In Focus: Ross Reels – Precision Reels from Colorado, Handcrafted in the USA

There are fly reels - and then there are Ross Reels. Anyone who spends any length of time in the world of high-quality equipment will inevitably come across this name. The US company has been one of the most important manufacturers in the premium segment for decades and has earned itself a firm place in the international fly fishing scene with its uncompromising manufacturing quality, innovative drag systems and iconic design.

In this article, we take a look at the history of Ross Reels, show what makes the brand special and compare the different reel models - from the classic Colorado Clicker to the saltwater-compatible Evolution R-Salt.

Ross Reels - Tradition, craftsmanship & precision from Colorado

Ross Reels was founded in 1973 - in the middle of Colorado, close to the Rocky Mountains. Right there, where clear rivers, steep canyons and fast Mountain River streams have always characterised the heart of American fly fishing. To this day, all reels are manufactured 100% in the USA - by hand, with the highest precision and on modern CNC machines.

Today, the brand is part of a group that is consistently dedicated to fly fishing. Despite modern production processes, Ross Reels has remained true to its roots: small series, individual colour variations, the highest quality standards and an unmistakable mix of function and aesthetics. Each reel is assembled and individually tested in Colorado. The motto is clear: "Built for those who fish."

The reel models from Ross Reels at a glance

Ross offers various series that cover different applications - from light stream fishing to hard saltwater fishing. Below we present the most important models and categorise them in their "reel family".

Cimarron - robust, versatile and good value for money

The Ross Reels Cimarron is the ideal entry into the premium world of American reel manufacturing. It combines a modern large arbor frame with a strong, closed disc brake and offers exactly what you would expect from an all-round reel: Reliability, stability and uncomplicated handling.

• Modern large arbour for fast line pick-up
• Powerful, finely adjustable disc drag
• Robust aluminium body, handmade in the USA

Application: Trout, grayling, perch - ideal for day trips on the stream or lake if you are looking for a durable, reliable reel without superfluous bells and whistles.

Colorado - the classic click-pawl

The Ross Colorado is a declaration of love to traditional fly fishing, using a classic click-pawl system instead of a disc brake. This ensures ultra-light weight, a very direct feel and the characteristic "sound" that many purists love.

• Click-Pawl drag system for ultra-light reel set-up
• Ideal for light rods and fine presentations
• Very low weight - perfect for mountain streams and small waters

Area of application: Fine trout and grayling fishing on streams, classic dry fly fishing if you value maximum sensitivity and a traditional feel.

Animas - legendary design, modern performance

The Animas is one of Ross Reels' most iconic reel models. Its striking spool design and open frame combine low weight with high stability. A powerful disc drag works inside, effortlessly managing the balancing act between fine starting behaviour and reliable braking power for larger fish.

• Eye-catching, open spool design with large line capacity
• Reliable disc drag with finely adjustable resistance
• Lightweight, robust and suitable for a wide range of applications

Application: Universal all-rounder for trout, grayling, light stillwaters and rivers. A reel for all those who are reluctant to compromise.

The Evolution series - high-end technology from Ross Reels

Ross summarises its most modern and technically sophisticated reels under the name Evolution. From the ultra-light trout set-up to the powerful saltwater machine, you will find the right model for almost every situation. What all Evolution models have in common: A characteristic, super grippy brake knob that allows the fully encapsulated drag system to be regulated as smooth as silk.

Evolution LTX - light, silky smooth and powerful

The Evolution LTX is the direct successor to the legendary LT series and is one of Ross Reels' most popular trout reels. It combines an extremely lightweight design with a silky-smooth, finely controllable disc drag that also offers enough reserves for strong fish.

• Ultra-light construction for modern, lightweight fly rods
• Finely responsive disc drag with soft resistance
• Perfectly balanced for trout and grayling fishing

Evolution R - maximum material efficiency

The Evolution R is a real statement when it comes to lightweight construction. Radically recessed, extremely rigid and amazingly resilient - a castor that immediately recognises the combination of high-tech manufacturing and practical orientation.

• Ultra-light frame with maximum rigidity
• Very direct power transmission and fast line pick-up
• Ideal for ambitious anglers who want to save weight
• Fashionable, oversized brake knob that is extremely easy to grip and operate.

Evolution FS - from trout rivers to bigger fish

The Evolution FS (Freshwater/Salt) is the most versatile model in the Evolution series. It is robust enough for tough freshwater and light saltwater fishing and offers a powerful disc drag with a wide range of applications.

• Sturdy, saltwater-resistant construction
• Powerful drag that safely parries even larger fish
• Universally applicable - from trout rivers to the tropics!

Evolution R-Salt - the specialist for the toughest use in the sea

The Evolution R-Salt was developed specifically for tough use in salt water. Corrosion-resistant components, sealed brakes and high braking power make it the right choice for strong opponents in salt water.

• Specially designed for saltwater environments
• Sealed, powerful disc brake
• Designed for fast runs and big fish such as bonefish or tarpon
• Characteristic, oversized brake knob that is extremely easy to grip and operate.

San Miguel - the masterpiece

The Evolution San Miguel is the modern reinterpretation of a Ross classic. It combines an almost closed reel design with high-end disc brakes and a classy look. A reel that appeals to collectors, but at the same time is absolutely fishable.

• Iconic, semi-enclosed design with a great nostalgia factor
• Modern, fully-fledged disc brake with finely adjustable start-up
• For all those who want to combine function and collector's value

Colours, individuality & craftsmanship - Ross Reels at its best

In addition to the technology, it is above all the individuality that makes Ross Reels so special. Many models are available in different, sometimes very striking colour variants: from classic black or platinum to matte olive, blue or other special colours. So you will not only find the right reel technically, but you can also match it perfectly to your rod, line and personal taste.

As each reel is manufactured, assembled and tested by hand in the factory in Colorado, it has its very own character. No mass production, no compromises - genuine "Made in USA" craftsmanship.

Which Ross Reel is right for you?

Ross Reels impresses with tradition, innovation and genuine craftsmanship in the USA. Whether you're looking for a purist click-pawl classic or a high-end saltwater reel, you'll find the right tool for almost every type of fly fishing in the brand's range.

• Cimarron: for beginners & all-rounders.
• Colorado: for minimalists & fans of fine fishing.
• Animas: "THE all-rounder" for universal use.
  
• Evolution LTX: for ambitious trout, predator and sea trout anglers.
• Evolution R: Ultra-Large-Arbor - ultra-light & modern for freshwater and lighter saltwater applications.
• Evolution FS: for versatility from light brook rods to heavy two-handed or tropical set-ups.
• Evolution R-Salt: for tough saltwater applications & the strongest fish.
• San Miguel: for collectors & connoisseurs who appreciate a timeless look but don't want to do without the latest technology.

This makes Ross Reels one of the most exciting brands in the premium segment - with a lot of history, technical sophistication and products that will accompany their owners for a lifetime of fishing.

Conclusion

After some intensive use on the water, one thing in particular sticks in my mind: Ross Reels delivers an extremely high quality of workmanship. Each reel looks as if it has been cast from a single mould - the finish is absolutely flawless, with no sharp edges, play or imperfections. From the very first contact, you realise that this is not just "production", but real manufacturing.

The mechanics are also impressive across the board. The reel starts up smoothly, the brake responds cleanly and in a controlled manner and can be adjusted very finely. Nothing jerks, nothing snags - even with thin leaders and fine tippets, you always feel on the safe side. What I find particularly positive is how application-orientated the individual models are: From the classic click-pawl of the Colorado to the all-round strength of the Animas and the highly specialised Evolution R-Salt in saltwater, each reel is clearly tailored to its area of application. The bottom line for me is that Ross Reels are not only beautiful, but above all extremely functional tools that you can fully rely on.