This year, a reel that received a lot of attention upon release was the Redington Ace. Online and walk-in fly shops had a hard time supplying anglers with the 5/6 model. What made this reel so hot? And how has it held up six months into actual fishing?
The short of it is that Redington has made an excellent reel that really stands out in a segment where many trout anglers can be found. As is the company’s M.O. with their top-tier offerings, the Ace tweaks the usual formula to provide something just a little bit different in a crowded catalog.
But what does that mean for the Ace? The construction and finish are durable. The design is lightweight and ergonomic. The drag is more than capable (without being overkill) for virtually all freshwater applications. The price is competitive. For these four reasons, fly fishers looking for a solid reel ought to head to the fly shop and give the Ace a spin.
Here are more details:
Construction & Finish
The Ace, like its predecessor the Rise, is a machined reel. While that model was plenty durable, the Ace is a little more robust and ought to be as resistant to the normal drops and dings as anything in its class. As you jump into this echelon of reels and their corresponding price point, a machined frame and spool with quality anodizing is what one ought to expect. You may get a higher end drag at this cost, but it will often be surrounded by a cast spool and frame. Additionally, the reel comes in black, silver, and a handsome “tobacco brown.”
Weight & Ergonomics
The 5/6 Ace weighs less than 5 ounces. Again, for a machined reel that makes it stand out among the competition. This allows for a lot of flexibility when it comes to balancing rods of various sizes and spooling with diverse line options. The design and the drag are the major reasons for this light weight(drag will be touched on below). Redington isn’t shy about trying new aesthetics that lean into function. The v-shaped “lattice” spool is a unique look, but it cuts down on mass while accommodating a good amount of backing and line.
The drag knob is recessed to keep leaders from getting tangled. It, along with the reel’s handle, are large without being oversized. They’re easy to grab without looking.
Drag
For a reel in the mid-$200 range, drag ought to be a consideration. As already mentioned, this dollar amount usually gets you a nice machined reel with a click drag or a cast reel with a solid disc drag. The Ace isn’t necessarily a compromise; rather it is the best of both worlds. The drag is not class-leading, but it is smooth and strong enough for trout, bass, carp… the list goes on. What limits it in some senses is the fact that it is not sealed. Of course, you can always use it in the salt if you rinse it well. The tradeoff for an unsealed drag is a simpler build with cuts down on cost an a little bit of weight.
Other Considerations
Along with the 5/6, the Ace range also includes a 3/4, a 7/8, and a 9/10. The larger reels would be excellent smallmouth or Great Lakes tributary options. The smallest entry, like the 5/6, is a worthy consideration for someone looking for an above-average trout reel.
The spool doesn’t screw into the frame: it pops in and out with enough force that it is simple but will never happen unintentionally. Tolerances are very good, and the open frame allows for palming the spool.
The Ace is a great reel that has nudged its way into a room of very good $250-$300 fly reels. The freshwater angler who wants high-end form and function in a machined reel for this price will be pleased with what Redington has put together.
Check out the whole line of Ace reels at the Redington website or your local fly shop.