Ross Introduces F1 Fly Reels

October 12, 2010 By: Alex Cerveniak

F1 Series Reels

F1 Series Fly Reels

After two years of development and testing, Ross will be introducing the F1 reel series for 2011.  The F1 is a large arbor fly reel that is a complete departure from conventional thinking and incorporates several innovative features.

Inspired by the brake system in Formula 1 race cars, the F1’s drag  combines carbon fiber and stainless steel in eight independent contact points to produce an incredibly smooth and dependable drag system. Two square inches of carbon fiber drag surface result in serious stopping power and heat dissipation. The spool fits to a carbon fiber stabilizer which utilizes two fully sealed stainless steel ball bearings to provide precision fit and smooth rotation. The F1 has a Ross-designed, custom-manufactured reversible clutch bearing that is fully sealed and enables retrieve conversion without the need to remove the bearing. The extensive use of carbon fiber in the drag system, spool stabilizer, handle and spool release provide system strength and rigidity, while reducing overall weight. Ten separate O-rings completely seal the system, making it impervious to the drag-changing effects of water. The entire system is controlled by a constant-torque drag knob with a 56:1 mechanical advantage, resulting in uniform drag knob rotation and infinite drag adjustment.

The F1 covers  2 through 9-weight rods and comes with a lifetime warranty.  The MSRP is $425 to $525 and spare spools will retail between $221 to $273, depending on model.

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