Short answer: Cheeky earned its reputation on anodization quality, sensible drag choices, and a lifetime warranty at a price 15-30% below comparable reels. We don't stock Cheeky — but we do carry reels with real anodized colour options, which I've listed at the end.

Among the plethora of reel manufacturers, Cheeky has been a standout for me in recent years, blending depth of line, price, and reliability.

Quality and material craftsmanship

The ability to manufacture that volume of quality across so many sizes and types is genuinely impressive. Few manufacturers have pulled it off as well.

Premium material and anodization: High-grade materials give real durability, and the anodization provides corrosion resistance that matters in both fresh and salt. Specifically, the sealing stage of their anodization process appears to have been mastered — and that sealing step is what actually determines whether a finish survives saltwater or chalks up after two seasons.

Innovative design principles: Clean designs focused on casting, line management, drag, and category-based performance for different kinds of anglers.

Want to learn more about anodization from a process and a why standpoint? Read the anodization process and why we do it for fly reels.

Drag systems designed for purpose

Precise drag control: What I like is that they don't put overpriced drag systems into reels that don't need them for the species they're built for. Where a top-tier drag genuinely matters, it's there.
Compatibility with fishing styles: Small trout through to giant saltwater species, the range covers it.

Balanced sizes and compatibility

You hear about balanced rods and reels constantly. I talk about it as a realm of parameters rather than a perfect number, because the reel changes weight with the line on it, and the line changes weight depending on how much is out past the tip. Don't get sucked into exact figures — have a good variety of choices that can offer an ideal fit.

Arbor design

Large arbor efficiency: Rapid line retrieval, crucial when you need to keep pace with a fast-moving fish.
Improved line management: A large arbor minimises line memory and coiling, so casting and retrieval stay smooth.

Interchangeable spools

Adaptability through spare spools is often overlooked. Price and availability are my focal points — you've done the selection work, so now check whether the spool is actually available, and whether it's worth the price when it is. A swappable spool lets you carry one reel and two lines instead of two reels.

Lifetime warranty

Cheeky backs their reels with a lifetime warranty for original owners. The key is submitting a return authorization form so they know it's coming and can turn it around quickly. They also track the details, which means a large-scale issue gets spotted and communicated rather than quietly repeating.

We don't stock Cheeky — but we have anodized alternatives

Straight with you: Cheeky isn't a brand we carry. If the reels above are what you want, buy them from Cheeky.

What we do have are reels that take the same approach to finish — properly anodized bodies offered in real colour choices rather than one stock look. Given that this whole article is about anodization, that's the honest comparison point:

Risen Fly

Armor II Reel — 3/4, 5/6, 7/8 weight, in Matte Fire Orange, Matte Slate Gray, or Matte Forest Green. Matte finishes have a practical edge as well as a look: less flash off the reel face on a bright day.
Gideon Fly Reel — Emerald Green or Gunmetal, across three sizes.
WLR Reel — Matte Desert Tan or Matte Gunmetal Silver, built specifically as a 1/3 weight for small-stream work.
LW Reels — black bodies with a green or orange knob and spool cap.
"THE WHALE" Reel — 7/9 through 12/14 weight for big water and salt, in Black and Orange or Blue/Gray with Chartreuse and Purple.

Moonlit

Moonlit Eclipse Reel — Light Olive/Matte Black or Burnt Orange/Matte Black, in 2/4, 5/6, and 7/8. Left-hand retrieve as standard, right-hand on request.
NIRVANA Vintage Click Pawl Reel — click pawl rather than disc drag, for anglers who want the sound and simplicity on small water.

If you want it pre-spooled

The Silvertip II 3/4 and Silvertip II 5/6 come pre-spooled with weight-forward floating line, and the Yellowstone Grizzly is a solid, simple choice.

Keep any of them safe with a Travel Reel Case. Browse the full range in fly rods, reels and combos.

The bottom line

Choosing a reel means weighing quality, design, technology, and versatility together. Whichever brand you land on, the questions are the same: is the anodizing sealed properly for the water you fish, is the drag appropriate rather than merely expensive, and can you get a spare spool at a sane price in three years' time.

I have several articles detailing reels, so if you want to understand the inner workings and why they matter, start with the overall guide to fly reels.