I’ve used the Redington Delta reel for more than a year now, and even use a previous version of the model as one of my backpacking rods. The Delta series rods have proven themselves as workhorses suitable for fresh or salt water applications, handling the day-to-day pressures of steady fishing with no trouble, and only a few limitations. 

Drag and Line Management
The Delta’s drag system merges cork and Teflon to create a smooth, drift-free system that stayed set where I wanted it—even when I locked onto a hard-charging steelhead that made the reel sing like a meadowlark. 

The medium spool/arbor size meant more cranking when I got a fish on the reel instead of just striping it in, but its actually a faster retrieve than the Orvis Access. 

Durability and Design
The Redington Delta blends classic reel designs with a splash of modern stylings. It’s a workhorse—an attractive one, but still a workhorse first and foremost.