Redington ID Reel Review

In this Redington ID Reel review we take a look at this unique reel. It comes at a very attractive price point, however the primary feature is the ability to customer the design which is something you don’t really see until you get to the really high end reels. Let’s dive in!

Ross Reels Animas Review: Hands On

Ross Animas Reel Review: Features

4. Large arbor design for faster line retrieval

5. Soft touch, twin molded, dual density handle

6. Rulon disc drag 

Ross Reels Animas Models

Redington ID Reel

7 | 8 | 9 weight

Redington ID Review: Our take

We buy fishing gear for all sorts of reasons and all sorts of situations. Sometimes you’re on the lookout for specialized gear to target a specific species. Sometimes you’re looking for something that fits your budget. The Redington ID reel is all about expressing yourself.

Composition

Even though this reel focus on specialization, it’s still a very functional reel. It’s made form a durable die-cast construction. Although to be honest, from looking at the reel in my hand, the smooth edges and tight tolerances could have fooled me into believing it was machined aluminum.

It has an oversized drag knob which is always appreciated, and the large arbor not only allows for faster line retrieval, but provides more surface area to show your design. The solid piece of the frame accepts a wide range of decals that can be purchased from Redington and many other third party providers.

Performance

The Redington ID is not the lightest of reels. Most modern reels feature ported designs with open frames that are aimed at limiting the amount of mass and getting the weight down. However the large, solid surface for the decal does add extra weight. 

Is this ideal? No, but it will still catch fish. The arbor is also purposely lopsided so that more line is stacked on one side. While other reel models do this to counteract the weight of the drag system, the ID stacks the line on the same side which actually exacerbates the mismatch on balance.

The reel itself performs well with a smooth clicking action, and a fairly powerful drag. I wouldn’t by any means classify this as a high end reel, but for the price it’s a good option that will get the job done. 

Drag System

This reel features a Rulon drag system which I think is a good choice considering the price point. Higher end reels use carbon or stainless steel as the elements in their disc drag. Rulon is a more cost-effective solution that still provides a good amount of resistance and stopping power for the money.

The drag system is enclosed and sealed in a single piece like many other Redington reels which helps keep out the much and prolong the life of the reel.

Looks

Ok, this is where the Redington ID reel shines. The primary feature of this reel is the ability to personalize it with any decal of your liking. These decals can be purchased through Redington, however there are many third party providers that also make a variety of stickers. 

When purchasing a high end Abel reel, one of the things you are paying for is laser engraving of various graphics. One of the benefits of using a decal over laser engraving is that you can change the decals as you please.

Value

The Redington ID comes in at a very low price point. It could honestly be considered as a great entry level fly reel. It may not have all the bells and whistles of the higher end reels, but it’s still a very functional reel for not a lot of money. And the fact that it allows for a nice aesthetic is something that really differentiates it from other entry level reels.

Overall

This affordable reel has everything you need to catch fish, but with the additional personalization to really let your style shine. It has just the right features to catch fish without your wallet taking a giant hit. 

The Redington ID can be a great choice for a first fly reel, or it could be a nice additional to the angler who already has a reel collection. The commonality is that this is a reel for anybody who wants to a reel that shows some personality.

Redington ID Pros and Cons

Cons

! The lopsided line stacking making the reel slightly off balance

Overall Ranking

7 / 10

Redington ID Reel Deals

Accessories: Rod and Spare Spool

Rio Products Maintrout Trout fly line

Redington ID Reel Starter Pack

If you’ve decided to pick up the Redington ID, or found another reel that suits your needs, there are some bare essentials you’re going to need to get read yot hit the water. Check out some of our suggestions below:

• • Rod – You’ll need a fly rod that complements the reel. For this we suggest the Redington Wrangler fly rod.
  • Fly Line – If you’d like to upgrade the fly line, we suggest Scientific Anglers Frequency Trout fly line
  • Waders – If you plan on wading into a stream, we suggest Orvis Men’s PRO waders.
  • Boots – If you need waders, well then you’ll probably need boots too. For this we recommend Korkers Darkhorse wading boots.
  • Wading Pack – We also recommend a good wading pack like this Orvis Sling Pack to carry your flies, hemostats, tippet, and other accessories
  • Flies – Fill your fly box with this assortment of flies from Orvis.

Echo Base Accessories

Simms Taco Wader Bag