Redington Grande 14+ Fly Reel Review: Big Game Capability at an Accessible Price

Redington Grande 14+ Fly Reel Review: Big Game Capability at an Accessible Price

For saltwater fly anglers chasing large, hard-fighting species like sharks, tarpon, giant trevally, and tuna, the fly reel is arguably the most important piece of gear. It needs to do three things exceptionally well: hold a massive amount of backing, maintain smooth and powerful drag through blistering runs, and survive the corrosive marine environment. Unfortunately, many high-end reels that check these boxes come with eye-watering price tags—until you meet the Redington Grande 14+.

The Grande series has been Redington’s answer to the high-performance saltwater fly reel market, and the 14+ model specifically caters to the heaviest line classes and the most demanding fights. It’s a reel designed for serious performance without the premium pricing of boutique brands like Hatch, Abel, or Mako. But can a sub-\$400 reel truly compete in the realm of big-game fly fishing?

In this in-depth review, we break down the Grande 14+—from its design and drag system to real-world performance—and assess whether this reel deserves a place on your saltwater fly rod.

Overview of the Redington Grande Series

The Redington Grande fly reel is a fully machined, anodized aluminum reel aimed at saltwater and big game fly fishing. Released as an upgrade to Redington’s previous Behemoth series, the Grande represents a significant step forward in both quality and reliability. Available in multiple sizes (from 5/6 up to 14+), the 14+ model is the largest in the lineup, intended for use with 12- to 15-weight rods and capable of handling massive amounts of backing.

The 14+ model, in particular, is built to take on sharks, tarpon, and other large species where long runs and punishing pressure are expected. It features Redington’s Super Torque carbon drag system, a fully sealed design capable of delivering serious stopping power without sacrificing smoothness.

Key Features and Specifications

Here’s a breakdown of the Redington Grande 14+ specs:

• Line Weight: 14+ (ideal for 12-15 wt rods)
• Weight: Approx. 15.6 oz
• Diameter: 5 inches
• Backing Capacity: ~550 yards of 50 lb Gel-Spun backing with a 14 wt line
• Drag System: Sealed Super Torque carbon fiber drag
• Frame: Fully machined 6061-T6 anodized aluminum
• Arbor Design: Oversized large arbor
• Reel Foot: Integrated machined foot for strength
• Colors: Black, Marine (blue), and Champagne
• MSRP: $379.99

These specs clearly show that the Grande 14+ is designed for big game—and not just as a backup reel. It’s purpose-built to perform in demanding conditions and over extended battles.

Design and Build Quality

At first glance, the Redington Grande has a clean, minimalist appearance with a functional aesthetic. It forgoes decorative flourishes in favor of pure performance engineering. The CNC-machined aluminum frame and spool are built from aircraft-grade 6061-T6 aluminum, the standard in saltwater reels, and are finished with Type II anodizing to resist saltwater corrosion and surface wear.

Despite its relatively affordable price, the Grande 14+ feels solid in hand—no flex or wobble under pressure. The machining tolerances are tight, and the finish holds up well even after multiple saltwater outings.

The oversized drag knob is another standout feature, designed for easy use even with wet hands or gloves. It’s textured for grip and allows for precise adjustments—a critical factor when dialing in pressure during a fight.

Drag System: Super Torque Carbon Drag

The Super Torque drag system is the heart of the Redington Grande 14+. This sealed carbon fiber drag offers zero startup inertia and progressive pressure, meaning it can engage instantly but smoothly as a fish makes its first run. For shark fishing in particular, low startup inertia is vital. It helps protect your tippet from sudden snaps when a shark explodes off the flat or beach after the hookset.

What’s impressive is how much drag pressure this reel can deliver—easily over 20 pounds at full lock—which is plenty to turn the head of most sharks or GTs. The drag adjustment range is broad, with a satisfying tactile click as you increase or decrease tension. While it may not have the ultra-precise dial-in of a Mako or Abel SDS, it performs far beyond what its price would suggest.

The drag is also fully sealed, preventing sand, salt, and water intrusion. This is critical for long-term reliability in saltwater conditions, especially when fishing surf zones or from kayaks and skiffs where reels are often submerged.

Spool and Retrieval

The Grande 14+ features a V-spool design with an oversized large arbor, which improves line retrieval rates and reduces line memory. Fast pickup is essential when a shark turns and swims directly at you—a scenario that happens more often than you’d think.

The spool's width and volume also allow it to hold upwards of 500–550 yards of 50 lb Gel-Spun backing, depending on your fly line thickness. That’s crucial when targeting fish like bull sharks or blacktips, which can make explosive 200+ yard runs.

Reel swapping is easy thanks to a simple yet secure quick-release spool mechanism, making it convenient to rinse and clean between trips or switch spools if you're fishing with different line types.

On-the-Water Performance

In practice, the Redington Grande 14+ performs admirably. Whether battling 100 lb blacktip sharks off the beach or targeting giant trevally in tropical atolls, it holds its own against fish that test both angler and gear. The drag engages without stickiness, runs smoothly under tension, and dissipates heat well—even after prolonged fights.

One of its surprising advantages is balance and feel. While it’s heavier than premium carbon composite reels, it balances well on most 12–14 weight rods. The extra weight actually aids in casting heavy sinking lines or large flies for sharks and pelagics.

Several saltwater guides have praised the Grande for its reliability and simplicity. It doesn’t try to be a luxury reel—it focuses on rugged performance, and in that respect, it delivers exceptionally.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Outstanding drag performance at a reasonable price
• Fully sealed drag and anodized frame for saltwater durability
• Huge backing capacity
• Smooth, low-inertia startup drag
• Large, grippy drag knob and quick-release spool
• Great value for the money

Cons:

• Heavier than some high-end alternatives
• Less precise drag micro-adjustment compared to premium reels
• Minimalistic styling may not appeal to all anglers
• Only three color options

Ideal Use Cases

The Redington Grande 14+ is best suited for:

• Shark fishing from beaches, skiffs, or flats boats
• Giant trevally fishing in the Seychelles, Maldives, or Australia
• Tarpon and other large saltwater species
• Tuna and jack species that demand high backing capacity
• Anglers who want high-end performance without boutique pricing

Final Verdict: A Giant-Killer on a Budget

The Redington Grande 14+ is one of the best-value fly reels available today for big game saltwater fishing. It doesn’t have the polish or brand prestige of a Tibor or Hatch, but it brings serious performance where it counts: drag power, durability, and reliability. For under $400, it competes with reels twice its price in real-world settings.

Whether you're a seasoned saltwater angler or someone getting into big-game fly fishing for the first time, the Grande 14+ offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and performance. If you’re gearing up to battle sharks, GTs, or tarpon this season, the Redington Grande deserves a spot on your shortlist.