Grande lives up to it’s name with stopping power and capacity.
[dropcap]R[/dropcap]edington’s new Grande reel seems to expand on the popularity of their Behemoth series of reel. Simply put, the Grande is a fancied up, machined version of the die-cast constructed Behemoth. Cut from aircraft grade aluminum (T-6061 aluminum construction), the Grande is impressively light with a ton of stopping power and it’s V-shaped spool stacks backing and line quickly. I tested the 9-10-11 and while it does appear large, it is not heavy (11 oz.). The Redington Grande is now available starting at $299 and topping out at $349.
Redington has incorporated a new sealed SUPER-TORQUE carbon drag system that wasn’t a part of the Behemoth’s design. They have also included an exposed palming rim for adding nuanced pressure to a running fish. The Grande is striking to look at and is available in Champagne, Marine (blue) and Black anodizing. The reel also incorporates an enlarged soft-touch, anti-snag handle machined from Delrin to increased grip and ergonomic comfort. A nylon reel case is included. Redington backs this reel with a lifetime warranty. Switching from left to right hand retrieve was a breeze. Four sizes of Grandes are available to pair with any fly rod from a 5 weight to a 14 weight.
Simply put, Redington has entered the market where $600-$1000 reels are not uncommon. Our testing included putting the reel through the rigors of Montauk albie fishing for days on end. The reel did not miss a beat. We caught albies, bass and bluefish. The Grande performed extremely well and would be a wise choice for anglers looking to get into a great large arbor, sealed drag reel without breaking the bank.
Fighting albie off of Montauk Point.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE REDINGTON GRANDE AT REDINGTON SITE
