Quick answer: choose the Orvis Battenkill Click at Trident Fly Fishing for a light, traditional trout setup where simple click-and-pawl control is the point. Choose the Redington BEHEMOTH 7/8 when you need an adjustable carbon-fiber drag, more backing room and an exact configuration for heavier lines. Both had qualifying exact variants below $200 in the dated August 7, 2026 Trident catalog record; treat that ceiling as a live checkout filter, not a permanent price promise.
Those two reels solve very different problems, which is more useful than a long list of near-duplicates. The Battenkill Click covers light through general trout lines in three current sizes. The BEHEMOTH 7/8 is heavier and built for a broader, more demanding role. Start with the line you already own—or the rod and line you plan to buy—then choose the mechanism that fits the fishing.
Best fly reels under $200 at a glance
- Best for a light, traditional trout setup: Orvis Battenkill Click
- Best for adjustable drag and a heavier 7/8 setup: Redington BEHEMOTH 7/8
Best fly reels under $200 compared
| Model | Best for | Exact fit | Drag | Construction | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orvis Battenkill Click | Light, traditional trout setups | I: 1–3; II: 3–5; III: 5–7 weight | Click-and-pawl; palm pressure adds control | 6061-T6 aluminum; standard arbor | See details |
| Redington BEHEMOTH 7/8 | Heavier lines and adjustable drag | 7/8; 200 yd of 20 lb backing capacity | Adjustable carbon-fiber | Die-cast chassis; large-arbor deep-V spool | See details |
This is a two-pick ranking. The Orvis is not a smaller version of the Redington, and the Redington is not automatically the better reel because it has an adjustable drag. The right choice depends on line class, target fish, current, backing needs and how much reel weight suits the finished outfit.
Detailed reel reviews
Option 1 of 2
Orvis Battenkill Click: Best for a light, traditional trout setup
Generation note: This recommendation is for the updated Battenkill Click 3FTH. Earlier Battenkill weights, construction, photographs and handling impressions do not describe this generation.
Verdict: The current Battenkill Click is the cleaner choice when you want a simple trout reel and do not need an adjustable disc drag. Size I covers 1–3-weight lines, size II covers 3–5 and size III covers 5–7, so the range works from delicate light-line rods through common trout setups without moving into a heavy frame.
Orvis lists the three sizes at 3.4, 3.8 and 4.1 ounces. The reel uses a standard arbor and an audible click-and-pawl mechanism, with the angler’s palm supplying extra pressure when needed. That is a deliberate style of fish control, not a bargain substitute for a disc drag. If you prefer to set drag pressure with a knob or expect stronger fish in current, the BEHEMOTH is the more natural fit.
Reasons to choose it
- Simple click-and-pawl control
- Three current light-to-general trout sizes
- Lower published weight than the BEHEMOTH 7/8
Reasons to skip it
- No adjustable disc drag
- Standard arbor retrieves less line per turn than a comparable larger arbor
- Current range stops at 7-weight lines
Option 2 of 2
Redington BEHEMOTH 7/8: Best for adjustable drag and heavier lines
Generation note: The 5-5506 BEHEMOTH family continues today, but the exact size and finish of the earlier article reel are unknown. No unnamed earlier unit is presented as the current 7/8 reel.
Verdict: Choose the BEHEMOTH 7/8 when adjustable drag, heavier line classes and backing capacity matter more than keeping reel weight low. Redington lists the current 7/8 at 4.0 inches and 7.5 ounces, with capacity for 200 yards of 20-pound backing.
The reel uses a die-cast chassis, a large-arbor deep-V spool and an oversized drag knob. Its adjustable carbon-fiber drag gives you a different control system from the Battenkill’s click-and-pawl design. Redington does not describe the BEHEMOTH drag as sealed, so do not treat it as a maintenance-free saltwater reel simply because the family includes larger sizes.
Reasons to choose it
- Adjustable carbon-fiber drag
- Large-arbor deep-V spool
- Exact 7/8 configuration for heavier setups
Reasons to skip it
- Substantially heavier than the Battenkill Click sizes
- Die-cast rather than fully machined construction
- Redington does not describe the drag as sealed
How to choose a fly reel under $200
1. Match the exact reel size to the line
Start with the fly line, not the discount. Reel labels overlap, but capacity does not. Check the maker’s exact line-and-backing row for the selected frame, especially if you use a bulky specialty taper. Buying a cheaper size that cannot hold the intended line and backing is not saving money.
2. Decide how much drag you actually need
A click-and-pawl reel is a sensible choice for light trout fishing when you are comfortable controlling extra pressure with your palm. An adjustable disc drag is the more versatile starting point for stronger fish, heavier tippet or fast current. Neither system is universally better; the fishing decides.
3. Consider arbor size and retrieval
A larger arbor retrieves more line per turn, while a standard arbor keeps the Battenkill’s traditional proportions. As the original guide put it: “I prefer mid-to-large-arbor reels, as I've found they really do make a big difference in line retrieval rates.” That preference matters most when loose line must come back onto the reel quickly; it does not override fit, balance or capacity.
4. Balance the complete outfit
Published reel weight is useful only in context. The rod, line and backing all affect the finished balance. A light reel is not automatically more durable, and a heavy reel is not automatically stronger. If possible, mount the reel on the intended rod before buying.
5. Treat construction as one clue, not the verdict
Machining and casting affect design and cost, but the production method alone does not prove drag performance, impact resistance or service life. Look at the complete reel, the exact configuration and the maker’s repair pathway rather than buying on one material label.
The $200 rule: check the exact variant
The price ceiling applies to the exact reel in the cart. A different size, spare spool, unavailable finish, used listing or older generation does not make the selected reel an under-$200 buy. The qualifying evidence for these two picks is a dated catalog snapshot, so reconfirm the product title, size, finish and price at checkout.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best fly reel under $200 for trout?
For a light traditional trout setup, start with the Battenkill Click size that explicitly includes your line weight. Choose the BEHEMOTH only when its adjustable drag, larger arbor and extra capacity solve a real need; the 7/8 is much heavier than the Orvis sizes.
Can I get an 8-weight fly reel under $200?
The dated August 7, 2026 merchant record showed qualifying BEHEMOTH 7/8 variants below the ceiling. That is not a permanent price claim, so confirm the exact 7/8 option again before ordering.
Is a click-and-pawl reel suitable for a beginner?
Yes, when the fishing is light enough and the angler is comfortable adding palm pressure. It is mechanically simple, but it asks the angler to participate more directly in controlling a running fish.
Do I need a sealed drag?
Not for every trout setup. Sealing becomes more relevant around salt, sand and grit, but it does not eliminate care. Redington describes the current BEHEMOTH drag as adjustable carbon-fiber, not sealed.
Should I buy a spare spool?
A spare spool is useful when you switch line types regularly. Verify the exact reel generation and frame size before buying one; a shared family name does not guarantee cross-generation compatibility.
Are machined reels always better than die-cast reels?
No. Manufacturing method affects design and price, but it does not establish durability or drag quality by itself. Compare the whole reel and the use it must serve.
Final recommendation
Choose the Orvis Battenkill Click at Trident Fly Fishing when low weight, light-to-general trout sizing and traditional fish control are the priorities. Choose the Redington BEHEMOTH 7/8 when adjustable drag, heavier lines and backing capacity justify the extra weight. Whichever role fits, finish the decision by matching the manufacturer’s exact size row and reconfirming that the selected variant still falls below $200.
First-party sources
These manufacturer records support the current identities and specifications used above:
