ORIGIN II | 7.8.9+ Fly Reel | v2.5

Origin 2.5 – A Refined Revolution

The Origin 2.5 sets a new benchmark for us here at Reel Fly Fishing, building on the revolutionary spirit of its predecessor while bringing a fresh level of refinement, strength, and sophistication to the fly reel market.

Fully conceived, designed, and engineered in-house by Reel Fly Fishing Owner, Shaun Carstens, the Origin 2.5 reflects an obsessive focus on detail, from its enhanced tolerances to its improved structural rigidity and handling. This is our most precise and technically refined fly reel to date.

Following the success of the original Origin and the groundbreaking Origin II, the new version 2.5 is a beautifully engineered facelift, so to speak. Design work for the update began with a clear goal: take everything you loved about the Origin II and make it even better without compromising what made it special.

The Origin II is not so much an evolution but rather a revolution!

What’s New in the Origin 2.5

• Refined Design Tolerances
  Every dimension has been tightened and tuned, resulting in a noticeably more solid, balanced, and confidence-inspiring reel. The machining has been pushed to a higher standard, delivering unmatched consistency and feel. Tighter tolerances and beautiful matt satin colours to keep reel flash minimal.

• Improved Rigidity & Strength
  Structural reinforcements across the body and frame, paired with a newly engineered spool, provide increased resistance to flex under load while maintaining minimal weight, still tipping the scales at only 205 grams.

• Upgraded Spool Design
  The Origin 2.5 features an adjusted spool design and refined arbor. The updated design now reflects that of the small Origin fly reels while still remaining unique.

• Minimal Sophisticated Branding
  We’ve embraced a cleaner aesthetic. Branding on the Origin 2.5 is subtle and considered, aligning with its refined look for 2025. It’s a reel that speaks for itself—quietly confident, unmistakably premium.

• New Colour Options
  The Origin 2.5 introduces new anodized colours that complement its elegant styling and offer more options for those who want performance with personality.

The Same Proven Performance—Now Better

At the heart of the Origin 2.5 remains our waterproof, sealed carbon drag system, tuned for silky-smooth performance, with zero startup inertia and virtually no free spooling. Whether you’re fishing delicate tippets or putting pressure on a strong fish, the drag responds instantly and predictably.

We have taken feedback to heart and improved the rear frame rigidity, as well as a completely redesigned full frame support structure that helps with vigorous stripping off of your fly line while adding even further strength to an already sturdy fly reel. The additional strength does add 15 grams of weight to the Origin II, but we feel that the tradeoff is well worth it.

Spools are no longer interchangeable for the 7.8.9wt models between version 2.5 and the original Origin II. 

Origin 2.5 – Designed Without Compromise

More than just an evolution, the Origin 2.5 is the result of obsessive refinement. From drag to design, weight to strength, and aesthetics to ergonomics, we’ve taken everything we’ve learned and crafted a reel that feels both familiar and entirely new.

Welcome to the next generation

Complete Specifications For The Origin II 7.8.9+  |  v2.5

Line Weight  |  7.8.9+

Retrieval  |  Left Or Right Handed  |  Tool Free Design To Change Spools And Retrieval Direction

Fully CNC Machined  |  6061 Grade Aluminium

Full Frame Design  |  Eliminates Tippet Passthrough and Improves Rigidity

Spool Design  |  Large Arbor  |  Deep V-shape for additional Backing Capacity  |  Narrow Design Aids In Keeping A Slim Profile On Your Fly Rod  |  Oversized Diameter

Frame Colour  |  Matt Grey

Spool Colour  |  Totally Teal  |  Pitch Black | Midnight | Green Envy | Tangerine | Deep Purple

Use  |  Salt Water And Heavy Freshwater

Drag  |  Sealed Waterproof Carbon And Stainless Steel Based Multilayer Discs  |  Waterproof Design That Can Be Fully Submerged | 25lbs of maximum drag pressure.

Sound  |  Audible Click On Both Retrieval And Outgoing Drag

Infinite Anti-Reverse |  Heavy Duty One-way Barrel Clutch

Perfectly Balanced Counter-weight To Over-Sized Handle

Hard-Anodized Type II Matt Finishes

Protection  |   RFF Grey Neoprene Reel Pouch

Designed In South Africa

PLEASE NOTE: The Origin II v2.5 7.8.9wt spools do not fit the Origin II 7.8.9wt frames and vice versa. Unfortunately, with the frame adjustments, the original spool’s inner and outer rims do not allow for the tighter tolerances on the v2.5 update. 

Dimensions & Weight For The Origin II 7.8.9wt  |  v2.5

Outer Spool Diameter  |  106mm

Inner Spool Diameter  |  58mm

Inner Spool Width  |  25 mm

Physical Weight  |  205 grams

Spool Capacity

• 150m 20lb regular braided backing paired with WF9+ floating fly line
• 350m 25lb gel spun backing paired with WF9F+ floating fly line
• 250m 50lb gel spun backing paired with WF9F+ floating fly line