Fly fishing reels

[AllenG]

I just built myself up a new five weight rod and need a new reel for it.
I'm looking at two, Orvis Battenkill, and the Allen Trout Reel.
The name--I like the Allen reel because of the name. I've never held one before. Anyone have any experience with Allen Reels?

Many thanks,

--Allen

 

[AllenG]

I've heard good things about them. The Orvis BBS reels are also great. I'm looking to put a new reel on a St. Croix Legend Ultra 6 wt. Everyone swears by Lamson Konics for the money, so that's one to consider. My son and I like the Pfleuger Trions a lot-all great reels for under $150. Let us know about those Allens if you get one. Aaron

I just went to the Allen site and I don't think they have any Trout reels in stock. It also seems that they only have a few of their other reels available too. Don't know if it is a production issue or what.

 

[Jim]

Would you consider a vintage reel?

 

[73mountaineer]

I don't think you can go wrong with Orvis, I've had one for years, but I rarely fly fish any more. My advice though is if you really want the Allen, hold out until it is available, whatever your motivation may be for wanting one.

 

[Jim]

I would guess by the user name??

 

[73mountaineer]

Would you consider a vintage reel?

That's a good thought too. Personally, I have always wanted a vintage Pflueger.

 

[Jim]

That's a good thought too. Personally, I have always wanted a vintage Pflueger.

In that weight I use a Hardy LRH lightweight- They are still made today and are a classic.

 

[AllenG]

Would you consider a vintage reel?

Half of my reels are new, half vintage. Honestly, I prefer new reels over vingage ones.

 

[MASSDRIVER]

Here are the three I currently have for freshwater. I assume you are experienced in reels (the least important tool in the fly-fishing arsenal) but a good reel is certainly a pleasure to fish with. I bought these at the San Francisco Orvis when they were having a clearance sell back around '07. The Pflueger was my first reel from back in the eighties, but I really don't fish it much, if at all. It's just my first reel so I keep it.
I have had some very nice reels, including a Tibor and Lamson Litespeed, but I wound up selling them and keeping the Battenkills. Orvis has a very nice drag, an excellent reel shape, and the spool winds nice and even. I happen to love the color on my Superfine rods as well. Also, the Orvis reels come with very nice, protective cases.
Here are some pics for size comparison. My hands would be considered large. And yes, for those that are astute, that's a one weight for my Superfine 1 full-flex 7'6". A true pleasure to have.

Brent.

 

[DoubleB123]

My buddy has an Allen Trout Reel and really likes it. I've held it and it feels like it is very sturdy and high quality. I'm pretty sure he got it for only $60 bucks or so because he was a member of a fly fishing forum and got a special deal.

 

[oc_in_fw]

I don't think you can go wrong with Orvis.

 

[goby]

I absolutely love my Orvis CFO.
I absolutely love my Abel TR2
I absolutely hated my $60 Ross International Made in China reel

I spent big money on my reels (about $200+ each) because I know I'll have them forever and I put in 100 or so days on the river.

BTW, the Konics are on closeout at Blue Quill Anglers in Colorado. Check out their website for prices.

 

[brucered]

My buddy has an Allen Trout Reel and really likes it. I've held it and it feels like it is very sturdy and high quality. I'm pretty sure he got it for only $60 bucks or so because he was a member of a fly fishing forum and got a special deal.

I have an Allen and LOVE it. amazing reel, built like a tank.

great customer service, great product. join the NA Fly Fishing Forum and when you order, tell them you are a forum member and you get (at least I did back when) a very generous discount. my reel was about 1/2 price of the listed price on the site, ordered a rod too, came with a nice hard shelled rod holder, extra end, reel case and a bonus 3 wt rod for my son. can't go wrong with Allen Fly products

the guy I deal with was Justin and was very helpful in setting me up, offering advise, suggestions etc for my 1st fly setup.

i have an Alpha 5/6 (not the current model with the fancy drag), and just checked my paypal, I got the Rod, Reel, Extra 3 wt rod, rod cases/roll, extra ends, line for $120 US shipped to Canada. Phenomenal stuff and nothing out there could come close to that when I purchased a couple years ago. easily switches from left to right, nice finish, quality machining and now I see they come in colours and gunmetal etc.

Here is a shot of mine:

 

[AllenG]

Allen it is.
Just hit, add to cart.

 

[73mountaineer]

Congrats, be sure to show it off to us when it arrives!

 

[chuckr9]

Orvis Battenkill reels are reliable and a good value

 

[Lesmore]

I've had and used a British Hardy reel for about 20 years. Excellent reel.

 

[nenade]

I am using a wonder reel which i got from Orvis. Current they offer $50 off on Hydros Large Arbor Fly Reels using Orvis Coupon Code so avail this change and get great discounts on your favorite Fly Reels.

 

[Gordy2]

While you can't go wrong with any of the fly reels mentioned, for fresh water I look at the reel weight. I spent many years doing both fresh and salt water fly fishing and the only time you need an expensive fly reel is in the salt where material, line capacity, a good (cork) drag, and weight are very important. IMHO, too many people spend too much money on the fresh water trout/panfish/bass reels that is more or less a line holding medium and metal drag with some using it to wind a trout in (why?). I can see see a more expensive reel for largemouth only, but even there, I've never needed a complex expensive drag system. Spend the money on the rod making, line and leaders, that's where the action is in fresh water.

 

[goby]

While you can't go wrong with any of the fly reels mentioned, for fresh water I look at the reel weight. I spent many years doing both fresh and salt water fly fishing and the only time you need an expensive fly reel is in the salt where material, line capacity, a good (cork) drag, and weight are very important. IMHO, too many people spend too much money on the fresh water trout/panfish/bass reels that is more or less a line holding medium and metal drag with some using it to wind a trout in (why?). I can see see a more expensive reel for largemouth only, but even there, I've never needed a complex expensive drag system. Spend the money on the rod making, line and leaders, that's where the action is in fresh water.

You haven't heard of steelhead? Or a 20"+ brown? There is also the thrill of the sound of my Orvis CFO. I love it. I have a CFO 123 for my 2wt, and after 10 years, it still works perfectly. And I can still get parts for it, and probably will for the next 50 years. I called for service once, and Orvis was great. They are an amazing company.

I put 50-150 days on the river over the past 14 years. For me, spending decent money on my Orvis and Abel reels was money well spent. Of course my opinion would change if I fished 5-10 days a year. Of if I only fished for 12" trout. But I've hooked 10+ lb steelhead on my 4 weight, and I was thrilled to have a high quality reel.

And I'm going to say it.... there is some really unappealing about fly fishing with rods or reels made in China.