Given the large number of positive user reviews it has received, the Wright-McGill Dragon Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel is widely considered to be the best fly fishing reel for the money. The model is widely regarded as one of the most dependable and dependable fly reels currently available on the market today.
Our Review
Super large arbor design
On this reel, there are four different size options to choose from. While some online marketplaces, such as Amazon, frequently sell only three different sizes, ranging from the smallest to the largest, the manufacturer’s website offers a much larger selection of sizes.
What matters most is that this line is equipped with a graphite disc drag system and a super large arbor design, regardless of which size you end up going with in the end. Aside from that, any of the available sizes has been precision machined from 6061 aluminum bar stock. All of the components of this model are made of machined aluminum, including the handle.
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Choose the right size depending on your fishing application
Let’s look at each of the sizes individually to see what makes them so unique and deserving of such positive consumer feedback. It weighs 4.13 oz and has a 34 line weight. The extra-small version is made of aluminum and has a 34 line weight. Its spool width is 1.22 inches, its spool diameter is 3.15 inches, and its arbor diameter is 2.05 inches. In addition to 80 yards of 20 lb backing, the line capacity is WF 4.
The small variant, which is also constructed of aluminum, has a line weight of 5/6 and weighs 4.46 oz. In addition to 90 yards of 20 lb backing, the line capacity is WF 6. Among its specifications are the following: 1.22” spool width, 3.54” spool diameter, 2.44” arbor diameter, and 1.22” spool width.
Excellent aluminum construction
The medium size is constructed of the same aluminum as the large size. 78% of the unit’s line weight is 7.8 ounces, and the unit’s overall weight is 5.15 ounces. Spool width is the same as previously mentioned sizes (1.22”), but spool diameter is different, measuring 3.81”. The diameter of the arbor on this one is 2.64 inches. In addition to 135 yards of 20 lb backing, the line capacity is WF 8.
The final and largest size has a line weight of 9/10 and a core weight of 5.26 oz, and it is made of the same 6061 aluminum bar stock as the others. With WF 9 and 200 yards of 20 lb backing, this one has the most line capacity of all the ones we tested. Spool width remains the same, but spool diameter increases to 4.09” and arbor diameter increases to 2.83” from the previous size.
Best value for the price
The most important thing to remember if you are unsure about the size or capabilities of a fly reel is to visit a fly shop and examine the model you are interested in before placing an online order. It’s possible that this one will not cause you any headaches at all, as the vast majority of consumer reviews we’ve read claim that it provides the best value for the money. The manufacturers have even included a carrying case for the product.
When compared to other items in the same line, the Wright-McGill Dragon Large Arbor Fly Reel is a great deal of money. When it comes to fly fishing reels, the situation is relatively straightforward. If you have four hundred dollars to spend on a model, you will almost certainly be able to find one that will work with virtually any type of fish. If, on the other hand, you intend to catch some trout, the one hundred dollar price point is more than sufficient.
A critically acclaimed choice
Depending on which marketplace you use to make your purchase and which size you choose, the price of this model can vary significantly. Amazon is most likely the best place to purchase this item, as it frequently offers sales and discounts on a variety of items.
When it comes to recommendations, there is no doubt that you will be completely satisfied with this unit. Other buyers have described it as an excellent reel that is well worth the money they paid for it. According to these individuals, it maintains a good line tension and has a smooth drag action. In addition, several of these consumers have emphasized that it’s actually miraculous how Wright-McGill managed to manufacture a large arbor reel that’s so lightweight.
Switchable hand orientation
Another complaint from people who have purchased the model is that they have encountered a minor inconvenience due to the lack of instructions on how to switch the reel from right to left hand operation. Consequently, they had to figure things out for themselves, but they eventually figured out how to get around the problem and were able to customize the reel.
If you are still undecided about which fly reel to purchase, the Wright-McGill Dragonfly series is definitely worth considering.