Temple Fork Outfitters BVK 2 Super Large Arbor Fly Reel Review (2026)

Build and materials

TFO machines the BVK from bar stock aluminum and finishes it with a clear anodized coating, then ports the frame and spool to shed extra ounces without losing rigidity. That approach puts it a step above stamped or cast reels found on many budget combos, since machined construction resists warping and holds tighter tolerances at the spool edge. The size II model in this listing weighs close to 4.9 ounces and measures roughly 3.75 inches across, dimensions that keep it balanced on a light graphite rod rather than making the tip feel reel-heavy. It is built for fresh and light saltwater use, and the finish looks more expensive than the price tag suggests, which is a big part of why anglers who started on generic combos tend to upgrade to this line.

Drag and retrieve

The BVK uses stacked Delrin and stainless steel discs for its drag, a setup that produces smooth, consistent pressure rather than the grabby start common on cheap click-and-pawl reels, which matters when a fish makes a sudden run. A one-way clutch bearing handles engagement, and the reel can be converted between right and left hand retrieve, a detail worth checking before your first outing so the crank falls on your preferred side. The super large arbor design is the other half of the performance story here, since a bigger arbor picks up slack line faster on a fish swimming toward you and reduces the tight coiling that smaller arbors put into fly line over a season of use.

Line capacity and sizing

Size II on the BVK line is rated for roughly 200 yards of 20 pound backing paired with a 5 or 6 weight floating line, which covers the bulk of trout and light bass fishing that most freshwater fly anglers do. That capacity leaves enough backing to matter on a hard-running trout or smallmouth without being built for the long sprints a bonefish or striper can make. Anglers targeting heavier saltwater species or larger freshwater predators should look at the bigger BVK sizes rather than expecting this one to stretch beyond its intended line class, since drag surface area and backing capacity both shrink with the smaller frame.

What is not included

This listing is for the reel only, so backing, fly line, and leader all need to be purchased separately, and buyers used to all-in-one combo kits should budget for that before checking out. TFO also sells extra spools for the BVK separately, which is a practical way to carry a second line density or taper without buying a whole second reel, but it is an added cost on top of the reel itself. None of this is unusual for a reel sold on its own rather than as part of a combo, and it is the norm at this tier of the fly fishing market where anglers typically already own or are assembling a rod and line to match.

Who should buy this reel

The BVK II fits an intermediate angler upgrading from a starter combo reel, or anyone building a dedicated 5/6wt setup who wants machined construction and a real disc drag without paying premium reel prices. It is a sound match for trout rivers, farm pond bass, and general freshwater use where a large arbor's faster pickup genuinely helps on takes and short runs. Anglers chasing bonefish, redfish, or other hard-fighting saltwater species will want a reel built specifically for that environment with a fully sealed drag, since this model is oriented toward fresh and light salt rather than serious saltwater duty.

Frequently asked questions