What this review covers
This hands-on review covers the continuous Redington ZERO 5-5507 family, but the original article did not identify the tested size or color and mixed colorways from different years. The current family remains available in 2/3 and 4/5, with Burgundy, Wolf Grey and Matte Black as the current manufacturer colors.
ZERO design and purpose
The ZERO is a very light, large-arbor reel with a die-cast frame, quick-change spool and spring-loaded clicker drag. It is a deliberately simple design. The large arbor retrieves line quickly and helps reduce line memory, while the ported construction keeps the reel light.
Our article-era unit was used as a light-line trout reel. Its twin-molded handles felt comfortable in hand, and the reel balanced a lightweight setup well. Because the test size was not recorded, those observations stay attached to that unnamed unit rather than being presented as proof about both current sizes.
Clicker drag and handling
The spring-loaded clicker is not intended to provide the power of a disc-drag reel. In our use, the ZERO made the most sense for smaller trout and light setups where low weight, line control and palming the spool matter more than heavy drag pressure. The click is pronounced, which some anglers enjoy and others may find distracting.
The spool is easy to change, and retrieve conversion is straightforward. Those are useful qualities for a simple reel. The cast frame felt solid in our hands, but it should still be protected from hard impacts.
Choosing a current ZERO
The current manufacturer family has two sizes, but this review does not assign our test to either one. Match the reel to the rod and line you actually use. Likewise, do not use the original article's historical Sand, Teal or Avocado references as a current color list; current colors are stated in the review boundary above.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Extremely light, simple construction
- Large-arbor spool with quick line pickup
- Comfortable handles on the article-era test unit
- Exact technical family remains current
Cons
- Clicker drag offers less resistance than a disc-drag reel
- Audible click will not suit everyone
- Original tested size and color are unknown
Verdict
The ZERO is best for anglers who want a light, uncomplicated trout reel and understand the limits of a clicker drag. Its large arbor, comfortable article-era controls and low weight made it pleasant on a light setup in our test. It is not the reel to choose when strong mechanical drag is the priority. Current buyers can use this review for family-level design context, then select a size and color independently.
