Machined in Montrose, Colorado — a mile from our shop, from bar stock to anodizing, on the banks of the Uncompahgre.
The Evolution FS is Ross's big-water freshwater reel. The drag hybridizes their two best systems — the stacked architecture of the LTX and the proven materials of the Animas — into a stack built with high-temperature-resistant components, because heat is what actually kills a drag when a big fish runs long. The frame is semi-caged: a stout rounded radius that stops line from slipping between spool and frame, which is the single most annoying thing that can happen at the wrong moment. Land-and-sea artwork is machine-engraved into the frame.
Full lineup
| Size | Weight | Diameter | Width | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/5 | 5.9 oz | 3.514" | 0.912" | WF4 + 115 yds / WF5 + 100 yds |
| 5/6 | 6.4 oz | 3.82" | 0.978" | WF5 + 140 yds / WF6 + 125 yds |
| 7/8 | 6.9 oz | 4.151" | 1.05" | WF7 + 215 yds / WF8 + 200 yds |
| 9/10 | 7.7 oz | 4.554" | 1.20" | WF9 + 225 yds (30#) / WF10 + 200 yds (30#) |
Colors: Matte Black, Matte Platinum, Matte Olive, Matte Blue. Current pricing is on the selector above.
Why the FS over a lighter Ross
Look at the capacities. The FS holds substantially more backing than the LTX or Animas at every size — 140 yards behind a 5 weight line, 225 behind a 9. If you are chasing big trout on big water, pike, carp, or salmon, the extra half-ounce buys you line you may actually need. The semi-caged frame and the high-capacity spool are built for exactly that fish.
Details that matter
- Hybrid stacked drag using high-temperature-resistant materials
- Symmetrical semi-caged frame with rounded radius — line cannot slip between spool and frame
- Machine-engraved land-and-sea artwork; high-capacity large arbor spool
- Drag knob shaped to keep fly line from catching
- Canvas micarta handle; hard-anodized in Ross's zero-discharge Montrose facility
Want a fully sealed drag in this class? The Evolution R Salt carries a sixteen-disc sealed stack with salt-coated internals — the pick if your big-water fishing includes actual salt. Stocked here.
Warranty: Ross limited lifetime warranty to the original owner, valid only on reels purchased from an authorized dealer — which we are. Service at the Montrose factory, typically within four weeks.
Ed's Fly Shop, 432 E Main St, downtown Montrose, Colorado.
