Ross Reels Animas Review

Ross Reels continually delivers some of the finest looking and performing reels within the industry, and all American-made too. For this Ross Reels Animas review we’ll take a look at a reel that is both high end in performance, but also relatively economically priced considering the high end bracket of reels that it occupies.

The Ross Reels Animas is a beautiful disc drag reel that is a solid choice for any angler. So let’s check out what makes it great.

Ross Reels Animas Review: Hands On

Ross Animas Reel Review: Features

4. Machined canva phenilic handle

5. Bell shaped, ultra large arbor spool

6. Composite disc drag with stainless steel interface

Ross Reels Animas Models

Ross Reels Animas

7 | 8 weight

Ross Reels Animas Review: Our take

So what is the real difference between high end reels and mid level reels? It’s primarily in the small details that add up to reel that is head and shoulder above most. This is true with the  Ross Reels Animas.

Composition

For starters, the Animas from Ross Reels has been updated with a heavy duty machined aluminum that uses high grade metals that die cast models. However the reels also has a ported design that decreases the weight while still holding its structural integrity that allows it to be extremely lightweight and yet durable at the same time

One small detail that may go unnoticed by many is that the U shaped arbor is slightly skewed to one side. The drag system adds weight to one side, so the skewed arbor forces more line to stack up on the opposite side to balance out the weight from the drag system. It’s little details like this that get missed by lower end reels.

The reel also features a machined canvas phonlic handle that actually provides more grip when it gets wet. 

Performance

The Ross Reels Animas performs like a dream. The smooth action provides the satisfying clicking when line is peeling off. And the composite disc drag with stainless steel components provides all the stopping power to land monster fish.

The lightweight design makes casting extremely easy – especially once you get into the larger weights.  It’s really a simple numbers game – the less tired your arm gets, the more casts you’ll get at longer distances, which in the end usually equals more fish.

Drag System

The redesigned drag adjustment knob has a lower profile, but extra indentations to increased traction and provide a better grib. I’m just happy it’s faily oversized. If i’m fighting a big fish, the last thing I want to happen is my hand slipping on a tiny drag adjustment knob.

The stainless steel components within the composite drag system provide ultimate stopping power, which is great. But it also means it’s going to last longer than reels using carbon or other drag elements.

The spool also features a new spool release system to provide trouble free maintenance on the reel. Once the spool is off the stainles steel drag element is revealed and the screews for adjusting which handle you retrieve with are accessible. 

Looks

The visual aesthetic for the Ross Reels Animas are where this reel shines. Simply put, the reel is absolutely beautiful. The polished aluminum frame features a laser engraved Animas logo, Ross Reels logo, and a silhouette of the Colorado Mountain. 

Everything about this reel from the ported design, machined finish, phenolic canvas handle, and two tone drag knob is put together in a way that makes it visual appealing above and beyond the other reels out there. 

Value

While this reel is definitely on the more expensive side, it’s not the most expensive reel that Ross makes, and the high end reel market has many models that are double and triple the price. So this reel occupies a nice Goldilocks zone which it’s a high quality piece of hardware that will last for years, but it’s not going to require a mortgage payment to purchase. 

This reel is made for the angler who is ready to move to a high quality reel, is willing to spend a little more money, but doesn’t necessarily have thousands of dollars to burn.

Overall

I’ll be completely honest with you on this one. I am in love with Ross Reels. I love their overall design aesthetic, I love the performance, and I love the American made ethic behind their reels. 

They’re going to cost more than a lot reels on the market, but they’re worth it. If you’re just getting started fly fishing and you’re just dipping your toes into the water to see if you like it, maybe this isn’t the reel for you. But if you’re like me, and you want a higher end reel and are willing to spend a bit more to get it, this is the reel for you.

Ross Reels Animas Pros and Cons

Cons

! Would prefer more design options

Overall Ranking

8.125 / 10

Ross Animas Reel Deals

Accessories: Rod and Spare Spool

Ross Reels Animas Spare Spool

Ross Reels Animas Starter Pack

If you’ve decided to pick up the Ross Reels Animas, 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 Orvis Helios 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