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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Tarpon beware
Picked up the #4 for a new 10wt tarpon rig. Just casting around on my pond at my house I was excited about the quick line pickup and then I hung into a nice bass and played with the drag system. I have no doubt in my mind that this reel will be the ultimate tarpon rod when I get to Puerto Rico. I'll update my review after that trip (hopefully I'll stick a few poons). Buy this reel and your rigs will look sexy and big fish don't stand a chance on the smooth drag system and quick line retrieve!!
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Outstanding!!!
Was going to purchase a standard Kraken 5 but they were out of stock so I decided to take the plunge on the XLA and I am glad I did. I have been a believer in Allen reels since the first generation of the Alpha of which I own and still use two of them. I purchased this reel for chasing Tarpon in the Keys and Cocoa Beach but had a trip planed to the Bahamas and wanted to try and throw some flies at Dolphin on the half day I planned to fish offshore. Unfortunately I did not get a chance with the dolphin as they failed to cooperate the few hours we were out on the water. I did take it out to the reef to break in the reel on a few fish and pulled in some blue runners which were obviously no match for this reel. The XLA 5 surprised me a bit when I opened the the box and laid eyes on the reel as it is a very large reel compared to other reels I own. Like another review mentioned the drag will dead stop the line, to the point where I was concerned that I would break my fly line if I pulled any harder. The craftsmanship is top notch and tolerances and balance are better than any other reels I own or have used. The weight for such a large piece of equipment is lighter than expected. I have not had a chance to put it on the scale to get a true weight with line and backing but the figures that Allen lists on weights tend to be spot on. Only thing I found a little bit unusual is the reel is only LHR and can not be switched to RHW. Not a big deal for me, but worth knowing. There is only a couple of reels I have used that even come close to to the Kraken XLA and they are $200-$300 more and the XLA still has them beat. This is an exceptionable piece of hardware that I am sure will give me many years of service. Looking forward to the next release of Allen reels as they outdo themselves every time I get a new model. Thank you Allen Team.
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Taking Over the Market
In the past 10 years I've been fly fishing, I've honestly never felt a reel that has so much power. The torque the XLA's drag system can throw down is amazing. The easily gripped drag dial can go from wide open to stop, like seriously, nothing is going to take even a cm of line. My XLA is the size 5, perfect for the big boys and it sucks up line like a vacuum. I'm blown away by the design and functionality, but in some sense I should have expected it from Allen. This was a big step up from years ago with the original Trout reels. The Allen crew needs to give themselves a big pat on the back. Making moves to the top, keep an eye on this gang, "Top Gear" features and trade show trophies are in the near future.
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Great Reel!
I recently emailed you about my Kraken XLA and attached a photo of a steelhead I caught the first time out with it. The Kraken XLA is impressively smooth and quick. That steelhead delved deep into my backing before the Kraken brought it to a smooth halt. When the fish turned and streaked back upstream the larger diameter spool let me keep up. Speedy line retrieval is one advantage of this reel; another is less line memory, which facilitates longer straighter casts from the get go. This is a great steelhead reel, and a "reel" bargain!
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Kraken XLA
In November I witnessed Kraken and Kraken XLA reels in action my friends were using on a Saltwater Trip. So impressed I came home and ordered the XLA. The quality finish, craftsmanship is incredible. The drag system on this really impressed me more than any reel I have ever owned prior. Meeting Justin at the flyfishing show recently confirmed my thoughts that this was more than just a flyfishing manufacturer. They are really nice guys that you want to get behind and support. I really can't say Thank You enough, for taking care of myself and my other buddies that have purchased your products.