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.
