Scierra XDP Fly Reel

[yonks311]

Hello everyone. I am looking at getting a new reel for a new steelhead rod (9ft 8wt) I am building. I have read some customer reviews on the Scierra XDP fly reel and they all seem to have pretty good things to say about it for trout/steelhead/salmon. Unfortunately the customer reviews I have read did not answer all of my questions such as performance below freezing temps and whether the drag system is sealed well, etc? I cant seem to find a store within driving distance that has one in store to go look at. This reel fits within my modest budget and based on the reviews I am leaning toward getting it.....but..... thought I might lean on the collective knowledge/experiences of this group before I decide.

Has anyone used this reel before on large fish (5-15 lbs)??

Thanks in advance!

Yonks

[Mike Thomas]

Hey Yonks, I use a Scierra reel on the Tongariro in winter, it has never given me any trouble. The Tongariro is a big river with lots and lots of Pumice and volcanic ash on the banks and in the water, and it can get as cold as -5c, my line often freezes to the rod rings but the reel has never frozen up and the drag seems impervious to the ash and pumice. It did not cost much but it does a great job.
Hope you find your Scierra as good as mine.
Mike.

[Bluegill222]

My experience with the XDP is that the drag is shielded very well. I field tested one when they first came out over here and it did very well for me. Unfortunately I can't speak to the cold issue since I fished it in the spring, but I wouldn't see any reason to expect any problems.

[yonks311]

Mike & Bluegill222,

Thanks alot for the response. This is just the info I wanted to hear. Sounds like it is a pretty good reel. I'm gonna go ahead and order it.

Thanks again!

Yonks