Bauer CFX

The Bauer CFX is an impressive reel with the famous Bauer sealed drag, star drag knob, and dimensions that will make it a certain classic among anglers and collectors. In hand, they weigh like a reel should, and you can feel the quality and impressive machining at first touch. Bauer ended the production of the CFX when they launched the SST reel series in 2017. The CFX and SST are basically the same reel with a variation in porting on the back side. Yes, the SST spools work just fine on the older CFX reel.

When retrieving line, it offers no sound for those who prefer a more subtle presence on the water, while a slight click can be heard as your line leaves the reel. The most impressive thing about Bauer’s reel is the smoothness of their drag systems. The drag engages instantly without any noticeable bumps that often accompany initial drag system startups. 

The star drag knob is easy to adjust and I like the location of it because I don't have to change hands to make drag adjustments with a fish on the line. However, I'm most likely to palm the reel in the heat of a angry tight line and only adjust drag when there is a pause in the run.

This reel has been paired to a BIIIx 5wt rod the last few years, but is getting ready to be spooled up with a Rio LightLine WF4F fly line, so I can also lock the reel into a 9' 4wt fly rod. Yep, a good looking, classic reel that performs without peer...unless it's another bauer, of course.