Thirty years ago the industry standard for manufacturing quality fly reels was defined by die-cast technology. While these reels were functional for their time, they were also fragile, heavy and susceptible to wear and corrosion. With the exception of a few high-priced saltwater and salmon reels, cast aluminum fly reels were the only option for the average angler, until 1973. Fly reel manufacturing was redefined by a man with a vision to produce a machined, mass marketed fly reel. In less than a year, Ross Hauck, the founder of Ross Reels, set a new benchmark in manufacturing processes - something that had remained unchallenged for more than 100 years. In tribute to his work, Ross Hauck's original design is still the standard by which all competitive reels are judged.