Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor Reels/Only Clearwater Reels review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Orvis
Material	Aluminum
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Color	Gray
Fishing Line Type	Fly

product features

Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor II Fly Reel - 4-6WT

product description

CLEARWATER LA II

product details

Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 6 x 5 inches; 8.32 Ounces
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ January 4, 2019
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Orvis
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07MBPD2LT

important information

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Questions about Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor Reels/Only Clearwater Reels

Is this the spool only?

Answer: That is the complete reel.

How much does the size 2 (4-6wt) Weigh?

Answer: My guess is around 8-10 oz. It's made of light aluminum so the weight is very comfortable on my bass rod so I wouldn't worry about it. It's not going to weigh your rod down too much to off balance it on you...

Answer: Hi Living the Dream;

Answer: 5.5 ounces

Do you sell this reel along with Rio yellow weight forward 4 wt floating line with looped end ?

Answer: Hi Two Bucks;

Answer: The fly line doesn’t come with the reel and must be purchased separately. We also suggest Scientific Anglers fly line. Our favorite is the Amplitude Smooth series.

Answer: We do sell these two items separately and would be happy to soooo it up and everything for you. We do not however sell them together as a package. You would have to call us directly in order to place that special order

The IV Cassete vetsion is the new?, that inclued 2 spools cassette?.

Answer: Hi Cristian,

Hi, is this reel came with 2 extra spools and case? Thanks

Answer: Hi Mauro!

Answer: Case yes, extra spools no

Answer: No, reel only

Answer: Yes, this is the Orvis Cassette.

Answer: No

Is it left or right handed

Answer: This can be either left or right-handed. You only need to flip the retrieve on the reel to switch between the two. You will need to make sure the line is wound in the correct direction as well but the drag is easily switched between left and right-hand retrieves. It is delivered as a left-hand retrieve (right-handed casting).

Answer: The reel can be switched to either left or right hand retrieve. I believe it ships configured for left hand retrieve in the box.

Answer: It comes left hand retrieve, so set up for a right handed caster. It is very simple and easy to switch to right hand retrieve for a left handed caster though.

Answer: Hi Benjamin;

Answer: It comes left hand retrieve from the factory but is easy to flip to right hand.

I have an orvis clearwater 8 1/2 foot 3 1/4 oz 5wt rode i bought in 2007. will this reel fit this rod ?

Answer: Hi John;

Answer: This reel will fit any pretty much any fly rod. It's standard sizing on the reel seat. You'll have no issues with it.

Answer: You should get the Clearwater II. Good feel for the price.

Answer: Absolutely.

Answer: yes

Does this real come loaded with backing and fly line as seen in the product picture?

Answer: The Orvis reels sold on their own do not come with line/backing. Orvis' stock photos show it for display purposes. If requested prior to purchase, most sellers will throw in a spool of backing on the reel sale though!

What is a cassette?

Answer: Hi R. Little; A cassette is a plastic spool that fits on to your existing spool. The Clearwater Cassette Reel comes with 2 extra cassettes which offers you the choice of 3 different types of line. This way you don't have to purchase 2 extra spools to accomplish the same task. CGB

Answer: Hello, as far as I know the cassette is nothing more then the reel pre-loaded with the backer line and fly line with a leader attached and ready to load onto your real. Ready to fish......

Answer: You have multiple spools with different line weights that you can change on the reel main frame giving you multiple options with the same reel

Answer: Nothing quite to do with a fly reel.

Are the drags sealed/similar like the old one?

Answer: Hi Scott; The clearwater has been re-vamped from top to bottom. The drag system is far more effective and sealed. Breton's Bike & Fly Shop

Answer: Hello Customer, thank you for asking. Our older Clearwater reels actually did not have a sealed drag system. That is also the case with our new Clearwater Large Arbor reels. My favorite recommendation is to check out our Battenkill Disc reels that have a sealed drag system. Please let us know any other questions.

Answer: This is the complete reel.

So are the drag disk carbon as it says in the description or rulon witch is plastic as it says in the features and details

Answer: Hi Charles;

is this reel loaded with line?

Answer: No - the reel does not come with line

Answer: Yes, line and backing are on the reel, left hand retrieve.

Answer: No, this listing is for the reel only.

Answer: Yes, and backing, and a tippet. However, it is NOT aluminum as described on Amazon’s website, and frankly I thinks it’s a copy of an Orvis reel. It’s made from plastic.

Answer: Negative. Just the reel. You will need to purchase and install your own backing and line.

Answer: No, line is not included.

Answer: No it is NOT.

Answer: No

what is the radius or diameter of this reel? Thank you. 44757

Does this come with line

Answer: It does not come with line. CGB

Answer: No backing or line comes with the reel.

Answer: It does not. There may be an option to have backing and line of your choice added.

Answer: This is for the reel only.

Answer: No. Sorry. That's a stock image.

Answer: No, it’s just the reel.

How much line fits on this reel?

Answer: Clearwater Large Arbor II

Answer: Hi Leah;

What is the "Grey" menu chioce? Im looking for the 4-6wt cassette version.

Answer: The cassette version is a Clearwater IV Reel with 2 extra spools and case. It retails for $129.00.

Answer: The Clearwater Cassette only comes in the size IV (6-8wt) option. We did not create the listing with the Gray option and don't know what that's all about.

Answer: The reel is a very dark matte grey color.

Would 7 wt line with 100 yds of 20lb backing fit on the size II?

Answer: No. The line capacity chart shows 75 yards with a 6 weight. I can put a little more than that but you get the idea.

Answer: YES.

Answer: Yes it’s will

Is this an adequate salt water reel for surf or med coastal fish?

Answer: The answer is yes and no. It will obviously hold line.

Answer: Hi Loy;

Answer: For fly fishing yes

Can you confirm that the clearwater iv cassette comes with the reel, case, and extra spools?

Answer: This Orvis Clearwater IV Cassette Reel comes with 2 extra cassette spools. To better clarify, each cassette is a sleeve that slides over the existing spool of which can be loaded with a different type line of your choice. It takes about 30 seconds to perform the task and you are ready for action. This reel can be used in fresh or saltwater.

Answer: The IV Cassette is for the Clearwater Large Arbor Cassette Reel only.

Answer: I didn’t order the cassette I got the standard reel no extra spools with mine - if you’re getting the cassette it should come with two spare spools according to The Orvieto Web page

Would it be an issue to fill a 8/9 reel with 5wt line?

Answer: Hi Mac;

Answer: I would be more concerned about putting a 8/9 weight reel on a 5wt rod. Usually the weight of the rod and the reel should be close to the same in order to give you proper balance. A light rod with a heavy reel would probably be uncomfortable to use.

Answer: Not at all

Is the Clearwater ll 4/6 wt. made from aluminum or polymer?

Answer: Aluminum, Orvis says "A great new die-cast reel design with a stealthy matte-gray powder-coat finish" -

Answer: I believe that it is a cast aluminum. i have 2 of these reels and like them. Good performance for the price.

Answer: Hi Peter; It is made of aluminum and powder-coated. CGB

Answer: Cast aluminum.

Would the Cassette reel be a good match with an 8 or 9 weight rod for Pike fishing?

Answer: If it's 8/9 reel it would be a good match for a 8/9 rod. Good for pike, steelhead any big powerful fish.

Answer: yes should work just fine matching the line to rod weight

Answer: Yes.

Can this be used in salt water?

Answer: Yes the Clearwater LA IV can be used in salt water. It is not specifically designed as a salt water reel though, which means it lacks the sealed drag and bearing systems of our true salt water reels. If you use the reel in the salt you will need to be very diligent about rinsing it thoroughly with fresh water just as soon as you finish for the day. Lubricate it after every few times out with a drop of light machine oil on the spindle of the reel.

Answer: It is not recommended for saltwater use. Look for a reel with sealed drag as they are better suited for saltwater use. All reels should be rinsed in fresh water after use in saltwater. A reel such as the Clear water would need to be stripped down and rinsed after each use to avoid corrosion. If you want an Orvis product I would look into the Hydros reel

Answer: It isnt recommended. Look for an anodized aluminum reel and a sealed drag. Rinse your reels after each use in saltwater.

Product reviews of Orvis Clearwater Large Arbor Reels/Only Clearwater Reels

alley : Not as pictured!

Pic shows fly line on the reel! It does not come with line! Misleading!

Scott : Outstanding value

This new Version of the Clearwater II reel is a little more quiet than the older version with some obvious cosmetic changes in the frame and drag knob.. I haven't fished either the old, which I received this week, nor this newer version I recieved today but will this weekend. The old was manufactured in S. Korea while this new version was manufactured in China. Funny the spools swap and fit perfectly. Both very smooth, tight tolerances with a drag system that could stop a freight train. Overall I'm impressed with either that instills confidence,the newer in the Gunsmoke color for me is a better looking real, but what I'm going to do is make them both black and gray with a sinking line in one and a premium wf6f in the other.????

Amazon Customer : Great reel

I love this reel, only gad the chance to get it out a few times so far but so far it’s awesome

John S. : Value for the dollar

I will be using this reel on trout streams here in PA and what I like about it so far is that it's as smooth as silk to reel.

Maynard smith : Great price

Nice inexpensive reel

Paula Weible : Poor quality

Used once and drag stopped working, not impressed.

Roy : Great value for the money.

You can't go wrong with this reel for the price. Orvis is usually great quality gear.

Nathan b. : Best money for the quality

Great produce

DMWNY : Nice Budget Friendly Reel

I purchased this reel to replace an older 5 wt standard arbor reel that I had. I loaded on some backing and new fly line and checked the retrieve and drag and balance and it worked beautifully. I think it’s a great budget friendly reel.

Scott : Outstanding value

Shrekoutdoors : Very happy with reel

Doesn't have sealed drag system, but still an awesome reel. Drag is smooth and the clicker lets you know when a big one is taking line without being too loud. I have a Clearwater II mated to a 7'6" 4wt Clearwater rod for small water and Clearwater IV mated to 9' 6wt Clearwater rod for bigger water, love them both. Great combo that comes with 25 year warranty on rod and lifetime warranty on reel(against manufacturer defects)

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