What this review covers
This hands-on review covers the article-era Redington i.D. Exact continuity to a current Redington reel has not been established, so the observations below are second-hand buying guidance for that reviewed model rather than an endorsement of a newer reel.
What made the Redington i.D different
The i.D paired a cast aluminum, full-frame design with a large arbor and a replaceable decal area on the back plate. The decal concept gave owners a way to personalize the reel without changing its working parts. It was an unusual visual feature, but the reel's handling matters more when judging a used example.
In our original use, the frame felt sturdy and the broad porting kept the reel from feeling unnecessarily heavy. The large arbor retrieved line quickly and helped reduce line memory. The spool sat inside the full frame and was secured by a screw cap, making changes straightforward while giving the spool useful protection.
Drag and controls
The reviewed i.D used a Rulon-and-stainless disc drag. We found its initial response gentle enough for light tippet, with some startup inertia on the larger setups described in the original test. The protruding drag knob was easy to reach but could get in the way, and the spool-retaining cap deserves a condition check because a loose or damaged cap can undermine an otherwise sound reel.
The rubberized handle was simple and effective in our hands. The drag was not treated as fully sealed, so buyers should inspect for grit, corrosion and uneven resistance. Follow any instructions supplied with the exact reel rather than applying a generic maintenance schedule.
What to inspect on a used i.D
- Turn the spool and feel for roughness, wobble or rubbing against the frame
- Check that the spool cap threads cleanly and stays secure
- Test the drag through its range for abrupt changes or sticking
- Inspect the cast frame, reel foot and porting for cracks or impact damage
- Treat decals as cosmetic; prioritize mechanical condition
Pros and cons
Pros
- Full-frame protection and quick large-arbor retrieval
- Comfortable handle in our article-era test
- Distinctive replaceable decal panel
- Gentle initial drag response on the reviewed unit
Cons
- Exact current continuity is unverified
- Drag is not treated as fully sealed
- Protruding knob and screw-cap spool release need inspection
Verdict for second-hand buyers
The Redington i.D is most interesting as a distinctive, full-frame reel with practical line pickup and a usable disc drag. A clean example can still make sense, but condition should decide the purchase. Avoid paying extra for old availability claims, a pre-spooled package or a particular decal. If the frame is sound, the cap locks securely and the drag runs smoothly, the reviewed design has useful qualities; if not, there is no current-model claim here to justify the compromise.
