Looking at upgrading my reel…currently considering one of the following. Any input/reviews appreciated.
Nautilus FWX 7/8
Nautilis CCF-X2 8/10
Sage 2280
Allen Kraken
Allen Kraken XLA
I have a couple of Sage’s and a Nautilus ccf-x2 6/8. there is nothing wrong with the Sage’s I have, but the Nautilus is on a different level. I liked it so much I bough the FWX in the 5/6 for a freshwater setup. Don’t know anything about the Allen’s though.
What rod are you putting the reel on? What are you targeting? The Fwx 7/8 and Ccfx2 8/10 are totally different. The fwx is super light but doesn’t have much for drag. The ccfx2 is heavier with a much beefier drag. I’ve got the fwx on a TFO 8 wt and going to put a ccfx2 on a Sage 9wt. Take your rod to a shop and see how the combo feels with each of the reels.
Planning on putting a new reel onto my Redington 8wt. Targeting reds here in the lowcountry on foot. Would also like it to be capable of handling bonefish for the VERY occasional trip south.
Debating whether or not it’s worth the extra money for the CCFX2 vs. a simpler but fully capable reel and using the leftover $ towards a charter with a local guide. What good is a fancy reel if you can’t find fish to make it do it’s job…
If I were in your shoes, I’d get the fwx and save the extra cash for something else. The rare time you fish for bonefish (assuming you’re using a charter), you could just use the guide’s gear. Then you wouldn’t have to worry about getting a different fly line either.
I have a a FW7 (older version of the FWX7/8) and a sage2210 (10 weight version). Both are solid reels. The FWX is probably the be the lightest 8 weight reel you will find, plenty of drag for reds, and has a nicer finish than the Sage. The Sage drag feels stronger to me (keeping in mind it’s a 10, not an 8). I am still impressed with it every time I pick it up, especially considering the cost ($159 for the 10, $149 for the 8).
It’s a toss up for me. Go to Lowcountry fly shop and compare them in person.
Thanks guys!
Just got the ccfx2 8/10 today. It’s way bigger than the fwx 7/8. Just something to keep in mind
FWX for the win. That’s a lot of reel.
A long long slow walk in the spartina gives you time to think big thoughts and put your mind back into order.
- Flatscaster
FWX. My favorite reel. I own 3 of them. Great reel, very light, I’ve had no problem with the drag whatsoever, catching Albies up to 10 pounds on them.
There is no normal life, there’s just life.
Tarpon 140 (2)
Tarpon 120
Lots of other toys
Knot the Reel World Fly Fishing
www.knotthereelworld.com
I have been pleased with the FWX
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The FWX is a great reel, drag is great, and it’s very light weight. I recently bent the frame of the reel, I have no idea how it happened. It may have been thrown around with a bunch of other suitcases and that bent it. Customer service is not that great. It cost me over $100 to get fixed! I probably would have been better off selling the parts for the reel. It is fixed now and I have got it paired with an 8wt pro4x. I love the setup and it had no problem landing a big bonefish over spring break
Nautilus has some of the best customer service in the industry… I know, because I’ve worked with everyone in the industry…
You bent a frame… (not easy to do) and not their fault. You can’t just expect them to give you new one… and those things don’t just fall out of trees… each one has to be machined out of a solid block of aluminum… $100 is still cheaper than $350 so I say you got a good deal…
The FWX will do anything you need with redfish, and most bonefish… I also fish the CCF, and love it, but that thing is a tank, and not necissary for most of the fishing you’ll do around here…
Mad Mike
"to hell with insane… I’m OUTsane!!! "
Ended up pulling the trigger on Sage 2280 for $159. Many thanks to Matt at LFS for spending some time explaining all the differences to me. Was really thinking Nautilus but they are currently back ordered about 6 weeks and a good bit pricier.
For the amount I’m able to fish I think the Sage will do just fine, and nice to have a sealed drag now. Thanks to everyone on here for the inputs and tight lines