Redington ACE Fly Reel — The Deep Dive
1. A Legacy Upgraded 🎣
Redington, part of the Far Bank Enterprises family (alongside Sage and RIO), long built its reputation on delivering machined reels at accessible price points—most notably through its Rise series. The ACE marks the latest evolution: a workhorse reel designed to level up durability, drag performance, and design precision, while still remaining under the $300 mark.
Introduced in late 2024, the ACE provides anglers with a reel that bridges the gap between value and rugged, modern performance, with features honed from the lessons of previous series like the Rise and Grande.
2. Construction & Structural Innovation
Machined Aluminum Frame
The ACE is built from CNC-machined 6061‑T6 aluminum, delivering high strength, corrosion resistance, and manageable weight. Redington enhances stability with a thicker frame and improved shaft/bushing to ensure smoothness under pressure.
Industry‑First Lattice Spool
At the heart of ACE’s build is its lattice-patterned spool, a first-of-its-kind design drawing inspiration from architectural lattice structures. Benefits include:
* Increased strength and rigidity;
* Better airflow for rapid line drying;
* Reduced weight by removing unnecessary material.
Redington states this design also minimizes failure points while boosting durability.
Snap‑Fit Spool Lock
Rather than traditional threading or buttons, the ACE uses a snap-fit spool lock secured by an O‑ring—a more robust, corrosion-resistant design with fewer failure points.
3. Drag System & Mechanics
Carbon-Fiber Disc Drag
The ACE upgrades to a carbon-fiber disc drag, offering smooth, strong, and consistent stopping power.
Redington reports the drag delivers:
* 7–10 lbs of max drag in 3/4 and 5/6 sizes,
* 15–20 lbs in 7/8 and 9/10 models ([tridentflyfishing.com][6]).
Drag Knob Line Guard
A small but meaningful innovation: a line guard around the drag knob ensures your line won’t snag during adjustments.
Upgraded Clicker
Redington improved the audible drag clicker, reinforcing its longevity and ensuring dependable feedback under pressure.
4. Size, Weight & Capacity
Available in four sizes (3/4, 5/6, 7/8, 9/10 line weights), the reel’s dimensions are:
| Model | Diameter | Weight | Backing Capacity | Line Weights | Max Drag |
| ------- | ---------- | -------- | ------------------- | -------------- | ------------- |
| 3/4 | 3.3″ | 4.3 oz | 75 yd @ 20 lb | 3–4 wt | ~7–10 lb |
| 5/6 | 3.7″ | 4.8 oz | 100 yd @ 20 lb | 5–6 wt | ~7–10 lb |
| 7/8 | 4.1″ | 6.1 oz | 200 yd @ 20 lb | 7–8 wt | ~15–20 lb |
| 9/10 | 4.6″ | 7.2 oz | 200 yd @ 30 lb | 9–10 wt | ~15–20 lb |
These specs place the ACE firmly in the mid‑weight range, trading minimal ounces for enhanced build and drag strength—ideal for anglers chasing big freshwater species or occasional saltwater shots.
5. Ergonomics & User Features
Large‑Arbor V‑Shape Spool
The V-shaped large arbor enhances line pickup speed, reduces memory, and handles backing neatly.
Palming Rim & Handles
An enlarged palming rim aids grip and control, particularly important during long fish fights. Factor in ergonomically sized drag knob and rubberized handles—enough comfort for extended use.
Ambidextrous Retrieve
Reel direction is reversible by flipping the internal clutch—no extra parts or tools needed.
6. On‑Water Performance
Freshwater: Versatile and Tough
ACE performs reliably from tiny streams to trout rivers, ponds, and bass lakes. The 3–6 wt models are nimble for fine presentations, while the larger sizes excel with heavier flies and larger fish.
Big Fish and Light Saltwater
With drag reaching up to 20 lbs, ACE is capable on salmon, steelhead, pike, and carp, and can handle light coastal action—although its drag isn’t sealed, so rinse and maintain after exposure.
Sound and Feedback
The drag click is relatively quiet, making it great for stealthy trout settings. Anglers preferring louder drums may find it less pronounced.
7. Strengths vs. Limitations
✅ Strengths
* Previously unseen lattice spool for strong durability and fast drying.
* Solid carbon drag with significant stopping power up to 20 lbs.
* Machined build under $300, backed by full warranty.
* Robust ergonomics and ambidextrous capability.
⚠️ Limitations
* Drag not sealed, salt/silt exposure can degrade long-term performance.
* Noise is quiet; users wanting louder drag might prefer other models.
* Weight slightly heavier than ultralight reels, though justified by build strength.
8. Comparing ACE to Similar Reels
vs. Redington Rise
Ace improves on the Rise with stronger spool geometry, enhanced drag longevity, snap-fit spool lock, and line guard—at a modest price increase ([Salt Fly Pro][3]).
vs. Orvis Hydros / Sage Spectrum
ACE matches or outperforms comparable reels like Hydros and Spectrum in durability and drag capacity, while riding a few ounces lighter. Unlike them, it lacks full sealing though.
vs. Hatch Iconic / Nautilus X
Top-tier reels offer sealed drags and extremely lightweight builds—ACE trades that for solid performance and cost efficiency. For hardcore saltwater or extended bass runs, the pro reels deliver better.
9. Community Feedback
While this response draws from shop reviews and spec sheets, community feedback aligns well with the ACE's strengths. One experienced streamer fishing large freshwater remarked:
> (paraphrased from multiple feedback)
> “Durable, smooth drag, heavy enough for big fish—some anglers like a louder drag, but ACE gets the job done.”
No significant critique from saltwater anglers yet—mainly due to the spool openness, which requires rinsing post-use to avoid grit buildup.
10. Care & Maintenance
To maximize ACE’s lifespan:
* Rinse with fresh water after use, especially when fishing hard or in salty conditions.
* Keep spool and drag knob clean, especially around lattice passages.
* Store dry to prevent moisture buildup.
* Periodically tighten the drag knob, ensuring clicker and disc conditions are optimal.
11. Pricing & Warranty
MSRP ranges from $239.99 to $269.99 depending on size.
Redington includes a lifetime warranty covering manufacturing defects (excludes misuse, corrosion, modifications, etc.). With Forge’s legacy of strong support, anglers can expect a solid path for repairs and replacements.
12. Target Angler Profile
ACE excels for:
* Freshwater anglers targeting trout, bass, catfish, pike, salmon, and steelhead.
* Those who value ruggedness but prefer reels under $300.
* Users who want fast line pickup and reduced memory, thanks to its V-shaped arbor.
* Anyone who will pair it with a variety of rods—from creek to streamer to travel setups.
It’s less ideal for:
* Hard-core saltwater nearshore pros seeking sealed drags.
* Ultralight devotees chasing micro-spey or delicate presentations.
* Drag-precision anglers wanting louder cues or sealed drag smoothness.
13. Final Take: Value That Means Business
The Redington ACE Fly Reel delivers an impressive blend of innovation, value, and performance. You're getting:
* A modern machined reel with an innovative lattice spool;
* Rigged for big fish with 15–20 lb drag capability;
* Intelligent features like spool snap-lock, knob guard, and user-friendly ergonomics;
* All at a sub-$300 price point, backed by a lifetime warranty.
The ACE is a true “versatile all-rounder.” It’s strong enough for big freshwater runs, yet agile and light enough for trout creek wading. It doesn’t claim to be the slickest saltwater reel, but for 95% of anglers, it exceeds expectations. If you're after a reel that blends durability, performance, and modern design without breaking the bank, ACE is a standout choice.