I'm a complete beginner—where should I start?

Start with the "Understanding Fly Lines" section in the Academy. It's the engine of all fly fishing—understanding how a line works will give you the foundation for choosing your equipment and improving your cast. Then, the "Casting Techniques" section will guide you from your first roll cast to advanced techniques.

How to choose between a #4, #5 or #6 rod?

The rod number corresponds to the weight of fly line it is designed to cast. A #4 is ideal for small streams and light flies. A #5 is the most versatile—it’s the best-selling size in the world for good reason. A #6 is suitable for larger rivers and bigger fish. If you're a beginner, start with a #5. Our Academy explains all of this in detail for free.

What's the difference between your fly lines?

Every Axon line is built for a specific job. The Perception is our versatile freshwater line — ideal for starting out and progressing. The long-head Windcutter rewards precision and technique. The Impulse and Outbound Short are made to cast big streamers to predators, and the Velocity SW is for saltwater. Not sure? Check out our free guide in the Axon Academy or email us.

How to choose the right reel size?

The reel size should match your rod’s line weight. A 3/5 reel is suitable for #3 to #5 rods, a 5/7 for #5 to #7 rods, and so on. The balance between the rod and reel is important for casting comfort. Our Premier Lancer Complet kit includes pre-calibrated components—everything is already matched for you.

Is Axon Academy really free?

Yes — completely and permanently free. All Axon Academy content is based on years of field practice and teaching experience. We believe that an angler who understands their gear is a better angler — and a more satisfied customer. This is our way of giving you an advantage from the start.

Is the Academy also suitable for experienced anglers?

Absolutely. Even experienced anglers find surprising information in our guides – particularly regarding the actual weight of lines in grains versus the 1961 AFFTA standard, or concepts like overhang and head length. These are notions that very few shops explain clearly.

How do you offer such high-quality equipment at that price?

We sell directly to the consumer, with no distributors or resellers. You buy directly from Axon. This allows us to offer equipment comparable to major brands at a fraction of the price—without compromising on quality or materials.

What is the 5% program for new talent?

For every purchase made on Axon Fly Fishing, 5% of the amount is donated to fly fishing initiation initiatives — primarily for young people and those living with physical or mental challenges, in collaboration with Pêche ADN Initiation. We believe that fly fishing is much more than a hobby — it's a state of mind, a therapy, a connection with nature that can transform a life. Your purchase directly helps open this door to those who need it most. Designed for enthusiasts, by an enthusiast.

Do you deliver internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide. Usually 5 to 14 business days depending on the destination and carrier. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.

How long does delivery to Canada take?

Delivery to Canada takes an average of 6 business days — usually 5 to 14 business days depending on the carrier — after order confirmation. Shipping is free on orders of CAD $150 and more.

What happens if I'm not satisfied?

You have 30 days after receipt to request a return of an unused product in its original packaging (prior authorization required; return shipping paid by the customer). A product that is defective or damaged on arrival is replaced or refunded at our expense, after verification. Our rods and reels carry a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects — normal wear, impacts and misuse are not covered. Full details are in our return policy. Questions? Email us at contactinfo@axonflyfishing.com — we reply within 24 hours.

Can you help me choose the right equipment?

That's exactly what we do best. Write to us at contactinfo@axonflyfishing.com describing your situation—experience level, type of fishing envisioned, targeted waterways, and budget—and we will provide a personalized recommendation at no cost. Designed for enthusiasts, by an enthusiast.

Axon ECLIPSE™ black reel — sealed conical drag detail and anti-glare finish

Axon ECLIPSE™ Fly Reel — sealed conical drag

5/6

$120.99 CAD

Axon ECLIPSE™ Fly Reel — sealed conical drag

$120.99 CAD

Free shippingOn orders $150+

Quality guaranteed30-day returns

Expert adviceReply within 24h

5% for the next generationWith Pêche ADN Initiation

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The sealed conical drag — for demanding trout and tough conditions.

Axon ECLIPSE™: Stealthy, ultra-light and rugged

The ECLIPSE™ reel combines a bold modern design with professional-grade performance. Designed in the USA, it delivers advanced engineering at an accessible price.

Performance on the water:

Five-spoke star design: An open structure that reduces weight to balance your rod, without sacrificing rigidity.
Stealth matte black finish: An elegant anti-glare look that won't spook wary fish.
Premium sealed drag: Consistent reliability during intense fights.

The go-to choice for the angler who wants gear that is both ultra-light and rugged.

Key Features

Sealed conical drag: A premium drag system, sealed against water and dust. Very smooth in any weather.
Stealth matte black finish: An elegant anti-glare coating that prevents flashes of light that can alert wary fish in clear water.
Five-spoke star engineering: Excellent structural rigidity while eliminating excess weight for good rod balance.
Ultra-ventilated spool: Multiple perforations and the open frame ensure fast drying of your fly line and backing.
Large Arbor design: Allows fast retrieval during intense fights and reduces line memory.

Specifications

Mechanical excellence: Built to last, the ECLIPSE™ uses a die-cast aluminum alloy paired with stainless steel components. Its sealed drag makes it a true all-terrain machine.

Materials: Die-cast ALDC12 aluminum and stainless steel
Finish: Hybrid anodized and polyurethane (matte black)
Drag system: Premium conical, sealed
Design: Open frame and Large Arbor spool
Spool width: 1 inch
Retrieve: Ambidextrous (left or right hand)
Sound: Two-way clicker (incoming/outgoing)

Size	Spool diameter	Backing capacity	Weight
5/6	85 mm (3.34")	20 lbs / 100 yards	145 g
7/8	92 mm (3.61")	20 lbs / 150 yards	160 g

Usage Tips

Size 5/6: The ideal format for trout, smallmouth bass, landlocked salmon and grayling. Balances well with #4 to #6 rods.
Size 7/8: A true workhorse for Atlantic salmon, pike, large lake trout or coastal fishing (striped bass).

Expert tips:

The sealed drag advantage: Unlike standard drags, the ECLIPSE™ sealed system keeps sand and sediment out. That's a major advantage if you accidentally drop your gear in the water or on the bank.
Saltwater care: Even though the drag is sealed, external components can accumulate salt. If you use it in salt water, a simple freshwater rinse will preserve its matte black finish.
Switching retrieve hand: The reel ships configured for right-handed anglers (left-hand retrieve). The system reverses in seconds to suit your preference.

Complete Your Setup

The reel is the heart of your system. Here is what mounts onto it:

Backing — Loaded first, directly onto the arbor. It gives you your line reserve and fills the reel for fast retrieval. See our Dacron backings.
Fly line — Connects to the backing. For the 5/6, the Perception (WF-5-F or WF-6-F) or the Windcutter. For the 7/8, the Windcutter WF-7-F/WF-8-F or the Outbound Short for larger flies. See all our Axon fly lines.
Tapered leader — Attaches to the front of the fly line and delivers the presentation. Explore our tapered nylon leaders.
Fly rod — Your reel size should match your rod's line weight. Discover our high-performance rods.

Building your first setup? The Axon Premier Lancer Kit brings together rod, reel, line and accessories already matched — no compatibility math required.