REEL TALK: Bauer RVR Reels
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Time to read 2 min
Freshwater reels sometimes get pegged as mere line holders compared to their saltwater counterparts. However, anyone who's battled a trophy trout in stiff current or an angry carp in thick structure knows that argument can only go so far. Freshwater fish may not peel the line off at the speed of a bonefish, but they can still run hard enough to test a reel's drag and pop off the line.
Bauer spent over two years refining what would become their RVR series, a lineup of reels designed to handle even the toughest runs from high-caliber fish found in big water. Built with world-class drag performance, these reels run buttery smooth when it matters the most. The RVR's Zero Inertia design allows the drag to engage evenly throughout a fight, which ultimately means more fish in the net.
The Tech: Zero Startup Inertia
After hooking a large fish, you've probably felt a brief tug of resistance before your drag starts singing. When encountering angry fish or when fishing light tippet, this short period of resistance (aka startup inertia) can end the fight before it even begins: the pressure on the line becomes too heavy and your fish pops off. With the RVR design, Bauer set out to solve this issue. Bauer's Zero Backlash clutch locks down on the drag, providing maximum stopping force when you need it. However, it also eliminates all resistance when the drag is first engaged. This allows RVR reels to provide extremely even resistance throughout a fight, reducing the chance of breaking off a fish.
RVR reels also sport a complete seal around the drag system. So if you drop your reel in thick mud or sand, you'll know it won't impact the reel's performance.
The Look
Okay, so the aesthetic appearance of a reel might not be that important. But, if you're going to spend money on a new piece of equipment, you've got to like the look and feel of it. Luckily, Bauer's RVR reels boast one of the most eye-popping appearances of any reel on the market. Utilizing a 5-axis CNC machine, Bauer crafts the RVR with extremely fine spokes and more angles of reinforcement. The geometry and symmetry look great, but they also optimize the reel for line backing capacity, fast line retrieval, and an excellent rod/reel balance.
Stat Cast
- Comes in three main sizes: 2/3, 4/5, and 6/7
- Also offered in a special extra-large arbor Euro-nymph setup
- Sealed carbon drag
- Two colorways: charcoal/silver and black/gold
"The RVR's Zero Inertia design allows the drag to engage evenly throughout a fight, which ultimately means more fish in the net."
The final line
Bauer's RVR reels easily pass both the eye test and the performance requirements for landing trophy fish. If you're looking for a bomb-proof reel that shows up when it matters most, check out the RVR.
Interested in a test ride? Stop by the shop any time to get your hands on our full selection of premium rods.
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Bauer RVR 4/5 Reel
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