Ross Evolution LT Review

Ross Reels has just introduced the Evolution LT – the replacement for their very popular Evolution series of reels.

The Evolution LT is a solid update to what has always been a very solid reel.  While the Evolution LT will probably be used most often for trout fishing, it’s made in sizes that accommodate everything from 1 weight to 9 weight lines.  Our firsthand experience tells us that these reels are going to work well throughout that range – up to and including the pursuit of smaller salmon and even bonefish.

Here are the highlights of our video review above.  If you’d like to see a bigger version of the video, or if you’re reading this in a newsletter or a reader, you can click here to view the full-size version on YouTube.

• Some key parts on the LT are now made of metal rather than plastic – the drag knob, the spool cap and the ‘escapement cover’ (the round piece that’s screwed to the inside of the spool).
• The machining is quite a bit different from that on the original Evolution, particularly on the spool.  The new machining means that Ross has been able to maintain light weights on the these reels even with the addition of the metal parts.
• The drag mechanism is unchanged, and that’s a good thing – the drags on the Evolution series have proven to be smooth, strong and reliable.

This is not a crazy new reel design – it’s a solid update to a reel series that didn’t need to be rebuilt from the ground up.

Here’s where you can buy the Ross Evolution LT online.

More Gear We Like

• Sage 690-4 Z-Axis
• Simms Headwaters Backpacks
• Ultrathon Insect Repellant