If you have the Redington Zero and the Orvis Battenkill drawn up high on the top of your next-to-be-acquired list of fly reels, my guess is that you want a lightweight reel that doesn’t exceed a $100 budget.
So, in this Redington Zero vs. Orvis Battenkill post, I’ll bring you to perspective on what I think both fly reels offer and let you know which reel fits your purpose and which one doesn’t.
Redington Zero vs. Orvis Battenkill fly reel: a side-by-side comparison
We start with a side-by-side comparison of similar fly reels. See this as a glimpse of the comparison article!
More About Redington Zero : Reviews and Facts Checked
The Redington Zero is a fly reel that I think would be most ideal for backpackers. The fly reel is so light that you wouldn’t even have a feeling you’re holding it in your hand. I think Redington christens it as the Zero for this reason. Quickly, let’s take a look at the specs and its features.
The Specs
- Available in 2/3 and 4/5 size options
- Made from die-cast aluminum
- Reel or spool option
- Available in four color options
- Clicker drag system
- 0.35 lbs weight
The Features
From the material to the design, retrieval speed, drag system, and weight, below are some of the critical features of the Redington Zero.
Build Material
This is not a CNC machined reel. The Zero is a durable reel that is machined from heavy-duty die-cast, bar-stock aluminum. This material is not just the reason it’s so durable; it’s the secret to its light weight.
It’s the ultimate choice of fly casters as diecast aluminum offers stability, accuracy, and durability. However, I think this manufacturing method makes it prone to cracking, primarily due to stress failure.
So, by respecting its weight and size, you have to know that this isn’t for heavy-duty uses. This isn’t your reel for casting big flies, large bass, and aggressive fish, for example.
The Design
The Redington Zero is a reel/spool that is designed to be as lightweight as possible. It is not just light, but very small in size.
It comes in two size options: the 2/3 and the 4/5. The 2/3 size is perfect for trout fishing with two to three-weight rods. The 4/5 reel is also ideal for trout fishing for your four and five-weight rods.
The reel is designed for ambidextrous use. I’m a right-hand fly fisher, but I was able to easily convert it from the left using the manual in the package that comes with the reel.
Also, the reel is packed in a reel pouch. This gives protection to the reel when traveling, which is why I think this is a reel for backpacking travelers.
You have four color options to pick from. These include dreamsicle, black, avocado, sand, and teal.
Retrieval Rate
The Redington Zero may be a very small reel; this has in no way affected its overall performance and practicality when you’re by the seaside or on the water. Despite its size, it has this large arbor design which I like, as it ensures high-speed retrieval of your fish while reducing line memory.
Size
The Zero is probably the lightest reel within its class. It weighs just 0.35 pounds and has a total dimension of 4.1 x 6.1 x 6.1 inches when it is packed. This small size and light weight makes it ideal for long-distant trout anglers who are backpackers.
Drag System
The Zero uses a clicker drag system. As you pull the fish from the water or as the fish catches the fly, it gives you that clicking sound that fishers always like to hear. To help with the drag comfort and increase the fish retrieve speed, as is typical of Redington, the tool is equipped with soft-touch ergonomic handles just like you can find in larger reels like the Redington Behemoth
Weight
As earlier mentioned, the reel measures just 0.35 pounds, just like the Battenkill. No reel feels lighter than this. The lightweight die-cast aluminum construction means you have less drag, less hand fatigue, and you can add around extra two hours to your fishing schedule. Also, in my backpack, its weight is next to zero. In comparison, it weighs less than two medium-sized bananas or a box of cereal.
Line Capacity
The Redington Zero should be the best option for you if you’re using a 5 weight line on an 8 feet 6 inches rod, for example.
Water Resistant Sealing
The Zero has a somewhat matte finish. However, I think it’s more designed for freshwater than salt water or water with high alkalinity due to corrosion.
Pro Tip : Redington doesn’t indicate that this reel cannot be used in saltwater. However, I’ll advise that after each use in saltwater, take it apart mechanically and clean it in freshwater.
Pros : What I liked about the Zero
- It comes with a lifetime warranty
- Ultralightweight reel
- Can be quickly taken apart
- Spool easily removable and changed
- Made from die-cast aluminum
- Inexpensive
Cons : What could be better
- I think it could be more durable
- I’ve seen a couple of complaints about it bending
What sets it apart from the others
The weight, size, ergonomic handles, and under $100 price set the Redington Zero apart from other models within its range, the Battenkill inclusive.
Who is it for?
This is a reel for trout fishing anglers who needs something easily transportable in the pocket or the backpack. It’s most suitable for fly casters who work in freshwater. With adequate maintenance, I also think it can resist the corrosion and abrasion which the saltwater may throw at it.
Orvis Battenkill II Review
Riding behind the success of the Battenkill range of reels, Orvis, one of the world’s finest producers of fly-fishing accessories, has offered us the I, II, and III series of the Battenkill reels.
This is one of the cheapest of the range and perhaps the one with the most simple design. What does it offer compared to the Redington Zero? Below are specification facts and my perspective on the reel, performance-wise.
The Specs
- Click and pawl drag system
- Made from die-cast aluminum
- 0.35 lbs weight
- Available in black and nickel
- Ambidextrous hand orientation
The Features
Like the Redington Zero, the Battenkill 2 is a freshwater-ideal reel. Below, we’ll see together how its features compare with the former.
Build Material
Like the Zero, the Battenkill features a heavy-duty die-cast bar-stock aluminum material. So, I have nothing new to report on this. It’s just like the Zero in build material.
It’s a reliable reel with a more efficient system right down the center instead of out on the edge. It has roller bearings inside.
The Design
The reel in the Orvis range incorporates the superior drag technology developed and used for the Hydros SL model. It has a sober and beautifully refined neo-classical design.
The spool is easy to take off and switch to an extra spool. The design is as simple as possible, and it has the Orvis logo, which is laser engraved. I wouldn’t say it is more aesthetic than the Redington Zero as this is only available in nickel and black color. The Zero has fantastic options such as the dreamsicle and avocado designs, which to me is unmatched in the Battenkill series.
Orvis incorporates the Click Pawl Drag system, which is very loud and can be seen as a nuisance by some fly-fishers. This is a concern for many users, and I hope Orvis can make improvements in newer upgrades.
Retrieval Rate
Thanks to the large arbor drag system, the reel has a high-speed retrieval rate. With this reel, I can retrieve like three times as fast as a standard Arbor reel.
For one turn of the handle, it’s about one and a half times as fast as a mid-arbor reel. So when you’re done at the end of the day or when you have a fish running at you, you can very quickly get all your line in without a lot of cranking over and over.
Size
The dimensions of this item are given as 5 x 5 x 4 inches. That’s more compact than Redington Zero’s 4.1 x 6.1 x 6.1 inches. So, aside from the light weight, you also get a compact, portable and transportable size, which is just what a fly fisher on a boat or foot by the rock side wants.
Drag System
The drag system is a Click Pawl System. The nice thing about this drag system is that it’s indexed on the back, so you get a drag setting that you’re comfortable with.
It offers a very positive way of adjusting a drag, thanks to the large arbor. This Arbor is big and the line is wound up faster around a bigger diameter. However, that’s not the most important thing. Probably the essential thing in a large arbor reel is the retrieve speed.
Weight
The reel has a very lightweight frame. Like the Redington Zero, it weighs just 0.35 lbs, and there’s no issue of hand fatigue for long hours of fly casting.
Line Capacity
According to Orvis, a 125-yard of 20lb backing is recommended for WF5F Fly Line. A 100-yard of 20lb backing is ideal for a WF6F line, and a 75-yard 20lb backing is for a WF7F fly line.
Water Resistant Sealing
This reel is unlike the Battenkill III, which has an anodized finish. So, you will have to be careful and clean it well when used in the saltwater.
Note: Orvis only recommends this for freshwater use
Pros: what I liked about the Battenkill!
- Large arbor design for fast retrieve
- Compact size and ultralight weight
- All-water reel
- Simple and minimalist design
Cons: What could be better
- More expensive than the Zero
- Loud Click Pawl drag system
What sets it apart from the others
Even though it has no specific finish that guarantee this effect, I think the reel is more resistant and versatile in water for its price. It is ideal for use in small brook trout streams. You can use it in big freshwater and saltwater rivers, for catching stripers, bluefish, bonito, false albacore, and some big bonefish. The Zero can’t handle these!
Who it is for?
The Battenkill is a reel dedicated to river and lake fishing. Ideally suited to fishing for salmonids in rivers and lakes, this model will be suitable for covering many fishing situations.
Redington Zero vs. Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel: What’re the Differences
The Redington Zero is more differentiated from the Battenkill series in terms of the overall design. The Zero is offered in more design options and features colorful models than the Battenkill. The latter is only a minimalist model designed to be as simplistic as possible.
Also, the Zero is less expensive than the Battenkill. Redington sells the Zero at a current starting price under $100 while Orvis sells for a price closer to $120, shipping fees excluded.
To me, the Battenkill has a more efficient drag system. The Click Pawl System could be loud, but it offers a faster retrieve rate of up to thrice that of regular reels. It’s logical to say the speedier retrieve speed contributes to its louder noise. If you can deal with this, you have to get it!
Final Verdict
So, which is the better fly reel for you: the Redington Zero or the Orvis Battenkill?
Well, I think the Orvis Battenkill is a more rounded reel with more excellent performance. It’s a terrific reel with high performance, ideal for professional fly fishers. It’s pretty, well-priced, reliable, and sounds great when you got a fish. However, it is more expensive than the Redington Zero.
Meanwhile, the Redington Zero is for young anglers who love colorful, well-designed accessories that come at a budget and can be tucked in a backpack.
