Redington ID Reel Review in 2024 – Fly Reels

redington id reel review

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In this Redington ID reel review, we have compared other fly reels on the market, the Redington ID really does stand out. Not only because of its attractive decals but its functionality as well

Every angler loves to use premium gear, top-of-the-range reels, and rods, and Redington has made this a possibility with the I.D reel series.

The Redington I.D fly reel is an excellent reel for its price, it may not be the top of the range, but it is worth looking at and considering. Its smooth delivery and operation are unmatched by anything in its class, and Redington has one more surprise for you with the I.D series.

Not only is the Redington ID reel smooth and great to fish with, but the angler can customize the reel face with personal decals, which no other brand offers at this stage.

Cool, customized reel decals and an excellent functioning reel, all for a price that doesn’t break the bank. What’s not to like?

Redington ID Reel Review

redington id review

Redington ID Specs:

Available Size: 5 – 9 Overall Weight: 6 – 6.7oz
Arbor Size: Large Material: Die-Cast Aluminum
Spool Diameter: 3.5 – 3.9oz Colors: Black, O.D Green
Spool Capacity: 100 – 200yds Warranty: Redington Warranty
Drag Type: Disc Country of Manufacture: USA

Overall Score

75%
Durability
80%
Drag System Quality
70%
Weight and Balance
70%
Line Capacity
70%
Ease of Maintenance
70%
Aesthetic and Design
80%
Price to Value Ratio
80%
Brand Reputation & Customer Service
80%

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First Impressions

At first glance, the I.D fly reel has a sturdy cast aluminum construction, with custom decals available on the reel face.

The flat back surface looks slightly lower than the reel rim to allow for custom decals of your favorite fish species. This added feature will make the reel more attractive and boost its sales. I mean, who doesn’t like some personalized gear.

The I.D has a simplistic stock form look with a lovely satin black color and red standout labeling and handle.

There is quite a bit of porting on the reel face, making for a very light product even on the larger models. This is an excellent design tactic and one that many anglers will enjoy. The porting doesn’t run through the reel as the backplate is where the decals of your favorite fish species will go for all your fishing buddies to see.

Decals

From the front of the Redington reel, it looks like a standard mid-range reel, but you are in for a surprise when you flip it over.

The flat back surface plate has a small recess which allows for a decal patch that you can choose from or have your own one made. Redington currently has 34 decals to choose from. They range from simple designs to artistic flared ones.

Redington is also in the process of allowing the angler to customize their own decals for their reels. They will accept custom decals representing the angler with easy personalization.

What’s also nice is that the decal patches don’t even need removing. You simply stick over the old patch.

redington id construction

Construction

The sturdy cast aluminum construction is evident when the reel is held and put to use. This is in line with their other reel series that offer sturdy die-cast construction. The BEHEMOTH and the Redington RUN reel are both great examples of what Redington can achieve.

The i.d reel has a large arbor, allowing for a speedy line retrieve and minimal line memory. These are both essential features for any trout reel. The full-frame design allows quick spool removal for easy spool changes to adapt to various situations.

The porting, while visually, reduces a lot of weight which is a positive in my mind, some anglers prefer a bit of weight behind them, but it’s a personal choice, I suppose.

Overall the construction is sound, presenting a beautiful reel that doesn’t break the bank. There is also a pre-spooled version offered which is an excellent option for an angler starting out.

Drag system

The I.D reel drag system combines a smooth Rulon disc drag and stainless steel. This combination of Rulon disc drag gives a soft touch and great tippet protection.

The tippet protection is great with the smaller spool size when targeting trout on a 7x tippet. The soft touch on the pick-up is ideal, giving the angler extra confidence.

With the larger weight reels and lines, there is a little start-up inertia, but it soon disappears with the outgoing line. The drag knob extrudes quite a bit but by no means should it influence the performance in any way, really.

The spool is easily interchangeable with its unscrewable cap that locks the spool in place. The i.d reel’s full-frame provides great protection for the spool while fishing which is always good to know when roughing it.

The larger arbor allows for a speedy line retrieve. The large arbor minimizes line memory and provides extra line protection. The i.d reel has a simple supreme grip handle with a two-tone red rubberized grip; it is simple and effective to use in all conditions.

redington id specifications

Summarized features

  • Sturdy die-cast construction.
  • The full-frame back design allows for a customized decal patch.
  • Large arbor design for speedy line retrieves and tippet protection.
  • A smooth and robust combination of Rulon disc and stainless drag.
  • Soft-touch, supreme grip.
  • Pre-spooled versions are available.
  • Lifetime warranty.

Specifications

  • Availble in 3/4, 5/6, 7/8/9 weights
  • Backing capacity -3/4 wt 70 yards, 20LBS ; 5/6 wt 100 yards, 20LBS ; 7/8/9 wt 200 yards, 20LBS
  • Reel weights – 3/4wt 5.7oz ; 5/6wt 6oz ; 7/8/9wt 6.7oz
  • Drag, Rulon, stainless (unsealed)
  • Color, satin black.
  • Reel pouch included.

Pros

  • Large arbor.
  • Interchangeable spools.
  • Spools, pre-spooled.
  • Features custom decals.
  • Die-cast aluminum.
  • Competitive pricing.
  • Customized decals.

Cons

  • Drag is not entirely sealed.
  • `Drag knob can sometimes get in the way.
  • The spool cover screw cap could loosen quite easily.

redington id conclusion

Conclusion

When compared to other fly reels on the market, the Redington I.D really does stand out. Not only because of its attractive decals but its functionality as well. A smooth drag system, large arbor, and lightweight design are all quality signs.

Besides the decals and visual attractiveness of the reel, it is a great, fun reel to go fishing with and will make any angler happy when using it.

The fact that it comes in a pre-spooled version is a bonus, especially for an angler starting out or even for a backup reel for a big trip.

No matter what the reason is to buy the Redington I.D, it won’t disappoint and will be your trusty companion on many a fishing trip.

Tight Lines!

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