Ross Colorado LT Fly Reel
Kirk Deeter
February 7, 2024
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The Colorado fly reel was a classic standard in the Ross Reels lineup–it was discontinued for a while, then the redesign made a comeback a few years ago.
If a basic click-pawl drag is good enough for you, and you appreciate reels being light, but not easy to scratch or dent…
If you care how a reel sounds when a fish pulls on the line…
You might be in the market for the redesigned Colorado LT.
Design
The best way to describe the Colorado LT is that it’s a very simple reel, with some very detailed elements. Lacking a crazy-complicated drag system, the company instead turns its attention to aesthetics. In fact, now there are a variety of special variations, like a “Greenback” and “Colorado Cutthroat” (a portion of the proceeds go directly to Trout Unlimited and programs to support those fish).
They’re beautiful reels, but in a more modern, less classic style. And the large arbor picks up fly line efficiently.
Pros
Simple to operate and maintain.
Unidirectional click-pawl drag works equally well for left or right handers.
They’re light and head-turners from a design perspective.
Good tolerances, solid construction.
Cons
Not exactly a “budget” option, especially the special editions. Other, simpler click pawls cost less.
Semi-caged frame is good for durability, but not so much for palming the reel. Not bad, but there are better options for the reel palmers.
Pretty small range of models, limited to accommodate 2-weights through 5-weights.
Pricing
If you appreciate the feel, sound and looks–and you’re also in it for some artistic flair–$375 for the Colorado LT is a killer value. If you’re completely utilitarian, don’t care about those things and just want to save money by opting for a click-pawl reel over a disc-drag, you can spend less.
Craftsmanship
Beautiful, distinctive design.
Durability
Heavily ported spool and not meant to be thrown at the rocks. But like everything Ross Reels has built, quality machining and materials. Like we said, it’s not easy to scratch or dent.
- Price: $375
- Sizes: 3/4, 4/5 (line weights)
- Weight: 3.2 ounces, 3.5 ounces
- Colors: Matte Black, Matte Platinum, Colorado Cutt ($495)
- Drag: Unidirectional click-pawl drag
- Handle: Canvas micarta (enhances grip when wet)
- Arbor: Large (fast retrieval and reduced line memory)
- Warranty: Ross Reels warranty
“Ross Reels® branded fly reels purchased through an Authorized Dealer are covered by a limited lifetime warranty for as long as the product is on the market. This limited lifetime warranty only applies to the original owner and is not transferable. This limited lifetime warranty is limited to repair or replacement of the product only, and does not cover direct, indirect, consequential, incidental or any other type of damage resulting from the use of the product.”
Likely buyers
The likely buyer pool is actually pretty wide and deep for the Ross Colorado. From beginners who want a nice, quality reel to match a good rod, to the collector connoisseur, to the minimalist who wants a few-frills (mostly visual) light reel.
I often pair this classic reel with my only (bucket list) bamboo rod. Click pawls just seem to go with bamboo, and I like how light this reel feels and the clean, minimalist design for this rod. Most of all, I love how it balances with bamboo.
Conclusion
Bottom line, if you want to stop a truck with the drag, look for a disc-drag reel, but know the fish is going to break you off anyway with a drag that powerful (pegged down).
At this price, you’re paying for good looks, high-end aesthetics, a durable frame, excellent customer service and that’s it.
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