Honest Reviews. Expert Advice. Better Fishing
Redington Crosswater Fly Rod Combo
Real casting performance at an easy price
- Easy-casting medium to medium-fast graphite blank that punches above its price
- Lightweight composite large-arbor reel with a functional disc drag and cloth bag
- Sold in a freshwater 4/5/6 and an all-water 7/8/9 configuration
- Pre-spooled with RIO Mainstream line, though many anglers upgrade the line early
Plenty of would-be fly anglers stall at the same place: they are curious about the sport but not ready to spend serious money before they know they will stick with it. The Redington Crosswater combo is built for exactly that person. It bundles a rod, reel, and line at a price that makes trying fly fishing a low-risk decision.
The rod is the pleasant surprise here. It is an easy-casting graphite blank that most testers describe as medium to medium-fast, and it forgives the timing errors every beginner makes. You feel the rod load, you find the rhythm, and you make respectable casts sooner than the price tag would lead you to expect. That is the whole point of a beginner rod, and the Crosswater delivers it.
The reel is a lightweight composite large-arbor design with a disc drag and a stainless bearing. It is not machined aluminum, and it does not pretend to be, but the drag is smooth enough for trout and the light weight keeps the balanced outfit comfortable through a long day of casting. It ships with a cloth bag, which is a nice touch at this price.
There is one honest caveat worth stating plainly: the included RIO Mainstream line is the weak link. Anglers commonly report it is stiff, holds coils, and fights the rod. The good news is that fly line is cheap relative to the outfit, and dropping a fresh weight-forward floating line onto the reel transforms how the rod casts. Budget for that upgrade from the start.
The combo comes in two configurations. The freshwater 4/5/6 covers trout, panfish, and smaller bass, while the all-water 7/8/9 handles salmon, larger bass, and coastal species. Most new anglers want the 4/5/6 set up as a 5-weight, which is the most useful all-around trout choice.
The one thing to keep in mind is the warranty. Unlike Orvis’s 25-year rod guarantee, the Crosswater carries only a limited one-year warranty against defects, with no coverage for accidental breakage. That is a fair trade at this price, but it means you should treat the rod tip with a little respect. Bottom line:
Specifications
| Type | Rod, reel and line combo |
| Weights/Sizes | 4/5/6 freshwater and 7/8/9 all-water |
| Rod Length | 9' (8'6" in some lighter weights) |
| Pieces | 4-piece |
| Included | Rod, composite large-arbor reel, RIO Mainstream WF line, backing, cloth reel bag |
| Best For | Budget-minded beginners and anglers wanting a low-cost backup |
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace the included fly line?
Many anglers do. The pre-spooled RIO Mainstream line works, but it is frequently described as stiff with memory. Swapping in a better weight-forward floating line is the single biggest upgrade you can make to this combo.
Which size should a trout beginner get?
The freshwater 4/5/6 configuration, typically set up as a 5-weight, is ideal for trout, panfish, and smaller bass. Choose the 7/8/9 only if you target salmon, big bass, or coastal species.
Is the composite reel durable?
Yes, for its intended use. The stainless bearing and disc drag are solid, and the composite body is light and corrosion-resistant. It is not a machined-aluminum reel, but it holds up to normal freshwater fishing.
How does it compare to the Orvis Clearwater?
The Clearwater is a nicer rod with a far stronger warranty, but it costs more. The Crosswater delivers most of the fishing experience for meaningfully less money, which is exactly why it is the value pick.
What warranty comes with it?
The Crosswater carries a limited one-year warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship. It does not cover accidental breakage, so handle the rod tip with care.