Cheeky Launch Fly Reel Review: Worth The Hype?

I’m excited to review the Cheeky Launch Fly Fishing Reel. Last year, I lost a rod and reel by setting it on the roof of my car—it tumbled off when I hit 35 mph. Over the winter, I built up a new rod, and folks on my newsletter have heard about this already. I’d love it if you joined my newsletter for more fly fishing insights—I’ll have a link below.

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Over the past six months, I’ve owned and fly fished with this reel for over 35 days. From freezing cold February days to the beautiful mornings of spring, this reel has been a reliable companion. I’ve caught trout, sunfish, and even been surprised with a nice largemouth bass. The reel has worked flawlessly every time.

Key Features and Performance

One standout feature is the joint between the reel seat and reel body. This design eliminates nicks on your tippet, showing that the designers really understand the details of fly fishing reels. The large drag knob is easy to adjust without looking down, and the drag itself is buttery smooth with nearly zero startup resistance.

Real-World Experience

The Cheeky Launch provides a perfect balance to my fly rod, making it feel like an extension of my arm. On a recent bluegill trip, I hooked into a nice bass using a 5x tippet. The drag gave exactly when needed, protecting the fine tippet and allowing me to release an exciting catch for the evening.

The spool retrieves line with nearly zero resistance, allowing me to pick up slack line quickly—a crucial feature when fighting big fish.

Video Action with the Cheeky Launch

When using the Cheeky Launch, I noticed how smooth and efficient the retrieval process was. The massive arbor size made a difference, allowing me to pull in line quickly—up to 12.5 inches per turn. This is especially handy when landing a big catch.

The reel’s lightweight design, made from aerospace-grade aluminum, feels strong without weighing down your rod. The Rev Carbon Drag System performed flawlessly, providing consistent pressure and making fish fights easier to handle.

Things I Love about the Launch

After extensive use in various conditions, several features of the Cheeky Launch Fly Reel have truly stood out to me.

Revolutionary Design and Materials

Crafted from high-grade bar stock aluminum, the Cheeky Launch reels are lightweight and incredibly sturdy. This material stands up to wear and tear, feeling perfectly balanced in hand.

Advanced Rev Carbon Drag System

The Rev Carbon Drag System uses stacked carbon fiber discs, resulting in super smooth drag when reeling in fish. The drag stays consistent even during long fights with bigger fish—reliable and never disappointing.

Massive Arbor and Line Capacity

The massive arbor on the Launch Series allows for fast line retrieval—up to 12.5 inches per revolution. In real-world use, this means I can bring in line quickly, a huge plus when battling a strong catch. The large backing channel also lets me load up on line without worries.

Strength and Corrosion Resistance

Built from aerospace-grade aluminum, the Launch resists corrosion. I’ve used it in saltwater multiple times, and it has held up wonderfully—no signs of rust or degradation.

Versatility Across Water Types

One of the aspects I love most is its versatility. Whether in freshwater or saltwater, the Cheeky Launch performs consistently, making it an excellent all-around reel for different fishing environments.

Pros and Cons of the Cheeky Launch

Pros:

• Durability: Made from aerospace-grade aluminum, this reel handles both salt and freshwater environments without wear.
• Smooth Drag System: The Rev Carbon Drag System is super smooth, making fish fights easier with consistent drag pressure.
• Large Arbor Size: Gathers line quickly, saving time and providing a big line capacity.
• Lightweight and Balanced: Fishing for long periods doesn’t tire me out. The silent retrieval is a nice touch, making the experience serene.

Cons:

• Spare Spools: Not included and must be purchased separately, which can be a hassle if you switch lines frequently.
• Price: Although $100 cheaper here compared to other places, it might still be pricey for some. The performance and durability justify the cost.

One More Cast with the Launch

Spending time with the Cheeky Launch Fly Reel, I found it offers excellent performance for its price. The reel feels smooth and durable, making casting and retrieval easy. While it could be a little lighter, this doesn’t detract from its overall balance and build quality.

Its affordability is a huge plus, being nearly $100 cheaper than similar options. For those serious about fly fishing but mindful of budget, this reel is a solid choice.