Kraken XLA Series Reel

This is my first Allen reel, and if it tells you anything I just ordered a Kraken for my 9wt. The customer service and communication has been second to none, and I work in customer service in the fishing industry. Top to bottom, the craftsmanship of this reel is absolutely amazing. I'm using the size 5 (it's a serious big boy) for Striped Marlin, Big Dorado & Tuna. After testing the drag out with a buddy I'm pretty sure there isn't a fish that it couldn't put the wood to. Watch out Tarpon, you've met your match! Buy it, I promise you won't regret it.

Before this, I had not owned or used a reel with such a large arbor. It took me a day or two to get used to the size of the reel, and it took me only one fishing trip to absolutely fall in love with it. I mounted my Kraken XLA size 3 on one of my 8wts and took it with me to the Bahamas on a bonefish trip. The big arbor is fantastic for picking up a bunch of line quick when a bonefish makes a long run and then runs back towards the boat. The sealed drag handled the searing runs of the bones without a hiccup. This drag is seriously one of the best I've seen on a fly reel at any price. I wouldn't hesitate to put a big amberjack, shark or tarpon on this reel. Balances well on an 8wt, looks killer, and flat out performs.

On a trip to Mexico, we were told of a lagoon that had large bonefish and permit, So I took my 9 wt rod with the XLA 4. I hooked 4 bones 8 to 12 pounds. They ripped off 150 yard runs in seconds multiple times each. The XLA drag was flawless, and the large arbor was critical when the fish turned and came back at me. Great product and amazing price performance.

I own several Allen reels...and I do mean SEVERAL. This has to be my favorite. I use it weekly for hunting massive cutthroat trout at Pyramid Lake in Reno. NV...I'm talking 20+lb cutty's at times. The reel handles anything you throw at it flawlessly. Pyramid is known for it's alkalinity, which can ruin our gear quickly, but the Kraken XLA stands tough. It is machined to perfection and light as a feather for the size. The drag is beautiful...like Olivia Wilde beautiful. Like I wish I could divorce my wife, marry the drag, and introduce it to my parents kind of beautiful. All-in-all, this reel is exactly what I wanted and needed. I now have a couple extra spools so I have options on line. BUY IT!

I'll admit, I'm a bit of a gear snob but I'm here to tell you that this reel is an incredible bargain. Fit, finish, and machining are on par with the best reels out there. I've spent a lot more on other maker reels for the same level of quality. The drag is silky smooth, the styling is spectacular, and the extra large arbor allows for rapid retrieve when a fish makes a run directly at you. What more can you ask for? Try one, you won't be disappointed.

I loaded the Kraken XLA with skagit extreme and went out swinging in the cold Michigan winter weather and it preformed flawlessly.I Can't wait to get out again. This reel does not disappoint. And did I mention the Dorado color is badass.

I bit the bullet and finally bought the XLA (Size 4). After mixing up my arsenal last year and stepping down to an 8wt rod with a Kraken (Size 3), I needed something to pair with a 10 weight setup I am putting together for large stripers and false albacore. As with other Allen reels the quality is exceptional. I opened the box and just started at it for a while. Went with the gunmetal and glad I did as its not too much flash but just enough to catch your eye when paired with any color rod blank or backing and line color combination. The drag incredible and stops any hand pulling quickly with room to go for stronger fish. The spool design is clutch and allows for plenty of backing even on the large arbor. The handle seemed set in on the spool radius but when reeling it is comfortable and allows for quick speed. Can't wait to get this some heavy use.

From the stellar drag system to the over sized spool to the sealed drag to the awesome strength of the drag to insane design and color I couldn't be any happier to be associated with this company and reel on the water. Just what the doctor ordered for these lake Ontario kings browns and steelies. Can't wait to try it out on some muskie as well. Can't wait to get a few more!

This reel is the real deal (pun intended)! The look, the smoothness, and the balance on an 8 wt. rod is unmatched. The large diameter allows for quick line pick up when a redfish or snook makes a run back to the skiff. Not to mention, the Dorado color scheme really turns some heads while the it rests in the gunwales! Awesome product! Home run!