  • Spools are changeable with the RISE series
  • Rounded foot for line protection
  • Soft-touch rubber handle
  • Nylon reel case
  • Lifetime warranty

Specifications

Reel Size: 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 weights

Measured Weight: approx 4.71 ounces for the 5/6 weight reel

Diameter: The 5/6 weight measures in at 3.6 inches

Machined/Cast: Die-Cast Aluminum alloy

Inner Spool Width: approx 1 inch

Arbor: The whole series of reels have large arbors.

Backing Capacity: WF3- 75 yards, 20LBS backing; WF 5- 100 yards, 20LBS backing; WF 7- 200yards, 20 LBS backing

Drag: The carbon Fiber system is not completely sealed.

Spool Release: Easy push-button with simple insert and click to replace

Test Reel Color: Black, Burgandy, Coyote, silver, and sand color schemes

Reel Pouch Included: a Nylon reel case is included

R/L Interchangeable: All the reels are interchangeable between left and right.

Spare Spool: $54.99

Reel Price: $119.9

redington run pros con

Pros

  • Lightweight design, arbor size large, and plenty of porting make the reel super light and offer a fast line retrieval.
  • Easy to change spools with a quick push release button.
  • Smooth drag system with no startup inertia.
  • Clear, attractive click
  • Spools are interchangeable with the RISE series.
  • Selection of great cool colors to choose from.
  • Great value.
  • Lifetime warranty.

Cons

  • Cast reels have the reputation of being prone to breaking if bumped or dropped (time will tell)
  • The extruded drag knob could still be an issue even though it has an overhaul in design.
  • Slight imperfections as a result of the die casting process, but they aren’t that noticeable if you aren’t looking out for them.
  • Semi-sealed, the drag isn’t completely sealed, which can cause some issues in the larger versions, especially if used for light salt work.

redington run conclusion

Conclusion

In a perfect world of fly fishing, every angler would love to fish a new reel that has been machined and boasts a perfect design and floorless operation. But these qualities come at a hefty price, and not all anglers can or want to spend these amounts of money.

Born are the cast reels, produced in bulk at a fraction of the price, and many of them offer pretty good long-lasting operations.

The RUN series is one of these beauts, excellent price point, good-looking, functional design that will cover the general fly fisher’s challenges and conditions.

The RUN has many perks; the smooth drag is one of them. If you have fished the Redington Rise reel you really wouldn’t tell the difference between the two. That’s saying a lot for the design, drag, and operation of the Redington RUN.

Another bonus to the RUN series is that the spools are interchangeable with the RISE series machined reels which is a great inside tip to remember.

Overall, the Run is a fantastic reel for its price. You won’t go wrong with adding on to your arsenal of reels; whether your main reel or not, it will impress.

Tight lines!

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

Leave a Comment

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

Scroll to Top