I've just acquired a sage tcx #6wt. beautiful rod, very powerful and very light. my normal (only... :roll:) standard reel, an okuma airframe, just feels clumpy and horrible on it.
what i'm looking for is a quality reel with a sealed drag that will balance the rod, preferably capable of taking a 6/7 wf floater with a minimum of 100m backing. I don't mind spending a bit of money (£250 tops?), but ideally i'd like to be able to afford a couple of spare spools. I thought about cartridge models, but they all seem quite heavy to my way of thinking? I also looked at some mid-upper end large arbor contenders (orvis hydros, lamson litespeed etc) but these all look and feel massive.
currently i'm veering towards the orvis access; light weight, good capacity, reasonable price, not too bulky.
your thoughts, folks?
I can't see past Vosseler reels. Absolute top quality German engineering, solid and well built. The Mercedes of fly reels.
Whatever you buy I'd avoid die-cast metal reel bodies and spools like the plague.
For once I can comment on tackle bling :)
The only that I own is a Lamson Velocity 2 I was lucky enough to receive for my 40th. Very light, small size yet supposed to take a #6 line and 100m backing. I like it a lot. Spare spools are a hell of a price though and others may well be able to suggest similar spec at better prices. You're welcome to try it out if you want.
I have a number of Lamson LS2 reels and spools. They have a great drag and good capacity BUT .....
A couple of years ago I noticed that the pillar was wearing due to my bad habit of stripping line over the pillar when lengthening line. All but one of my 5 LS2s are now badly grooved to the extent that I can no longer use them for fear of damaging the fly line. I actually managed to cut a fly line in half a couple of years ago and that is what drew my attention to the problem, which admittedly is down to my bad habit.
I have since switched to the same reel Fred uses, the Vosseller DC2. The pillar is set in such a way that the line will not run across it.
My only complaint is that the backing capacity is nothing like stated. I am going to load the spools with Fireline or similar low diameter braid to maximise the capacity.
I don't know the Orvis reel Dave, so can't comment.
Alex
Joe bought another Lamson model, not the lightspeed and told me it was a pretty poor, fragile construction.
ive got the orvis access III.bar stock ,really light ,great reel ,good drag .very good reel for the money .just bought a spare spool from fishtec ,best price around at the moment.
Garry
Quote from: guest on October 26, 2014, 08:53:19 AM
Orvis Access is a great wee reel - I have the III and IV versions - I'd suggest the III to keep it light and maybe you should be also asking the question 'when will I ever need 100m of backing'?
glad to hear some thumbs-ups for the access. as for 100m: well, the barbel & carp are close-ish.....! hopefully closer still if I ever hook a big one :8) Access III looks like the leader so far Garry & Andy :D
i'll check out the vosseler too, if I can find a stockist. having played around with a few models locally, i'm definitely NOT going to buy unseen!
cheers to everyone for their input, very much appreciated. :cheers;
keep the comments coming, btw. I won't be buying for a while yet!
I have a Danielsson reel, think it might be the nymph, very well put together reel. I believe it is in your price range, had mine about five or six years now and never had a problem with it.
I am probably not the best to advise as I use mainly older reels like Youngs Beaudex & Pridex. Probably in the minority but I like a heavy reel.having said that I have looked at & tried the Vosseler & if I was going to buy a modern reel then that is the one I might pick.
From your price bracket you have numerous ones to choose from so good luck. I would not buy one on just peoples recommendations you should really go & have a look. Somewhere like GAC have a vast range to choose from.
Tight Lines
Another vote for looking in the GAC where you can wander along rows and rows of reels lined up on the display panels and ready for handling. I have a number of Orvis reels going back quite a while and have never had any problems with them, and the Orvis after sales support is always highly rated.
I can't see past Danielsson. The build quality is second to none.
When I'm stockie bashing with my 7 weight set up I have a Hardy CLS. It's the only bit of bling gear I have the rest being inherited from my father. Daiwa, rim fly etc.. Not a cheap reel but the spools are only a tenner each. I have never had any trouble with it and I am fairly hashy with my gear as any of my fishing mates will tell you.
Len
cheers. Len! i'll add it to the list :8)
Dave I think the Sage reels are pretty good, Alan swears by his and they come in pretty colours too.
Like Len I would vouch for Hardy. Would never own another rod of theirs but the reels (esp at the upper end / uk made), are fabulous. You can pick up some decent deals on them from time to time, I got all of mine 2nd had by keeping an eye on the for sale section at the other place, but Foxons often have them as well. Basically you are looking for the last one in stock GAC and Angling Active also worth keeping an eye on.
Cheers.
thanks Scott! i'll keep my eyes open.