Can anyone tell me if Ross CLA fly reels have any quality issues. Is the drag system sealed , and how they compare with other disk drag reels. I'm just trying to get as much information on them as I can. They look very nice, but they have a lot of plastic in them.
Ross CLA Fly Reels
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1,183 Posts
I could go look at mine, but suffice it to say both mine (CLA 5 & 6) have served me well for two years. Drags are easy to adjust (big knurled knob) while on the fight, and are easy to switch from right to left.
Although I might buy another make if I needed one (just for variety sake), I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ross if I needed one!
Although I might buy another make if I needed one (just for variety sake), I wouldn't hesitate to buy another Ross if I needed one!
I Have 3 And they are totally reliable.. No isues. smooth drag.. No wobble at all. Not loud but confidence! Not too costly.. Probably the best bang for the buck.. they have Very Many fish on them!! Not a bad word.. Cheers.
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954 Posts
No sealed drag, No quality issues I am aware of. A good real for the price.
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879 Posts
Not poseur worthy.
Just good basic affordable reels that keep reeling along. I've used four different models over the last half dozen years, nev'r let me down.
Just good basic affordable reels that keep reeling along. I've used four different models over the last half dozen years, nev'r let me down.
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220 Posts
For the money they are an excellent reel have owned my for 5 years and still not an issue with it
CM
CM
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894 Posts
Got a cla2 with 4 spools that see salt and freshwater days without an issue. Probably my favorite no maintenance reel out there. Ive got more expensive reels that dont perform as well. 5 star reels and I must be the only one that loves the look of them
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409 Posts
I have 5 CLA reels that I use for steelhead over the last 5 years and i think they are great. Never had any problems with them what so ever. They are a great reel for spey rods. Perfect balance of weight, size and function. Bullet proof.
best bang for the buck out there.
Mike
best bang for the buck out there.
Mike
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6 Posts
. . . and the best part: at the end of a run, when you have a pile of running line at your feet, smack the handle of a CLA to get the reel spinning, and all the line will be on the spool before you know it.
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894 Posts
With no reports of any failure of those plastic parts Im fine with it. You gotta remember it takes 1000 years for a plastic garbage bag to decompose, I dont think that plastic hub is going anywhere. Most reels if dunked in water will freeze up with sub zero temps
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746 Posts
Cla
My experience is much different than most of those above. I had a CLA 6 that I used a couple of years when heading up to BC . On fish of good size with powerful runs I experienced the reel slipping and catching to the extent that I did lose two large fish on the Babine and I blamed this reel for that. After that last experience one of the guides said that they have seen that kind of performance from other CLA reels throughout the season. Personally I'd stay away from the CLA if you expect to hook up with sizable steelhead. I was surprised others haven't had this problem. Maybe I just had a lemon but I got rid of it.
Loren
My experience is much different than most of those above. I had a CLA 6 that I used a couple of years when heading up to BC . On fish of good size with powerful runs I experienced the reel slipping and catching to the extent that I did lose two large fish on the Babine and I blamed this reel for that. After that last experience one of the guides said that they have seen that kind of performance from other CLA reels throughout the season. Personally I'd stay away from the CLA if you expect to hook up with sizable steelhead. I was surprised others haven't had this problem. Maybe I just had a lemon but I got rid of it.
Loren
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207 Posts
Cla
I have a CLA6 that has generally worked well. A couple years ago, mid-trip, it began to do something like "slip and catch" on a strong run, resulting in the rod pumping in an annoying way. I just loosened the drag and played with my fingers in the spool. It had been below freezing earlier in the trip, but not at the time the problem started. I sent the reel back to Ross, they repaired it very quickly at no charge. They may even have paid the postage to get it there, I don't recall. It's worked fine since. I did try to find out what they fixed (so as to avoid possible user error in the future) but never received a response.
Jed
I have a CLA6 that has generally worked well. A couple years ago, mid-trip, it began to do something like "slip and catch" on a strong run, resulting in the rod pumping in an annoying way. I just loosened the drag and played with my fingers in the spool. It had been below freezing earlier in the trip, but not at the time the problem started. I sent the reel back to Ross, they repaired it very quickly at no charge. They may even have paid the postage to get it there, I don't recall. It's worked fine since. I did try to find out what they fixed (so as to avoid possible user error in the future) but never received a response.
Jed
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160 Posts
I purchased one when they first came out and I have had ongoing problems, despite careful cleaning and maintenance of the drag. Sent back once, replaced spool. Ran ok for six or eight trips then back at it. Maybe it's an issue with the older reels.
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150 Posts
Own four reels (#5,6,6,7), and more than ten spools ( great price point makes spare spools a simple choice). My oldest CLA has been in service for ten years and my newest is two years old. I fish them on everything from Puget Sound Searun Cutthroat to Pacific Albacore. Used a #6 and #7 in Baja for Dorado, Jacks, and insanely hard fighting Black Skipjacks with no issues. Honestly have not had a single problem with any of these reels. Know that a lot of folks view CLA's as a "compromise reel" but its a pretty sweet compromise - tough as nails, machined from 6061 aluminum alloy, smooth drag, and durable type-ll anodized finish at a very reasonable price.
Ross's newer Animas model is close in price point, will be interesting to see if it shares the CLA's can do reputation.
Ross's newer Animas model is close in price point, will be interesting to see if it shares the CLA's can do reputation.
The CLA uses a rulon (or some other plastic) on anodized aluminum drag surface. Its smooth, and a pretty reliable system unless you get out in between the surfaces (you shouldn't oil the reel). The circular pawl springs that engage the drag can wear out and not engage the drag on the CLA, as on the Momentum. Kind of ugly aesthetics IMO too. I don't like how this reel retrieves line so smoothly that it winds in line while casting, but I think its a pretty decent reel otherwise.
IMO its a better drag than the Momentum which isn't smooth after even moderate use.
IMO its a better drag than the Momentum which isn't smooth after even moderate use.
David1123
Whenever you mass product any product its possible to get an item that's defective now and then. That being said I was told Ross CLA fly reels passed the Chinook Salmon test. I think if they can handle Chinook Salmon, they can handle just about anything.
Whenever you mass product any product its possible to get an item that's defective now and then. That being said I was told Ross CLA fly reels passed the Chinook Salmon test. I think if they can handle Chinook Salmon, they can handle just about anything.
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894 Posts
Id say the real test would be a 20+ lb chum, they are the most stubborn fish to bring to hand
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