Redington Rise Reel Review
While most people start fly fishing with entry level rods and reels, at some point those anglers start looking to level up on their gear. This Redington Rise reel review is for those guys who have fallen in love with fly fishing and are ready to invest a little more money into a quality reel.
The Redington Rise is Redington’s top reel offering that has the most durable construction, lightest weight, and best feature set. However that doesn’t mean it will give you sticker shock. Let’s take a deeper look…
The Redington Rise Background
Redington is a company formed in the early 90s in the Pacific Northwest and has been steadily providing solid fly fishing gear at affordable prices. Although the company is based in the US, most of the manufacturing is done overseas – a fact which matters to some people, and not at all to others.
We’ve reviewed a lot of Redington reels here at Rhythm Fly Fishing and the subtle differences between the models show a natural evolution in the path an angler takes as they start simpler and progress to higher end reels.
A lot of this review will focus on the differences between those models and whether or not it’s worth the extra cost to jump to the high end Rise.
Redington Rise Specs:
Line Weight: Four models:
- 3 / 4 wt
- 5 / 6 wt
- 7 / 8 wt
- 9 / 10 wt
Model Reviewed: 7/8 weight
Arbor Size: 3.2”, 3.6”, 4” and 4.4”
Weight: 4 oz, 4.6 oz, 5.5 oz, and 6.3 oz
Color(s): Black, Silver, Amber, Olive
Drag System: sealed carbon fiber disc drag
Redington Rise Reel Review: Hands On
Redington Rise Reel Review: Features
1. CNC Machined 6061-T6 aluminum
2. Large arbor to maximize line retrieval
3. High torque sealed carbon fiber disc drag
4. Quick spool release button
5. Twin molded soft touch ergonomic handle
6. Oversized drag knob
Redington Rise Reel Models
3 / 4 Weight
5 / 6 Weight
7 / 8 Weight
9 / 10 Weight
Redington Rise Reel Review: Our take
Amongst all the Redington reels, this one Rises (sorry, I had to) to the top. And while the differences between the lower end ones like the Crosswater and Zero are pretty stark, a lot of my focus is around the difference between the Redington Run which is the model just below the Rise.
Redington really does a great job of building quality reels at a decent price. Quite frankly, it says a lot that some of Redington’s biggest competition comes from it’s own reels.
Composition
The main difference between the Redington Rise and the other reel models they offer is the fact that the Rise is machined from 6061 T6 aluminum whereas most of the other models are die cast. This process enables the reel to have a lighter weight while still maintaining the same durability because of the higher grade aluminum.
The run has an extremely similar design, but the die cast process means the frame is a bit chunkier and heavier. The Rise is about .2 to .3 ounces lighter than the Run depending on which weight model you compare.
The CNC machining process also means that the tolerances are tighter, The more-precise fit means there’s less chance of your line getting caught between the frame and spool.
Performance
The lighter weight really contributes to the feel of this rod – especially in the heavier weights where every fraction of an ounce matters. With the Rise there’s less chance of wearing out your arm casting large flies all day.
I really like the center mounter quick release button that makes changing spools very easy. And the large arbor really comes in handy for quick line retrieval when fighting big fish.
Drag System
The reel appears to have the same sealed carbon fiber disc system as the Run which is more than adequate. It provides a high level of torque to stop the biggest of fish. It also has a high quality bearing that ensures smooth reeling performance.
The reel also features a large oversize drag adjustment knob for easy access and quick adjustment when in the middle of a fight. I also like that the drag knob gives an audible click as you adjust. The audible feedback is helpful given that my eyes are usually on the fish and not the reel when i’m making adjustments.
Looks
This reel has a very nice look that features an open frame to reveal the colors of your backing and fly line, and a V shaped crossbar and oversized drag adjustment knob. The all-lowercase Rise logo on the reel foot and crossbar, and the engraved Redington logo provide brand recognition.
I also appreciate the wide array of colors that this reel is available in. While not all of the colors are my cup of tea, it’s nice that you have a wide choice to find what suits you.
The CNC machining process also means that the finish is a bit more slick and polished than the other diecast models. This is a really good looking reel.
Can you find other reels out there that look better? Sure, but that’s straying into the realm of reels that cost 4 or 5 times as much as this one.
Value
The value is where the rubber meets the road. The Rise comes in at roughly double the price of the Run. That extra cash gets you a lighter reel with tighter tolerances, higher grade aluminum, and what appears to be a higher grade bearing.
Value is hard to judge because part of that judgement varies with the person. I’m at the point in my life where I’d rather spend a little extra to get something that is higher quality. And while the Rise is the more expensive reel option from Redington, keep in mind that all of their reels are very affordable when compared to some other high end companies.
Overall
While most of the lower end Redington reels focus on value, the Rise crosses a line into building something that offers long term visibility, and a lightweight reel with higher tolerances. With the reel we’ve passed the mark where we just want something that can reel in line to buying something that will deliver higher performance for years to come. And I believe that is something worth paying extra for.
Redington Rise Reel Pros and Cons
Pros
√Strong yet lightweight CNC machined frame
√Sealed carbon fiber disc drag
√Large arbor
√Oversized drag adjustment knob
√Quick spool release button
Cons
! Twice the price of the nearest reel model below
Redington Rise Reel Review: Ranking
| Looks | Nice design that looks good, but not exceptional | 7 / 10 |
| Composition | Lightweight CNC machined design with high grade 6061 T6 aluminum | 8.5 / 10 |
| Performance | Sealed carbon fiber disc drag | 7 / 10 |
| Value | Great value for the price | 7 / 10 |
Overall Ranking
7.375 / 10
Redington Rise Reel Deals
Amazon Product Listing
Trident Fly Fishing Product Listing
Trouts Fly Fishing Product Listing
Accessories: Rod and Fly Line
Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
RIO Mainstream Trout Fly Line
Redington Rise Starter Pack
If you’ve decided to pick up the Redington Rise, 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 Classic Trout Fly Rod.
- Fly Line – If you’d like to upgrade the fly line, we suggest Rio Mainstream Trout fly line.
- Waders and Boots – If you plan on wading into a stream, we suggest Orvis Men’s PRO waders and 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.
Redington Rise Accessories
PLUSINNO Floating Fishing Net
Tacky Daypack Fly Box
Loon Essentials Kit
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