Overview

The Ross Evolution LTX is our best-selling Ross reel, and the one to pick if you want one Ross that does it all. It keeps the smooth feel and sound of the original Evolution LT, but its stacked-disc drag, borrowed from the Evolution R, is over four times stronger. That means it is light enough to balance a 3 or 4 wt for dry flies, yet has the stopping power for big browns on streamers, steelhead on a 7/8, and redfish, bonefish or snook on the flats.

Every LTX is fully machined in Montrose, Colorado from 6061-T6 aluminum and hard anodized. The bell-shaped large arbor picks up line fast, helps the line lay evenly across the spool, and has a channel that hides the arbor knot when you wind on backing. The canvas phenolic handle stays grippy with wet or cold hands.

Which size? The 3/4 suits small-stream and dry-fly rods, the 4/5 fits most 9' 5 wt trout rods, the 5/6 adds capacity for nymphing and big rivers, and the 7/8 covers streamers, steelhead and light saltwater. Full dimensions and line capacities are in the table below.

Which Ross reel is right for you? The Colorado is a classic click-and-pawl reel for light rods. The Cimarron is the most affordable Ross with a real disc drag. The Animas is the guide's workhorse. The LTX is the light all-rounder, the Evolution R adds a fully sealed carbon fiber drag, and the Evolution FS is the toughest Ross for steelhead and salt.