Redington Grande Reel and Crux Rod Evaluation

Few issues are higher than placing collectively a fishing equipment that will get the job performed properly with out completely destroying your pockets. Redington has lengthy been identified to perform simply that process.

The model has been making fly fishing gear and gear since 1992. With a deal with high quality efficiency at a manageable value level, Redington goals to be each “adventurous and approachable,” opening the door to fly fishing to new and seasoned anglers alike. 

My first foray into the Redington model was with the Redington Grande Reel neatly paired with its Crux Rod. I picked up this mixture on the model’s advice for one in every of my first steelheading adventures on the north shore in Minnesota.

I wanted a rod with a stiff rod tip and sufficient connectivity to really feel the “take” of steelhead in deep swimming pools. Steelhead are infamous for laborious fights and taking line. I needed a reel with loads of backing capability and a easy drag-knob system for changes on the fly. 

So, did this budget-friendly equipment measure as much as the heavy-duty process?

In brief: The Redington Grande reel and Crux rod combo has been my selection fly fishing setup for over 5 seasons. Reasonably priced and performance-driven, this setup has exceeded my expectations in each fishing journey I’ve thrown at it. It’s simply by no means let me down.

Redington Grande Reel and Crux Rod Evaluation

Overview: The Grande Reel

Constructed absolutely anodized with machined aluminum, the Grande reel is made for preventing huge fish with out compromise. Redington added a totally sealed “tremendous torque” carbon fiber drag system that gives clean drag and power to wear down huge fish in practically any situation.

The reel’s outsized drag knob and V-spool design provide straightforward changes and elevated line capability, supplying you with peace of thoughts whereas your subsequent PB is working downstream.

The reel’s rim is massive, making it straightforward to use stress to frenzied fish whereas including to total spool rigidity. The model additionally boasts that the optimized reel foot place makes it straightforward to place the true heart of gravity to stop rod twist. As a bonus, it’s easy to transform between left or right-hand retrieve. 

General,  the robust development and reliable drag efficiency make this reel supreme for dealing with absolutely anything you throw at it in freshwater and saltwater environments. And with a lifetime guarantee, that may’t be beat.

Overview: The Crux Rod

A quick-action rod constructed with Redington’s Line Velocity Taper, the Crux is made for assured supply of quick to mid-range casts. There are two huge factors to the Crux: the “connectivity” whereas in use and the brand new and improved grip.

Beginning with the rod itself, Redington added a stiffer tip to scale back undesirable vibration whereas rising connectivity between the tip, center, and decrease part of the rod to offer the person an all-around superior really feel. For a giant fish rod, I’ve been pleasantly stunned at how a lot I can really feel the little bumps and faucets as my bait bounces alongside the underside of a deep pool. 

The Crux was the primary rod that Redington added its “Angled Key Grip” to, with a extra dense and precompressed cork materials that elevated sturdiness and sensitivity whereas “lowering hand fatigue.” Whereas I can’t say factually that the grip has decreased my hand fatigue whereas casting, I can say confidently that the grip is snug even when fishing from dawn to sunset. 

A completely anodized reel seat with built-in hook keepers and a premium olive matte end spherical out the characteristic record of the Crux.

My Expertise With the Redington Grande Reel and Crux Rod

Over the previous few years, I’ve taken the Redington Grande and Crux on many fly-fishing adventures. I’ve fished every part from Nice Lakes Steelhead and Pink Salmon to Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike.

And whereas I haven’t had an opportunity to fish saltwater but, I’m assured this setup might be equally spectacular there. With that in thoughts, one in every of my favourite issues about this setup is its versatility.

The Crux is responsive sufficient to forged and fish in a nuanced approach — feeling for gentle “takes” on the underside of a gap in a river — whereas remaining stiff sufficient to wear down even the hardest fish. The Grande has loads of room for backing, and I’ve swapped between a conventional fly line setup with a floating line over to a 100% mono setup for Steeleading the place getting the bait to the the underside of the pool quickly is essential. The Crux by no means missed a beat.

Past that, I’ve taken this rod and reel on dozens of street journeys, backpacking adventures, flights, and extra, and I’ve by no means had any points with damaged or worn-down elements. It’s superb that Redington provides a lifetime guarantee on each merchandise, however I like the truth that I’ve by no means even had to consider that much more. 

If you mix these items and take into account the pricepoint to comparable setups — this can be a no-brainer. Plus, I actually dig the aesthetic. Perhaps that doesn’t matter within the grand scheme of issues, however hey. If I’m going to spend cash on high quality gear, I would like it to look cool, too.

A Successful Mixture

There’s lots to like about this setup. First, I’ve discovered it to be very versatile throughout a mess of fishing varieties and environments. I really feel as snug fishing lakes for large smallmouth bass as I do dragging deep river swimming pools for Nice Lakes Steelhead.

The road-speed taper makes middle-distance casting a breeze and interprets properly to long-distance casts. The grip is snug and makes lengthy days of casting extra manageable — offsetting a number of the weight of the general mixture. I like that the drag is sealed on the reel, making it straightforward to fish with peace of thoughts. 

Room for Enchancment

It goes with out saying that I’m a fan of this setup. That being mentioned, there are a couple of areas that might be improved. First, I discover it missing in short-range casting. The rod lacks a way of finesse, and I’ve discovered it troublesome to forged precisely below 25 toes.

The load of the reel is one other level of competition and provides to a less-than-ideal swing weight. Whereas these aren’t deal-breakers for me by any means, they’re price contemplating.

Remaining Ideas on the Grande & Crux Combo

This rod and reel duo offers the efficiency and sturdiness I would like and has been my go-to for dozens of adventures. Full of options and considerate design parts, I proceed to succeed in for this setup at any time when there may be massive fish potential and I have to convey out the large weapons. 

It ought to come as no shock that I extremely advocate the Redington Grande and Crux — there’s a motive I’ve been sticking to the identical setup for a number of years. These instruments present me with every part I would like and nothing I don’t. Are there new improvements and lighter-weight choices accessible? In fact.

Nonetheless, you received’t discover a higher worth that’s full of options and backed with a lifetime guarantee. And typically, the gear you have already got and know properly is price greater than getting your palms on the most recent and best.