Ross Reels Complete Lineup Reviewed in 2025

ross reels review

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Ross Reels has been creating top-quality reels since 1973, and their fly reels are built to last a lifetime.

With decades of experience, the team continues to innovate and create exciting new designs.

They aim to inspire adventure by making high-quality products that have been rigorously tested, to meet and exceed your needs out on the water.

Image Product Details  
flyfisherpro-table__imageBest PremiumSan Miguel
  • High-Gloss Black Finish
  • Large Arbor Design
  • Canvas Micarta Handle
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest BudgetAnimas
  • Affordable
  • Versatile
  • Canvas Phenolic Handle
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest For TroutEvolution LTX
  • Robust Drag System
  • Saltwater / Freshwater Ready
  • Smart Spool Design Provides
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest Retro DesignThe Gunnison
  • Sturdy & Durable
  • New Drag Knob
  • Smooth Drag System
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest SaltwaterEvolution R Salt
  • Saltwater Specific
  • Can Handle Big Fish
  • Lightweight
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest LightweightEvolution R
  • Fully Sealed & Durable
  • Ultra-Large Spool
  • Lightweight
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flyfisherpro-table__imageBest For Small StreamThe Colorado LT
  • Elegant Minimalist Design
  • Aluminum Frame & Spool
  • Anodized Aluminum Clicker Cover
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You can shop for Ross online, and many local shop dealers also sell these premium Ross reels. Now, let’s take a closer look at what Ross has to offer!

Ross Fly Reels

Here’s a quick guide to all the best fly reels and products available from Ross Reels!

San Miguel

San Miguel Rights Reserved

San Miguel Specs:

Available Size: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6 Overall Weight: 5.4 – 6oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: –
Spool Diameter: 2.95 – 3.52in Colors: Platinum, Black
Spool Capacity: 65 – 100yds Warranty: Ross Limited Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Carbon Fiber Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

87%
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%

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Available Sizes

  • 3/4
  • 4/5
  • 5/6

Description

Ross Reels introduced the San Miguel reel all the way back in 1973, as one of its very first Ross products. Now it’s back with a complete re-invention and redesign to make it better than ever. The San Miguel’s classic looks sleek out on the water with its high-gloss black finish.

This fly reel has a large arbor design, and you can remove the spool with the touch of a button. You’ll be amazed by the super-smooth operation of this premium reel – it really is second to none. Reeling in fish will be a delight with the San Miguel.

Small touches take this fly reel to the next level, like the canvas micarta handle for better grip in wet conditions, the fully sealed drag, and the ease of adjusting the drag. It’s well worth the price of $595! 

If you like to get out on the water at every possible opportunity, this reel will improve your overall fishing experience. Ross Reels has outdone itself by combining a classic design with the best of modern technology, with an outstanding result.

If the San Miguel is just what you’ve been looking for, you can shop online. Alternatively, find your nearest shop and check it out in person!

Animas

Animas Rights Reserved

Animas Specs:

Available Size: 4/5, 5/6, 7/8 Overall Weight: 4.1 – 4.74oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Machined Aluminum w/Two-Tone Accents
Spool Diameter: 3.25 – 3.875in Colors: Matte Olive, Matte Black, Platinum
Spool Capacity: 150 – 250yds Warranty: Ross Limited Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

85%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
80%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
70%
Aesthetic and Design
90%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Available Sizes

  • 4/5
  • 5/6
  • 7/8

Description

At a cheaper price than the San Miguel, the Animas is an affordable but exceptional product from Ross. Of all the Ross reels, the Animas is one of the most versatile. With its anodized finish, it’s suitable for both saltwater and freshwater. The Animas fly reel has an extra-large, bell-shaped spool, a canvas phenolic handle that increases grip even when wet, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty.

The new design means that this fly reel is stronger, but also more lightweight than before. It will balance your rod perfectly, and packs the power to withstand big fish. The intricate machining and two-tone aluminum accents makes the Animas look attractive and elegant, both in the shop and out on the water. Shop for the Animas reel online, or head for your nearest shop to try it out.

You can see our post here for our full Ross Animas Review.

Evolution LTX

Evolution LTX Reel Review

Evolution LTX Specs:

Available Size: 3/4, 4/5, 5/6, 7/8 Overall Weight: 4.2 – 4.91oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.42 – 4.03in Colors: Matte Olive, Black, Platinum
Spool Capacity: 60 – 175yds Warranty: Ross Limited Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Stacked Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

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

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Available Sizes

  • 3/4
  • 4/5
  • 5/6
  • 7/8

Description

The company combined the best of its previous products, the Evolution LT and the Evolution R, to create the Evolution LTX. It’s a vast improvement, with 4 times the strength. The Evolution LTX fly reel has a robust but appropriate fly reel drag system, giving just the right amount of pressure. It can handle big trout, but also bonefish, snook, and redfish, so you can use the Evolution LTX in saltwater or freshwater.

The smart spool design provides strength while ensuring that the reel remains lightweight. The Evolution LTX has that signature canvas phenolic handle and bell-shaped arbor design. The Evolution LTX is the perfect trout reel, but versatile enough for hunting down big saltwater fish, too. Shop online for the Evolution LTX or visit your nearest shop/Ross dealer to check it out!

The Gunnison

Ross Gunnison Reel Review

Gunnison Specs:

Available Size: 4/5, 5/6, 7/8 Overall Weight: 6.29 – 7.36oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061-T6 proprietary aluminum alloy
Spool Diameter: 3.48 – 4.03in Colors: Black
Spool Capacity: 85 – 150in Warranty: Ross Limited Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Stacked Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

87%
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
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Available Sizes

  • 4/5
  • 5/6
  • 7/8

Description

Named after the Gunnison River, the Gunnison reel is sturdy, durable, and reliable. It has a cool, unique design that stands out, with retro round porting and octagonal machining. This reel were fully updated in 2018, testimony to the company’s dedication to producing the best reels around.

Now, this reel has a large arbor, new drag knob, and a leader groove. The buttery smooth drag system is inspired by the Evolution LTX, with hardly any startup inertia for a great fishing experience. Visit your nearest Ross dealer or shop online for this incredible, beefy reel.

Evolution R Salt

Evolution R Salt Specs:

Available Size: 7/8, 9/10, 11/12 Overall Weight: 7.51 – 8.85oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 4.08 – 4.75in Colors: Black, Platinum, Matte Blue
Spool Capacity: 235 – 325yds Warranty: Ross Limited Lifetime 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
90%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Available Sizes

  • 7/8
  • 9/10
  • 11/12

Description

A superb, saltwater-specific offering from Ross. It has a turbo-powered drag system that can manage even the biggest fish smoothly and confidently. The Evolution R Salt can exert up to 30 pounds of pressure, so you can challenge yourself out on the flats or the open sea.

At the same time, this reel is lightweight and super strong. The large drag knob makes it quick and simple to adjust your drag on the go, for an improved fishing experience. Shop online or in-store for the Evolution R Salt, if you’re looking for a stunning saltwater reel. You won’t be disappointed by this iconic saltwater reel.

Evolution R

Evolution

Evolution R Specs:

Available Size: 4/5, 5/6, 7/8 Overall Weight: 4.4 – 4.48oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.525 – 4.025in Colors: Matte Black, Platinum
Spool Capacity: 95 – 160yds Warranty: Ross Limited Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Carbon Fiber Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

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

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Available Sizes

  • 4/5
  • 5/6
  • 7/8

Description

Years of expertise, experimentation, and technical adjustments went into creating the Evolution R. This Reel is fully sealed, durable, and compact. 

With an ultra-large spool, this model for fishing ensures smooth, even line winding. It’s also unbelievably lightweight, with every reel weighing less than 5.2 ounces. You can shop online, or visit your nearest shop/Ross dealer, instead.

The Colorado LT

Colorado LT

Colorado LT Specs:

Available Size: 2 – 5 Overall Weight: 3.2 – 3.5oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: 6061 T6 Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.22 – 3.57in Colors: Matte Black, Matte Platinum, Matte Olive
Spool Capacity: 75 – 90yds Warranty: Ross Limited Lifetime Warranty
Drag Type: Click-Pawl Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

83%
Durability
90%
Drag System Quality
70%
Weight and Balance
90%
Line Capacity
80%
Ease of Maintenance
90%
Aesthetic and Design
100%
Price to Value Ratio
70%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
90%

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Check Amazon US/UK Price

Available Sizes

  • 0/3
  • 3/4
  • 4/5

Description

Ross manufacture these Colorado LT  in Colorado, with an elegant, minimalist result. But don’t be fooled by their simple design: the Colorado LT can put up a hell of a fight! With an aluminum frame and spool, the Colorado LT is both sturdy and lightweight. Small but important details like the anodized aluminum clicker cover and the quick release spool finish this great Colorado LT model from Ross.

FAQs

Where are Ross Reels manufactured?

Ross Reels are manufactured in Montrose, Colorado, USA.

Are Abel and Ross Reels the same company?

No, Abel and Ross Reels are two separate companies. Abel is a fly fishing reel manufacturer located in Montrose, Colorado, USA. Ross Reels is a fly fishing reel manufacturer located in Montrose, Colorado, USA.

Are Ross Reels any good?

Yes, Ross Reels are known for their quality and craftsmanship. They offer a wide range of reels to meet the needs of all types of anglers. Ross Reels are designed to be durable and reliable, and they have a reputation for providing excellent performance.

Who bought Ross Reels?

Ross Reels was acquired by Sage in 2008. Sage is a manufacturer of high-end fly fishing rods and reels.

The Wrap Up

There you have a quick guide to all the models, to help you find the perfect reel for your fly fishing set up. Ross offer high quality, outstanding products for every situation. Synonymous with innovation, quality, and reliability, they will last a lifetime. So if you’re interested, find your nearest shop online and compare the prices above! It’s a decision you won’t regret.

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