Ideal Nymph Reel

5 reviews
$475.00

Shipping calculated at checkout.

Diamondback’s Ideal Nymph reels are a complex five-axis machined reel with a 40 gram adjustable weight system designed to optimize the performance tactical nymph anglers require from a fly reel. Ideal Nymph reel designs reflect years of experience 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. Here are the performance specific features:

  • A unique reel foot shape that improves the balance point of the rod similar to a downlocking 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.
  • 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.
  • 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!
  • 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 large diameter spool that 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.
  • The reel has an exposed rim to allow line pick-up  by “batting” the outside rim (similar to a centerpin 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.
  • 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 black colored 10 gram counter weights and retention screws for a stealthy approach to the fish without flash or reflection.
Size Frame diameter

Weight (weights & screws removed)

Loaded weight options
1/2 3.4" x 1" 4.51oz

4.86oz
5.22oz
5.57oz
5.92oz

3/4 3.8" x 1" 4.79oz 5.15oz
5.5oz
5.85oz
6.2oz
Size:

Customer Reviews

Based on 5 reviews
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H
Helena Fischer
Ideal Nymph Rod and Reel

The rod was great. It was light and sensitive. Great for small nymphs and drys. The reel balanced the rod very well. The reel is definitely nicer than other esn reels.

M
M.
Very well thought out 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.

G
Garrett Nelson
Unparalleled Quality

This reel is in a league of its own with the silky smooth drag and offset seat design. Makes for a perfectly balanced setup once adding or removing weights and the micro adjustments of the drag allow or protecting the smallest tippets.

J
Justin H.
Fantastic Reel

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.

K
Kevin Smith
Diamondback Ideal Nymph Reel 1/2

I have other Euro reels in the past but this is one of the best by far. I really like the innovative features and the Diamondback logo. Fit and finish is excellent and the handle is comfortable and easy to use. Drag is smooth and love hearing it sing when a big fish is taking line out. I like the full cage design and it handles long mono leaders well . You would be hard pressed to find a better Euro reel, it’s worth every penny.

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