Product Description
For the biggest, fastest fish, the Kraken XLA is the ideal cure. The extra large arbor and repositioned cranking handle provide unparalleled retrieval speeds, while the sturdy sealed drag can put more than ample pressure on trophy-sized targets. We now offer this reel with a reversible retrieve as well, making it ideal for guides, guests, and lodges. The XLA still boasts the advantageous “U”-shaped arbor of its little brother, the Kraken, as well as the weight-saving benefits of a strongly ported design. Equally at home on a single-hander in the salt or a spey rod a couple hundred miles from it, the Kraken XLA represents a surprisingly versatile reel in a very affordable package.
Features:
- Fully machined aluminum spool and frame
- Multi-disc stacked carbon drag system
- Sealed drag
- Extra-large arbor, U-cut spool
- Click retrieve and click drag
- Easily converts from left to right hand retrieve
Model | Reel Dia | Weight | Arbor Dia | Spool Width | Reel Capacity | Size Suggestions | Price |
3 | 4.5" | 8.75oz. | 2.8" | 1.1" | 8wt WFF + 200yd 30lb backing | 6wt to 9wt WFF 350gr to 500gr Shooting Heads |
$399.99 |
4 | 5" | 9.15oz | 3.0" | 1.1" | 10wt WFF + 250yd 30lb backing | 9wt to 12wt WFF 500 to 600gr Shooting Heads |
$419.99 |
5 | 5.5" | 10.3oz. | 3.2" | 1.3" | 12wt WFF + 300yd 30lb backing | 12wt to 14wt WFF 600gr to 1000gr Shooting Heads |
$439.99 |
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Product Reviews
41 Reviews
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Totally Amazing
Having received my Kraken XLA , upon opening the box ,I was confronted by a totally amazing piece of modern engineering. the CNC machining of the reel is incredible, the finish and all other facets of this reel are well above, the norm you would expect for the incredibly modest price. I gave the drag a work out using a manual method by anchoring the reel, and physically pulling 100 kg breaking strain mono off the reel which it passed without a hickup. All in all I would and will recommend this reel to anyone who is looking for a well engineered and fishished at an incredibly low price. Once again Allen Fly Fishing produces great value for money products. This is from a person who owns several high end reels, most costing nearly double the price.
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wow…
All around great build an performer, the 9wt version will handle just about any fish you can throw at it. unbelievable stopping power and performance. You really cant go wrong with any of allens reels, but this one is top of the line. I recoment them to all my clients because they do make a superior product. kingfisher guide service nj.
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Superbe moulinet pour la mer et eau douce !
Excellent reel for salt with great drag, will stop any salmon or sea trout, I will recommend Allen and their services to all my fly fishing friends. Can't wait for the Omega....
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One awesome product
Finally decided to take the plunge and try a product that I do not have in my arsenal. I have the Titanium color size 4 reel and wanted to share my take on this outstanding product. Out of the box it looks like it means business. Its a mean looking massive piece of masterful machining that is fairly light despite its size. Strong sealed drag with a wide drag range from very light to stop a dump truck, almost literally. Very good line capacity on a V shaped anodized frame, smooth retrieve, and IMHP a very pleasant click. The meat of my review starts here. IMHO this reel reminds me of other reels I own or have taken for a spin. Only better. Loop Opti series,Orvis Mirage, Hardy Fortuna, Hatch Finatic and The Galvan Torque series. Now, most every one makes a beautiful reel in some respect, that's synonymous across the board world wide. However they're not all created equal. Inside out; The tall sealed drag stack reminds me of the Mirage and the breaking power of the Hardy Fortuna. DIFFERENCE: Drag stack diameter seems to be larger than the Mirage and the breaking power exceeds the 32lbs of pressure the Fortuna has. {I was told by a rep that this reel had 80lb braid attached and still didn't turn the drag on lock down} Some may say who needs that?!?! I say, "better to have and not need, than need and not have". The size light weight and "V" style spool reminds me of the Loop Opti. The design however, is different. Its not a straight V, almost a U {Similar to Galvan}, weight is negligible between the Opti runner but Lighter than the Mega Loop. Line capacity with Hatch premium line is outstanding! Diameter .015" / 37mm Strength 68lb / 30kg. 250yds with 9wtf line. {Standard 20lb dacron diam .019} The machining retrieve and click remind me of the Hatch Galvan and the Mirage. Again, Smooth retrieve and aesthetics are synonymous. Also, with a very pleasing click. Especially outbound with a hot fish. In closing, it took me a year to finally buy this reel. All of that said with all the favorites I own. I may be, at this point, an Allen Kraken XLA specific guy from now on. Price point vs Performance, well, you get it all. Damn good price and a Damn good product. But dont take my word for it.
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Fantastic reel paired with switch rods!
I purchased the Kraken XLA 3 for my 7wt switch rod which is a 11'3". Beautiful rod which I paired with an Alpha III #3 but I was having trouble keeping 150 yds of backing as well as the versitip leader from Rio on the Alpha. I sold that reel and then purchased the XLA since I had an extra Alpha III and Kraken for my other 2 switch rods. I already know how Allen performs so I had no problem dropping the cash for this bad boy. When I received it in the mail, I never expected it to be so....big! I knew it was a large arbor reel but not this big! It's perfect for my 7wt switch which is specifically for salmon and chucking squirrels out for pike! The feel of the reel is top quality with the weight balancing out the rod very well. The drag on the reel is just like all the other Allen reels, perfect. Every click actually matters. You can really fine tune this reel to the T and I love it. If you have any doubts in your mind about purchasing this reel, don't. It's hands down my favorite reel! Cannot wait to test it out and see what it's really made of!
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HOLY $&!^!
I recently bought a 11ft 8wt Switch rod, I'll be using for Fall salmon and steelhead in northern Michigan. I needed a really good reel to go well with a really nice rod so Before looking at the Kraken XLA4 I researched many reels, Orvis Hydros LA 6, Hardy Ultralite CLS10000, Hardy Ultralite DD9000, TFO BVK, I liked them but they all had their cons and reasons i didn't buy them.. THEN I found out about This company called Allen fly fishing.. I looked at their reels, saw the Alpha liked that but wished it was a little bigger, a little lighter and had a V cut .. then I saw the regular Kraken ... I liked that too but was like shoot if im gonna spend the money on a nice rod ill spend the money on the best reel, I saw the Kraken XLA4 .. Im like... I GOTTA HAVE IT! So i ordered Gunsmoke Grey and Orange backing. Received it in the mail extremely fast and opened the package.. The first words i said was HOLY $&!^!.. this reel is amazing it looks sick.. its lighter than a feather. And seems to have enough drag power to STOP A WHALE DEAD IN ITS TRACKS! Definitely if you're a salt water guy BUY THIS REEL... if you like fishing for big fish BUY THIS REEL.. You will be amazed its the quality of a $600+ reel for only 3 in a half. The drag is sooo smooth the reel is extremely smooth its amazing.. ONLY one minor problem, when i grip the handle and reel my knuckles hit the spool nut as you reel the spool in.. I might just have to change the way i grip it but OTHER THAN THAT THIS THING IS CRAZY COOL! Can't wait for the Fall salmon! ********Answer from Allen Fly FIshing - Thanks Chris! Shoot us an email and we'll get you the new, longer spool handle.
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Outstanding!
Kraken XLA4 Absolutely the best money spent! Silky smooth operation. A bit larger than I've seen before, but I've got a Sage 990 and would love to make it up to Canada with my buddy Sean.
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Best Reel For The Money Hands Down!
It is a big reel with a light weight. Picking up line at spinning reel speeds. The handle placement leads to an even quicker retrieval. This is definitely a reel to carry. I've only had it a couple weeks and I've picked up several limits of reds and trout. I've also taken some Spanish mackerel. I'm still waiting to pit it against an angry tarpon. We will see. There is a little break in period. It feels a little sticky out of the box, but just crank it about 200 times. Or go to your local tackle shop and have them run it on their reel spooling machine for a minute and you're good as gold!
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Awesome!
I used my Kraken XLA 8wt (3) and 10wt (4) yesterday off the islands of Belize. The reels preformed excellent. The drag was great, the reel's light weight allowed me to cast all day. I let the local guide cast a few times and he really liked the feel and light weight of the reels. Everyone liked the color of the Dorado Kraken XLA (green / blue). Allen Fly Fishing has a customer for life because their great products and great customer service!!!!!!