Is it my imagination, or is the Cabela’s Watershed Reel the original Ross Evo (before the Evo LT)?
Jeff
no but they look similar and they could possibly be made by ross
Yeah…not too far of a leap to say they are probably built by Ross:^)
I was lookig at the photos in a Cabela’s catalogue and they sure did look a lot like the Evo’s I have, that combined with the Made in USA label and it makes sense. Ross discontinued the EVO for the EVO LT this year. Could be eliminating new old stock with Cabela’s branding or mabye making a batch for them of a reel no longer in the Ross catalogue. If they are Ross Evo reels, I always found that series to be outstanding. (as I do the now discontinued Ross Rhythm series).
the only thing i see that are the same is the push button spool release and maybe the reel seat/foot.
the number of holes in the spool are quite different and the frame sports 6 ribs on the watershed vs 5 ribs on the ross.
Not the same reel. Original Evo is 3.9 oz, Evo LT is 4.2 oz and Cabela’s Watershed is 4.3 oz for the 2.0 size reels. Original Evo is lighter than the Evo LT.
Rythm with different porting on the frame. I haven’t handled one to know for sure but have heard this from a couple of persons who have.
The Rythms are d/c’d so if you wanted one, the Cabelas would be a good buy. The Ross warranty though is bulletproof, Cabela’s reel warranty ???
Rhythm was a really good reel series. I have several and like them all.
Not sure if it’s Ross or not, but the Cabela’s reel sure does look “ross”.
I’m not sure about Cabela’s reel warranty but I’ve never had any questions asked about returning anything to them.
Jeff
The first time I saw the Cabelas catalog and saw the Watershed reels, I thought “That’s nothing but a Ross Rhythm in disguise!”
I would recommend that you do not buy the rebranded reels from Cabela or anyone else unless you do know the manufacturer
Cabela’s does not sell reel parts and will not give out information as to who did making it extremely difficult to get repairs
Agreed, a Rhythm spool with an Evolution frame!! Maybe made by Ross??
That’s kind of what I was thinking. The push button release sure does look “Ross” and with the “Made in USA” label I would think that mechanism of release and “look” would be something Ross has patented or trademarked, at least in this country.
I’m not in the market for a new reel right now but the Rhythm’s I currently have are bulletproof reels for sure.
Jeff
It’s not an Evo frame. Both the original Evo and current Evo LT frames have 5 spokes not 6. Still could be a Ross but not an Evo.
The curious could call Ross and say you have a Watershed reel that needs repair and ask how much they would charge for a stuck spool release.
i tried telling them that in post #5 (should have put pictures) 
I should have known you were spot on.