The Nautilus X-Series is an open-frame reel designed for lightness, strength, drag smoothness, and fast line pick up. The X-Series design has strong beams that extend from the center to a wide line guard. These angles allow for rear spool rim protection where the reel typically contacts the ground when the rod is leaned up against a wall or a car. The totally new SCF-X drag is a sealed Teflon® and carbon fiber disc drag system. It is adjusted with a generous drag knob that offers superior gripping surface and texture for wet and cold fingers. Designed for lightness, smoothness, and speed The highly ventilated arch design, coupled with the dual palming rim increases spool strength by 35 %. The sides of the frame leave the spool totally exposed, and the back spool rim has a generous 1/8″ secondary palming rim for added fish control. This heavy- duty secondary palming rim has the strength to withstand everyday wear and tear. The spool is a new spin on our ultra light, award winning Giga arbor design. It is lighter than any spool of a similar size we have ever made. Available in three frame sizes: XS – 3.25” Diameter, 3.8 oz, XM – 3.5” diameter, 4.1 oz, and a 4” frame XL that will accept the standard XL Giga arbor spool for a 6/7 weight and the XL MAX Giga arbor spool that will fit an 8/9 weight line. At a mere 4.7 ounces the XL and XL MAX will handle your larger fresh water species and light salt water needs perfectly. Features SCF-X Sealed Drag System. Carbon fiber and Teflon disc drag, fully sealed against water, sand, and grit. Smooth startup, reliable stopping power in a lightweight package. Lightweight Open-Frame Build. Precision-machined aircraft-grade aluminum. Ventilated arch design increases spool strength by 35 percent without adding weight. Dual Palming Rim. Primary and secondary palming rims give you more control during the fight and protect the rear spool rim from everyday wear. Giga Arbor Spool. Over a foot of line pickup per handle turn. Grooved design lets backing breathe and dry faster to prevent rot and corrosion. Oversized Textured Drag Knob. Easy to grip and adjust with wet or cold hands. Easy RH to LH Conversion. Switch retrieve direction in seconds without tools. Machined in Miami. Built to last. Specifications Model Diameter Weight Line Weight Capacity (20-30 lb backing) X Series XS 3.25" 3.8 oz 3 / 4 wt WF3 + 100 yds | WF4 + 85 yds X Series XM 3.50" 4.1 oz 4 / 5 wt WF4 + 130 yds | WF5 + 105 yds X Series XL 4.00" 4.7 oz 6 / 7 wt WF6 + 175 yds | WF7 + 150 yds X Series XL MAX 4.00" 4.7 oz 8 / 9 wt WF8 + 175 yds | WF9 + 150 yds Size Chart Target Species Recommended Model Line Weight Backing Capacity Notes Small Stream Trout X Series XS 3–4 wt WF3/4 + 85–100 yds 20# Ultra-light for delicate dry fly and nymph presentations on tight creeks Trout (general freshwater) X Series XM 4–5 wt WF4/5 + 105–130 yds 20# The most popular all-around trout setup; pairs perfectly with 9' 5 wt rods Panfish & Bluegill X Series XS 3–4 wt WF3/4 + 85–100 yds 20# Fun, lightweight setup for fishing panfish on lighter gear Bass (largemouth/smallmouth) X Series XL 6–7 wt WF6/7 + 150–175 yds 20-30# Heavier reel required to accommodate heavier lines for castig poppers Carp X Series XL 6–7 wt WF6/7 + 150–175 yds 20-30# Steady, long runs require smooth drag and adequate backing Steelhead X Series XL or XL MAX 7–9 wt WF7–WF9 + 150–175 yds ActivSeal handles harsh Great Lakes and Pacific Northwest conditions Bonefish (light inshore) X Series XL MAX 8–9 wt WF8/9 + 150–175 yds 20-30# At 4.7 oz — 40% lighter than many traditional bonefish reels Redfish & Snook X Series XL MAX 8–9 wt WF8/9 + 150–175 yds 20-30# Saltwater-rated; sealed SCF-X drag handles salt well Striped Bass (light) X Series XL MAX 8–9 wt WF8/9 + 150–175 yds 20-30# Large Giga arbor speeds up line recovery FAQ Who is the Nautilus X Series for?The Nautilus X is designed for anglers who want a lightweight, versatile reel that can comfortably cross between freshwater and light saltwater applications. It has become a favorite among anglers who fish trout, bass, carp, steelhead, bonefish, and redfish because it offers many of Nautilus' signature technologies without the size, weight, or cost of the CCF-X2. This is not a dedicated big-game reel. Instead, it excels as an all-around performer for anglers who value low weight, fast line pickup, and a smooth sealed drag. What is the SCF-X drag system?The SCF-X is a sealed Teflon and carbon fiber disc drag system exclusive to the X Series. It's fully sealed against water, sand, and debris using Nautilus's ActivSeal technology, and is adjusted via an oversized drag knob with textured grip surfaces for reliable control in wet and cold conditions. The drag range is wide — smooth enough to protect 6x tippet on small trout and strong enough to handle the runs of inshore saltwater species. What is ActivSeal technology?ActivSeal is Nautilus's proprietary precision-machined drag seal that actively repels water, sand, salt, and other contaminants from the braking system. Unlike passive seals that simply block debris, ActivSeal is engineered to expel contaminants as the drag is used, keeping the system clean and consistent. Can I use the Nautilus X Series for saltwater fishing?Yes, with some distinctions by size. The XS and XM are designed primarily for freshwater use. The XL and XL MAX are saltwater-rated — reviewers have used the XL MAX on bonefish in the Bahamas with excellent results, noting it's approximately 40% lighter than traditional bonefish reels of similar performance. For heavy, dedicated saltwater applications like permit or tarpon, Nautilus recommends stepping up to the CCF-X2 or NV-G series. What Are the Downsides of the Nautilus X?The biggest downside is that it occupies somewhat of a middle ground. If you're primarily a trout angler, there are lighter and less expensive reels available that will accomplish the same job. If you're primarily a saltwater angler, there are stronger reels designed specifically for those applications. The Nautilus X makes the most sense for anglers who genuinely value versatility. If your fishing frequently moves between freshwater and saltwater, it's one of the most compelling reels on the market. If your fishing is more specialized, there are better tools for the job. Warranty All Nautilus reels carry a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner covering any defect in materials and workmanship. This warranty provides that defective Nautilus fly reels will be repaired or replaced at our option at no charge for parts and labor. This warranty does not cover damage caused by accident, misuse, improper maintenance or modification.
