Cheeky PreLoad 2.0, Launch 350, and Spray 400 Fly Fishing Reels

Short answer: Cheeky makes some of the best-value reels on the market — the PreLoad 2.0 for beginners, the Launch 350 for performance without the premium price, and the Spray 400 for sealed-drag saltwater work. We don't stock Cheeky, but we do carry reels in the same value bracket with colour finish options, listed at the end.

If you're looking to get into quality reels, Cheeky is worth thinking about. The range runs from the PreLoad 2.0 series around $119, the Sighter series under $200, the Launch series under $300, and the Spray series under $500. For a cost-effective angler after a genuinely good reel, that's a strong ladder.

Cheeky PreLoad 2.0: the beginner-friendly choice

Pre-rigged convenience: It comes pre-spooled with 20lb backing, a weight-forward fly line, and a 9-foot leader, which eliminates the rigging hassle entirely. Open the box, put it on a rod, start fishing.

Drag system: A partially-sealed drag using stainless and PTFE composite discs. It offers adequate pressure and smoothness, particularly at higher settings. For a trout reel that's ideal — good quality without a crazy top-of-the-line system, which in my opinion isn't needed here.

Design and build: CNC machined frame, lightweight at 4.1 oz, and strong. Durability is a real strong point, and the machined handle is smoothly integrated with no play during rapid reeling.

Ideal for: Beginners, or anyone after an affordable hassle-free reel. They're also excellent for guides and boat situations where reels take a beating going in and out of boats and get used by all sorts of anglers.

Cheeky Launch 350: the performance-driven choice

Rev Carbon drag: Buttery smooth with a silent retrieve, extremely consistent and durable — one of the highest quality drag systems at this price.

MAX arbor design: The 3.50" arbor means less reel rotation and quicker line retrieval, which matters during long runs. It's genuinely multipurpose — any species that tests your drag and needs rapid retrieval.

Durability and weight: Fully machined from high-grade aluminium, 4.9 oz, and it passes my durability tests. It's held up against rocks and boat bays. The fact that it isn't over-machined helps tremendously in those scenarios.

Additional features: Torque-dispersing reel foot, B2 backing channel for extra capacity, and a quick-change spool for left/right retrieve conversion.

Cheeky Spray 400: the premium choice

Gasket Drag System: Fully sealed, which is what lets it work in saltwater as well as fresh. If you're chasing anything in salt, a sealed drag isn't optional.

Construction: Aerospace aluminium, 6.9 oz, with an updated frame and spool for strength at lower weight.

Arbor size: The 4.00" arbor retrieves up to 12.6" per revolution — a key advantage in 8 weight and up. Being able to pick line up quickly after a long run and then put the drag back to work is close to a necessity at that size, especially in salt.

Ergonomics: Anodized aluminium handle and a low-profile counterbalance to reduce line catching, plus a large knurled drag knob that's easy to find and control without looking.

We don't carry Cheeky — here's what we do have

To be straight with you: Cheeky isn't a brand we stock. If one of the reels above is what you want, buy it from them with my blessing.

But if what appeals is the value proposition — a well-machined reel with a proper drag at a sane price — we carry reels in exactly that bracket, and ours come with genuine colour finish options rather than a single stock look. Worth noting if you like your reel to match your rod, or just want something that isn't the same black anodized disc everyone else is fishing.

Risen Fly

Armor II Reel — 3/4, 5/6, and 7/8 weights, in Matte Fire Orange, Matte Slate Gray, or Matte Forest Green. The closest match in spirit to the Launch 350.
Gideon Fly Reel — 3/4, 5/6, 7/8, in Emerald Green or Gunmetal.
LW Reels — black bodies with either a green or orange knob and spool cap, across three sizes.
WLR Reel — a dedicated 1/3 weight in Matte Desert Tan or Matte Gunmetal Silver. If you fish small streams with light rods, a reel actually built for that weight makes a real difference to balance.
"THE WHALE" Reel — 7/9, 9/11, and 12/14 weights. This is the big-water answer, in Black and Orange or Blue/Gray with Chartreuse and Purple.

Moonlit

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

Pre-spooled, if you want the PreLoad idea

The Silvertip II 3/4 and Silvertip II 5/6 arrive pre-spooled with weight-forward floating line — the same open-the-box-and-fish convenience.
The Yellowstone Grizzly Fly Reel is another straightforward, well-priced option.

Protect whichever you choose with a Travel Reel Case or the Moonlit Carry-On Rod and Reel Case. Browse everything in fly rods, reels and combos.

Wrap up

Selecting a fly reel can be exhausting and downright overcomplicated, but the choice genuinely affects your fishing. The PreLoad 2.0 is excellent for beginners on a budget. The Launch 350 gives you performance without breaking the bank. The Spray 400 is the premium pick for serious work in salt.

The broader point holds whichever brand you land on: match the reel to the weight you actually fish, get a sealed drag if salt is involved, and don't pay for a drag system you'll never load up. The right gear enhances your fishing and elevates your enjoyment of the sport.

Want to get detailed on your reel purchasing decision? Check out the Overall Guide I created, followed by seven detailed breakouts.