Mako Reel Co. Fly Reel matte black

MAKO - the fly reel with the best drag system in the world! And this bold statement does not even come from the American reel maker itself, but the countless MAKO customers who measure their fly reels against the fastest and strongest predatory fish in the world. MAKO reels are the undisputed #1 choice for those who seek perfection, especially among saltwater anglers. All MAKO Reels have a fully sealed, calibrated, soft-starting and absolutely strong carbon-fiber drag system that gives you the same reliable stopping power for decades. Over and over again. From zero to a hundred in a single, buttery smooth turn!
 

The drag system

The reason why plastic- or corkdisc brakes don't exist on fast cars is obvious. Hence, for high-performance, precise and reliable stopping power, carbon was the only option for Jack Charlton, who was already familiar with this robust material from aircraft brakes. For unrestricted performance, it was also clear to the engineer that the drag system had to be completely sealed to protect it from water, salt, dust or sand. To meet these requirements, Jack used his experience in flight control hydraulics. He wanted to develop a fly reel that was sealed much like the pumps in jet aircraft. No water, salt or other contaminants should affect the product's performance. And because the brake is a completely closed system, it doesn't need to be lubricated or serviced. Nothing gets in, nothing gets out!

Today, inside the brake piston is a multi-disc, full-contact carbon-fiber drag system with "Button Technology" that eliminates starting resistance. Even at a strong drag setting, the initial resistance starts softly. With a single 360-degree turn of the oversized, very grippy drag knob, you can access the full range of this high-performance drag. A single full turn from zero to one hundred, in which the resistance is increased linearly. If you close the drag completely, it fully stops - more resistance than you will ever need in a real scenario. Absolutely incredible braking power hidden inside this mechanical masterpiece and one of the main reasons why a MAKO is the first choice for many experienced saltwater anglers!

The drag system is also calibrated. In other words, at any given time, an certain setting will always deliver the same breaking performance, regardless of potential wear. For such a system to work so precisely, a device is built in that automatically returns the clutch pressure plate to the exact height, even if the clutch plates become less thick due to potential wear. At any given time, you have full control over the tension and the pressure applied to the fish. So your grandchildren several decades from now could set the drag knob to the same position and the reel would produce the exact same line tension.

Type III Anodizing

Let's take a look at the exterior. One of the secrets behind the durability of all MAKO reels is hidden in the chemical treatment of the aluminum to make it even more resistant to external influences. Type III anodizing gives the reels a ceramic-like hardness. The process forms a super-hard, resistant layer on the surface that protects the reel from corrosion, impacts, scratches, and other external stressors. While the process is many times more expensive than Type I or Type II anodizing, the effect is also much more lasting. Even after many years of intensive use, a MAKO will look like new with a little polishing. Even after a reel had been at the bottom of the ocean for 12 months, it could shine again after a little polishing and provide many more years of reliable service (you can read the incredible story here).

Ergonomics

Braking performance, durability and longevity are important points, but what about the user-friendliness of the reels? MAKO didn't let us down here either, staying true to its perfectionist line. In addition to the buttery smooth running of the reel, which makes a gentle clicker sound in both directions of rotation, it also feels great in the hand when cranking. A large, easy-to-grip handle gives you perfect control when fighting a big ocean fish and prevents your hand from cramping up during long fights. The drag setting is adjusted via the large, MAKO characteristic drag knob. Operation is intuitive, you can either reach into the recesses with your fingers or turn the knob with the palm of your hand. The entire reel is the result of absolute precision work. All edges and millings are perfectly crafted. The only note: the reel comes with a relatively high weight, which is the price for the high level of performance and robustness.

For what use do we recommend which MAKO?

• The 9500 we recommend for class #6-9: Perfect for your lighter saltwater rods (e.g. Bonefish and Permit, or on the coast for sea trout, sea bass, pollack and co.). But also when hunting pike, zander and Co. the 9500 model makes a great figure. Likewise on your switch rods.

• The 9550 we recommend for class 10-12: A powerful companion on your medium-heavy tropical rods. Light tarpon and GT fishing, small sharks, hard fighting snappers or fast barracudas, in the jungle for peacocks or on your light two handed rods for salmon and big sea trout.

• The 9600B we recommend for class #11-13: The 9600B is probably the best-selling model for fishing the top predators of the tropical flats. Large Giant Trevallies, persistent Tarpon, as well as Tuna, Roosterfish and many Billfish species. In the jungle, the 9600B tames huge Arapaima and pelagic catfish. And also on your medium to heavy two-handed rods, the reel makes a fantastic figure when hunting big salmon.

• 9700B we recommend for all operations with rod classes heavier than #12, where you need extreme capacity: Bluewater fishing for huge tuna, marlin, sailfish, sharks and grouper. When dredging and teasing, where anything can await you. The 9700B offers incredible capacity and stopping power to truly take on any opponent.  

Details:

• Absolute Premium Fly Reel
• Ideal for the toughest saltwater use
• Large spool design: high retrieve speed and line capacity
• Smooth clicker sound in both directions of rotation
• Large ergonomic handle, no cramping during the fight of a huge fish
• Fully sealed drag system thanks to O-rings and proprietary carbon impregnated Teflon lip seals
• Multi-disc full-contact carbon-fiber drag system
• Button Technology: eliminates start-up friction to prevent leader breakage
• Oversized, calibrated drag knob with stop for one rotation
• “Lock-to-lock” 360-degree turn to access full power range
• "Taper Lock" quick change spool and a three-ball bearing spindle assembly
• Manufactured and polished to the highest engineering standards
• Type-III anodizing that gives the reels an almost ceramic hardness to withstand the elements
• Lifetime warranty against manufacturer defects
• LHR - left hand retrieve
• Color: matte black