The Nautilus CCF-X2 is one of our favorite saltwater reels on the market. This reel was the winner of our 2018 8-Weight Fly Reel Shootout, and for good reason. With a ton of max drag, great drag adjustability, and huge retrieval rates, this reel has everything a saltwater angler could ever need. If you're in the market for your next saltwater fly reel, the CCF-X2 is one of the best options on the market, especially for the price.
A Beefed-Up Second Iteration - The new iteration of the CCF comes with twice the drag strength, twice the smoothness, and half the startup inertia. Nautilus redesigned the original CCF to be stronger, more durable, and more versatile than ever before. In doing so, they've beefed up the weight, too, to help balance heavier fly rods and to increase strength and durability.
Brushed Titanium or Black Anodizing - The CCF-X2 is available in either brushed titanium or a black anodized finish. Both finishes hold up well when exposed to saltwater abuse, and the reel's finish stands up well when dropped or dinged. This isn't the most durable saltwater fly reel out there, but the finishing is functional and strong.
Machined Aluminum - The CCF-X2 is built with machined Aluminum, which has a few benefits. Machined aluminum is both abrasion-resistant and corrosion-resistant. If you happen to drop or ding your reel, this aircraft aluminum resists corrosion even when abraded. The aluminum holds up to saltwater corrosion and weather, and wear.
Type - The CCF-X2 functions on a cork carbon fiber disc brake drag system. This drag system is incredibly strong (one of the strongest on the market) and is perfect for wrangling any saltwater species.
Materials - The drag on the CCF-X2 is made up of Cork and Carbon Fiber disc brakes and also features hybrid ceramic bearings. The drag is completely sealed and keeps saltwater out without sacrificing drag strength or adjustability. This reel has low start-up inertia and great drag adjustability.
Ultra-Large Arbor - The 'Giga' arbor of the CCF-X2 increases line pickup and helps anglers fight the largest saltwater fish on a single-handed fly rod. The 8/10 version of the reel picks up almost 12 inches of line per turn with an 8wt fly line. The arbor design also helps with line management and the angler doesn't have to worry about where his/her line lands on the reel when playing a fish.
Nautilus Limited Lifetime Warranty - As of November 2019, all Nautilus reels come with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner that covers defects in materials and workmanship. The warranty doesn't cover damage caused by accident, misuse, or improper maintenance. That being said, Nautilus will repair all reels and spools for an additional cost.
Best for: Saltwater, Flats
Arbor Size: Ultra-Large 
After much ado, it’s time to announce the winner of our 2018 8-weight Reel Shootout: The Nautilus CCF X2 8/10. The CCF-X2 replaces the old CCF as Nautilus’ mid-priced big game reel. Usually, mid-price comes with mediocre performance. Not so this time. The CCF absolutely crushes its big brother the NV-G, and takes the top spot in our shootout. Here’s why we love this reel so much.
| Reel Model | Weight | Line Weight | Capacity | Price | Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/8 / Black | 7.6 oz. | 6, 7, 8 | 175 yds #20 | $545.00 | Out of Stock |
| 6/8 / Brushed Silver | 7.6 oz. | 6, 7, 8 | 175 yds #20 | $545.00 | Out of Stock |
| 8/10 / Black | 8.6 oz. | 8, 9, 10 | 200 yds #30 | $640.00 | In Stock |
| 8/10 / Brushed Silver | 8.6 oz. | 8, 9, 10 | 200 yds #30 | $640.00 | In Stock |
| 10/12 / Black | 8.9 oz. | 10, 11, 12 | 250 yds #30 | $665.00 | Out of Stock |
| 10/12 / Brushed Silver | 8.9 oz. | 10, 11, 12 | 250 yds #30 | $665.00 | Out of Stock |
Overall rating: 4.8461537 / 5 from 13 reviews.
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"Exceptionally smooth steady drag, and pleasant sounding."
"Just got my reel in and out of the box it looks and sounds great! I can’t wait to start using it for striped bass in New England. Shipped quick and the backing was laid nice and even. I had a question about adding backing and was responded staff responded quickly."
"I love these reels, the only problem is that they put an obnoxious clicker in them a few years ago that will literally spook tailing fish stripping out its so loud, but you can take them out pretty easily"
"The Nautilus CCF-X2 reel is light weight with a great drag system. Compared to other high end saltwater reels, Nautilus reels are reasonably priced."
"Best , but hard to find parts as the manufacturer cannot fill orders quickly . I accepted the wrong color due to factory slow down , and I couldn’t get a frame only as the factory doesn’t produce them"
"Great real. This is my 4 th Nautilus. All used for salt both north and south. Smooth and light. Never even the slightest hint of an issue. Like that it is made in the US."
"Nautilus meets every expectation I have in a fly reel. Smooth, extremely durable and beautiful. Great drag. I don’t have much experience with other top end reels but each Nautilus I fish justifies my choice. No need to shop."
"So far, fishing with the CCF-X2 has been great. The reel is slightly heavy for my preference and I got the 8-10. It’s a big reel. The way Nautilus makes their reels, the 8-10 is also a 10-12. Just keep in mind for that size, it’s big. However, it is a quality reel with some of the best drag on the market (more than I will ever use) I have mine on a 9 weight and have loved the ergonomics. Just a little getting use to a reel of that size. But, for a reel of that size, it still manages to balance my rod fairly well. I would recommend it. Just depending on your preference on size."
"I got two of these to install on Hardy Zephrus 6 and 8 wt rods. These reels work very nicely and balance perfectly on both rods. Drag is not a drag (pun, sorry had to), works awesome as well. All kidding aside, love these reels. Highly recommended. Must mention the customer service from the guys at Trident also. Exemplary. Will prolly end up spending way too much money with these guys. O well. Also traded in my Scott meridian 8 wt and got a favorable price in trade for the Hardy 8 wt. Great reels, great rods, great customer service. So there ya go. Very happy, you will be too."
"The Nautilus CCF-X2 has tons of great press and lives up to all of the reviews. I recently purchased the 8-10 but needed a quick turnaround. Zack with Trident processed the order, filled the reel with backing and got it out the door in less than 45 minutes. Had the reel in hand 2 days later, ready for the beach. Trident is my go-to shop for all my fly fishing needs."
