Ideal Nymph Reel
The Diamondback Ideal Nymph reel is a complex five-axis machined reel with a 40-gram adjustable weight system designed to optimize the performance that tactical nymph anglers require from a fly reel. Ideal Nymph reel designs reflect years of experience in fishing nymph techniques and dealing with the problems and challenges that fishing long European style leaders can present. Every aspect of how an angler interacts with a nymphing reel has been carefully considered during the design of Ideal Nymph reels, with top competitive anglers providing their insight and suggestions.
Features
- A five-axis CNC machined, closed frame provides an ultra-smooth rounded surface to protect ultra-thin fly lines and micro leaders when line is pulled off the reel at any speed from any angle!
- Large diameter spool spins easily with one quick turn -- allowing several feet of line to be picked up very quickly -- particularly with the larger 3/4 model designed to put fish on the reel with one quick spin of the spool in most nymphing circumstances.
- An extra narrow gap and diameter tolerance between the frame and spool which minimizes the potential for line getting caught between those surfaces at any time.
- Exposed rim to allow line pick-up by “batting” the outside rim (similar to a center pin reel function) or manipulate manual pressure while fighting a fish with a lighter drag setting.
- A drag far more capable than a nymph reel could possibly need. Two full turns of effective range providing smooth pressure and minimal startup inertia for trout size resistance with a high end suitable for saltwater gamefish.
- A distinct incoming and outgoing audible clicking noise, even at the lightest drag settings.
- An extra large and wide handle shape makes it easy to find by feel without looking for it. Three small silicone rings around the wide shape handle make it easy to grip and spin, even if the reel or fingers are wet.
- A unique reel foot shape that improves the balance point of the rod similar to a down locking reel seat, while maintaining an industry standard foot shape that will fit all standard reel seats. All reels come with a hex wrench to flip the reel foot if you flip the retrieve direction.
- Thoughtfully considered integrated counter balance weight system, comprised of four 10 gram (0.35oz) removable counter balance weights. Reel base weights and loaded options selected to provide optimal balance points for high performance nymph rods.
- Matte black finish counter weights and retention screws for a stealthy approach to the fish without flash or reflection.
Spare spools for Ideal Nymph reels available here.
Choose options
Ideal Nymph Reel Specifications
| Model | Frame Diameter | Frame Width | Weight (weights & screws removed; no fly line) | Loaded Weight Options (with added weights; no fly line) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| INR12 | 3.42" | 1.00" | 4.49 oz | 4.97 oz / 5.33 oz / 5.68 oz / 6.03 oz |
| INR34 | 3.86" | 1.00" | 4.81 oz | 5.29 oz / 5.64 oz / 6.00 oz / 6.35 oz |
| INR67 | 4.29" | 1.18" | 6.22 oz | 6.70 oz / 7.05 oz / 7.41 oz / 7.76 oz |
Diamondback Performance Reels
Ideal Nymph Reel
Perfectly Tuned Balance
A modular adjustable weight system, combined with an offset reel foot that shifts weight rearward, allows for effortless, wrist-precise control at arm’s length and optimal balance with your Ideal Nymph & Generation IV Nymph rods.
Purpose-Built for Ultra-light Setups
Fitted with a smooth drag system and 5-axis CNC machined to tight tolerances, a closed cage with refined, rounded edges prevent fine mono leaders and thin lines from catching or fraying.
Angler-Focused, Field-Tested Design
Featuring a stealthy matte black, non-reflective finish to a reversible reel-foot, grippy drag knob, and wide grip handle, the Ideal Nymph reel will enhance control, comfort, and reliability when handling everything from delicate trout to surprise big fish.
The ideal nymph reel is amazing. Precision machined, ultra smooth and finely adjustable drag. It is perfect for Euro nymphing. I love the look, offset reel seat, beautiful reel. It balanced perfectly with my Ideal Nymph 4 weight 10 foot – 10 inch rod. I fish this rod for tributary fish (browns and steelhead) and smallmouth.
On my first outing, I landed my personal best smallmouth – 20 inches, 16 inch girth, estimates at 6.4 lbs. A youth I mentor, landed his personal best smallmouth – 19 inches – on the same reel.
In the past, the leader would get caught under the frame of my former reel, requiring removing the spool up to 6 times a day. On the Ideal Nymph reel, in several weeks of fishing, the leader has never got caught.
This is a solid euro nymphing reel. It is super smooth. It never tangles and the line never escapes the cage. you can have a ton of line out and when reeling in it will not tangle. it balances the DMB 10'10" 2wt extremely well. i will buy another.
The 3/4 Ideal Nymph Reel is the perfect Euro Nymph Reel. The removable weights allow you to balance a large variety of nymph rods. I prefer matching it to my Ideal Nymph 10’10” 6wt. The reel has a buttery smooth drag system, large easy to find handle, slip proof cage (perfect for the thinnest micro leaders) and it is very easy on the eyes. Will be purchasing the 1/2 Ideal Nymph Reel later this year.
Got this reel (3/4") to go with the ideal nymph rod 10'10" 2WT. The reel nicely balances out with the rod. A well thought out design and quality construction make this a great reel. Works good for thinner mono rigs. The thin line doesn't slip out of the spool. Nice job! I'd definitely recommend this reel.
Took my brand new 10 foot 2Wt rod and reel on its maiden outing for some tropical jungle river fishing and I was totally blown away. The rod and reel combo gave me so much confidence that I just concentrated on my fishing and forgot about the equipment ... it just does NOT get in the way of the fishing. The rod had a strong backbone and could pretty much handle the mahseers I was targeting. What a great rod and reel!
From the asymmetrical reel foot to the tall & narrow dimensions and adjustable weight system this is a very well thought out reel. I left all four of the weights installed on the 3/4 size reel and have it on the 10'10" 2wt which for me has worked out really well. All of the virtues of this reel really come to life when fighting a fish.
I picked up a 3/4 reel for use with my 10’10” 2 weight and also my 10’10” 4 weight. The finish/coating on the reel looks quite a bit different than the anodize I’m used to on other reels but it’s consistent across all surfaces. The edges are all very well machined with no sharp corners; exactly as advertised.
I took the reel out in 28° weather and the click noises seemed to disappeared but the drag was still functioning perfectly fine when I would pull line out. Near the end of the day I finally hooked into a nice 19” brown. He started to pull and I kept waiting to feel the reel release line but that feeling never came. I looked down to make sure I wasn’t tangled and I noticed the fish was already pulling line off. The smoothness of the drag was just mind blowing to me as I never felt the small startup inertia that I feel on every other reel.
A few minutes later I hooked a 20” rainbow and observed the same phenomenon. I never realized the reel had started to release line but it was. I don’t keep my drags super light, the reel is just so smooth it provides an experience I had never felt.
I’ve now fished the reel 8-10 trips and am in love with it. The reel seat placing it further down the rod is perfect. It picks up line super easy and the drag is just phenomenal. It’s not a cheap reel, but you’re definitely getting what you pay for.
Beautiful reel
Good communication from start to finish
I apologize that I lack the communication skills required to put the amazingness of this reel into tangible words….. every details is perfect… I love the drag, I love th handle I love the weight system…it looks amazing and I love being able to spin it for quick line pick up. You get what yuo pay for and more!
First off, this company has some of the best customer service! They replied quickly to my submission regarding an issue with my reel not engaging properly and my rod tip breaking. I got my parts within a week and was back out on the river fishing! Highly recommend their Gen IV euro rod and reel!
The rod to do it all. I've used this for tight-line micro leader nymphing, fished it with a mono rig and jig streamers and cast a dry dropper and it never misses a beat. Terrific sensitivity when you fish small nymphs but enough backbone to muscle a fish out of a logpile when it eats your streamer while still affording you the ability to cast a line when fish start rising. The first rod I pick up when I head to the creek.
A solid high quality nymphing reel. Several features of the reel make it well suited for nymphing. ( very tight spool to cage to avoid line from getting behind the spool, fast line pickup by palming the spool, reel seat is designed to get the reel as far back as possible on the reel seat, removable weights to fine tune the balance point on the outfit.)
You will be very impressed if you buy this reel!
John Anderson
Winneconne, Wisconsin
I received my Diamondback Gen IV 10’7” 2wt. a few weeks back but really didn’t have much of a chance to get it out on the river until last week. Boy was I impressed. It was only my second time tight lining with mono rig set up. The sensitivity of the rod is astounding, as is the ability to safely and easily play and net larger fish than you might expect. I was very happy with the service and can’t wait to grab my next rod. I’m thinking maybe a Gen IV 10’ 3 wt.
I fish Diamondback rods all over the world. Your product and service on the front and back end is the best I’ve dealt with across the industry.
Reel has a narrow/larger diameter spool to have faster line take up. Tight tolerances & very easy to use.
I love it! Its smooth, machined with precision and large harbor make it really fast to retrieve even with mono. Im move a vintage clicker reel guy, but the hightech design with ballance weight is pretty cool!
I encountered a mechanical problem with my Ideal Nymph Reel and the malfunctioning part was replaced free of charge. I’m back to action with a great reel.
The Ideal Nymph Reel is the finest reel I’ve ever owned! I love it!
Ideal Nymph Reel
I am very impressed with the smoothness of the reel and especially the drag system!
Very happy with all my Diamondback products
Perfect smaller reel which balances easily with most any euro rod. I have it for shorter 10’ + models for smaller to medium rivers. It’s plenty of reel for any trout. Superb quality, drag, design and tolerances. The 1/2 is unique in size compared with other euro reels on the market. The only potential improvement would be in the removable weights (compared with Sage ESN, for example) but the design, construction, appearance, drag and understated elegance coupled with performance make this line of reels superior. Great product. Built to last and will remain relevant. Would recommend to anyone. The model 3/4 is equally impressive and stands out among all euro reels of its size (due to attention to details) including the newest models from Hardy and Lamson. Have compared directly with virtually every reel on the market and prefer the Ideal for its attention to detail and performance. Looking forward to the 6/7 model for wild steelhead.
The best reel i have used so far! Great weight and balances the 3wt 10'10 perfectly!
Top quality as always