Tibor Riptide - Frost Black
In Stock • Bozeman, MT
- Legendary sealed cork disc drag for smooth, dependable stopping power
- Large arbor design provides fast line retrieval and generous backing capacity
- Precision-machined bar stock aluminum construction
- Triple ceramic ball bearings ensure smooth, reliable performance
- Built for demanding saltwater species including tarpon, permit, and roosterfish
- Made and assembled in the USA
Description
Since it's introduction in 1995, Ted Juracsik's Tibor Reels has become a favorite of discerning fly fisherman. Innovations like a large arbor spool significantly increase the rate of line and retrieval and give fly fishermen a greater control of reel-smoking species like Bonefish, Permit, Wahoo and Tuna. The impregnated cork disc drag system delivers the strongest smoothes and most reliable performance in the water.
The Riptide sits one size above the Everglades in Ted Juracsik’s lineup — designed for 9 through 11 weight rods and holding 200 yards of 30 lb Micron backing. It is the appropriate reel for permit and mid-sized tarpon on the flats, for large striped bass and bluefish along the Atlantic coast, for golden dorado in Bolivia, for roosterfish in Baja, for large Atlantic and Pacific salmon, and for any serious Spey or switch rod application where backing capacity and drag reliability are non-negotiable. It is a tank, and it has fought more meaningful fish than almost any other reel in history, contributing to over 950 world records across more than 350 species.
The Riptide’s drag is an impregnated micrograin cork disc — permanently lubricated, requiring virtually no maintenance under normal use, and delivering zero startup inertia at any pressure setting. Three sealed precision ceramic ball bearings support both the main gear and spool. A hard-coated aluminum main gear wicks heat during long, smoking runs. Three outgoing clicks per revolution give you clear audible feedback with every foot of line that leaves the reel, and they remove in seconds for silent operation. The entire drag system can be disassembled and cleaned with a penny.
Features
• Impregnated Micrograin Cork Drag — Permanently lubricated cork disc with virtually zero startup inertia at any drag setting. Self-maintaining under normal use; field-serviceable with a penny. The same proven system since 1995, refined with Lefty Kreh and Flip Pallot.
• Three Sealed Precision Ceramic Ball Bearings — Both the main gear and spool rotate on ceramic bearings for smooth, corrosion-resistant operation under sustained load and heat.
• Hard-Coated Aluminum Main Gear — Heat-wicking aluminum gear minimizes buildup during long, sustained runs from large fish.
• Triple Outgoing Click — Three distinct outgoing clicks per revolution provide clear audible feedback. Easily removable for silent operation.
• Solid Bar-Stock Aluminum Frame & Spool — CNC-machined from solid billet aluminum in Delray Beach, Florida. Fully ventilated spool and frame design dissipates heat and promotes fast drying.
• Detented Drag Adjustment — Smooth, positive click stops provide repeatable drag settings with clear tactile feedback between positions.
• Mechanical Clutch Retrieve Conversion — Convert left- to right-hand retrieve by relocating the clutch dogs. No tools required.
• Free Personalized Nameplate — Every Riptide ships with a free engraved nameplate. Serial number located at the top of the frame by the reel stand.
• Includes Extra-Thick Neoprene Case — Protective neoprene pouch for storage and travel.
• Limited Lifetime Warranty — Covers defects in materials and workmanship. Made in Delray Beach, Florida, USA.
Specifications
|
Model |
Diameter |
Width |
Weight |
Capacity |
|
Tibor Riptide |
4.0" |
1.65" |
9 oz |
200 yds 30 lb Micron + WF10F | 300 yds 65 lb Power Pro + WF10F |
Size Chart
| Target Species | Recommended Reel | Line Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bonefish | Everglades | 7–9 wt |
| Redfish | Everglades | 7–9 wt |
| Permit | Everglades, Riptide | 8–10 wt |
| Striped Bass | Everglades, Riptide | 8–10 wt |
| Golden Dorado | Riptide | 9–10 wt |
| Tarpon | Riptide, Gulfstream | 10–12 wt |
| Roosterfish | Riptide | 10 wt |
| Giant Trevally | Gulfstream | 11–12 wt |
| Tuna | Gulfstream | 12 wt |
| Sailfish | Gulfstream | 12 wt |
| Marlin | Gulfstream | 12 wt |
FAQ
Who is the Tibor Riptide for?
The Tibor Riptide is for the serious saltwater angler who fishes 9 through 11 weight rods and needs a reel that will absolutely not fail them. It is one of the most popular reel among Keys guides who have fished Tibors for years and trust them with their clients' most important fish. If the Everglades is Tibor's inshore workhorse, the Riptide is the reel you reach for when the fish get bigger, the runs get longer, and the stakes get higher
How does the Riptide differ from the Tibor Everglades?
The Riptide is one size up from the Everglades, covering 9–11 weight rods vs. the Everglades’ 7–9 weight range. The Riptide measures 4.0" in diameter vs. 3.75" and 1.65" wide vs. 0.875" wide, and weighs 9 oz vs. 8.5 oz. Most critically, the Riptide holds 200 yards of 30 lb Micron backing (vs. the Everglades’ 200 yards of 20 lb Micron), which provides meaningfully heavier backing for larger species. The Riptide is the appropriate choice for permit, mid-size tarpon (50–100 lbs), large stripers, and heavy salmon — situations where the Everglades may fall short on backing strength or capacity.
Is the Riptide suitable for tarpon?
Yes, for tarpon in the 50–100 lb range, the Riptide on a 10 or 11 weight rod is a proven and widely used combination. The 200 yards of 30 lb Micron backing is appropriate for the extended runs tarpon make in open water, and the cork drag handles the sustained pressure of a long fight without heat-related degradation. For large migratory tarpon consistently over 100 lbs, most serious tarpon guides step up to the Tibor Gulfstream (9/10/11 wt with greater backing capacity) or the Tibor Pacific (11–15 wt) for maximum insurance.
What are the downsides of the Tibor Riptide?
The Riptide has several real limitations to weigh honestly. First, at 9 oz it is noticeably heavier than modern machined saltwater reels in its class. Second, like all Tibors, the cork drag is not sealed, requiring thorough rinsing after every saltwater session and periodic inspection in sandy wading environments. Third, the arbor diameter, while large for 1995, is smaller than modern Giga arbor designs — line retrieval per turn is slower than current large-arbor competitors, which can be a disadvantage when a fast fish turns and runs toward the boat. Fourth, at $850–$950+ depending on finish, the Riptide is among the most expensive reels in its class.
Maintenance
After each use, Tibor Reels should be rinsed thoroughly in fresh water. Periodically, especially after extensive exposure to saltwater, the line and backing should be removed and wiped down with a wet cloth to remove salt.
To disassemble a reel for cleaning, the only tool required is a penny. All reels are lubricated at the factory prior to assembly and relubrication is generally not necessary. Tibor Graphite Lube may be used to lubricate the cork drag disc.
Please note: Exceeding the recommended capacity by over-filling the spool and/or putting line on too tightly or with too much tension may damage the spool and is not covered under warranty. Please refer to the capacity chart above as your guide. Monofilment line is not recommended for use on Tibor reels. Should you have any questions about backing for your reel, please contact your authorized Tibor Dealer.
Conversion from Left to Right Hand Retrieve
Tibor Reels can be easily converted from Left to Right Hand Retrieve by relocating the clutch dogs. Complete warranty, maintenance and conversion information is included with each reel, or download complete instructions and a parts list in PDF format here.
