Fly Rod Reel Gear Review: Bozeman Reel Company RS 527

by Michael Stack, owner outfitter

“Made in Montana – named for Bozeman…Built in the heart of fly fishing”

You have to tip your hat to Matt Mcune, founder and chief engineer of the Bozeman Reel Company who ventured forward with an idea to create the world’s perfect fly reel right here in Montana, where trout, fly fishing and the fabled river’s that have made it famous come together. Matt is a graduate of Montana State University’s Mechanical Engineering Program who in 2008 combined his love of fly fishing and his engineering skills to start The Bozeman Reel Company. Matt was joined by Ed Tompkins in 2012 and Dan Rice later in 2013 to complete this “Dream Team” of Fly Fishing Reel Companies with an impressive eye for precision, craftsmanship, durabilty and style.

The Bozeman Reel Companys’ RS 527

• • One of the lightest , strongest and most durable fly reels available on the market today machined from solid T6061 aircraft grade aluminum bar stock.
  • The RS series RDX drag system incorporates sealed bearings, impregnated Rulon (from Teflon) for low start up inertia to protect light tippets in the most technical situations  and smooth, stopping power required for landing big fish on big water.
  • Limited lifetime warranty to the original owner.

I figured Montana’s Missouri River and it’s Land of Giants, known for it’s massive trout was a perfect place to put the RS 527 to test and it’s line peeling capabilities claim to task. Not just because of the size of the fish but also because if you wade fish this stretch of the Missouri River, you can’t drift with a big fish to land it (as you would in a boat), you are forced to use your feet and your reel’s drag from the bank to bring the fish to hand. My RS 527 reel performed flawlessly on thesebig rainbow’s.  As a veteran Montana guide and outfitter, I give the RS 527 a five star review for performance and durabilty. The quality and attention to detail are clearly evident as soon as you pick this fly reel up. I look forward to having it on the river with me on my next outing.

Watch how Bozeman Reel Company takes T6061 aluminum bar stock and transforms it into the perfect fly fishing reel.

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Bozeman Reel Company RS series reels in production.