Need a new reel

[McKenzie]

I'm heartbroken. For years I've had an Orvis Rocky Mountain casette reel on my Three Forks 3 weight rod. That reel has withstood more abuse than I could ever ask of any equipment and never hiccuped. Aparently it couldn't stand moving from one apartment to the other - I just pulled the rod out the other day and noticed that the handle, which was a machined part of the aluminum spoolface, was snapped clean off at it's base. They don't make that reel anymore - and Orvis' new "Rocky Mountain" reel is a large arbor model...I don't like the looks of it. Don't get me wrong - I've got a large arbor reel on one of my 5 weight rods and although I haven't fished it yet, I really dig that reel. but on a little light rod like my 3 weight - a big large arbor reel just doesn't look right. So I've got a bit of a delima - what do I replace this reel with? I don't want to spend a large chunk of money - I paid $75 for the Orvis and feel that that's about as much as I want to pay for a flyreel - my rod only cost $50 brand new. I've had a couple Okuma reels - and love them. I LOVE a silent retrieve reel - I can hardly stand the loud clickers on a lot of reels...I just haven't found an Okuma around here that is the right size. The Orvis reel was a 3/4 size reel - perfect for 75 yards of backing an a 3wt DT line. It balanced perfectly on the rod, and the anodized forest green frame just looked beautiful with my rod. I know looks shouldn't matter, but they do a bit for me - given a group of otherwise equal performers, I'm gonna go with the most asthetically pleasing for me :smile: Looks good in the photos too :yay:

So I need input. I've used a number of different reels over the years, and by far that Rocky Mountain reel was my favorite. It was pretty quiet (not silent like an Okuma), had a great disc drag, a great balance...it just felt right with that particular rod. I don't even remember if there was a warranty with the reel - I bought it brand new from Fly Country Outfitters (I believe that was the name) when they had a store at Orenco, around 1999 or 2000.

[AndyK]

Have you tried having Orvis repair/replace your reel?

I am sold on cassette reels. Paying $200 plus for a second spool for a reel makes me angry. Fly fishermen are really being ripped off by the reel companies.

I have switched to the Orvis Rocky Mountain LA reels for my five and six weight rods. As far as I can determine, only Orvis, STH/Cortland and TFO make cassette reels.

[McKenzie]

I haven't contacted Orvis yet. I figure that since it's an out of production model they'd charge me to replace it with something new.

The casette reels had problems when they first came out - STH really took it in the shorts with their first run. It was mainly QC issues and bugs needing to be worked out. Orvis' reels have been top notch. I was leery at first of the plastic casette - but my fears were unfounded. The casette hasn't warped, hasn't bound, and really has taken a lickin'. I shouldn't fear plastic in such things - hell I used to carry a Glock pistol every day as a working gun, and I carry another plastic pistol (Springfield XD) every day as a concealed weapon. They've stood up to a LOT more abuse than my fishing reels have seen without breaking. :jester:

I'll shoot Orvis an email and see what they say. I looked at their website, and I fear that the Orvis I dealt with years ago for some things has been overrun by marketing toons and yuppies - if their website is an indication of how things have become at Orvis, I'm afraid. Very afraid. Not to mention they've jacked their already high prices up even more so. :idea:

Anyone know if Okuma makes a 3/4 size reel?

[AndyK]

The STH Pop series reels are junk. I really like the Salt cassette, which is(was) a quality reel. However, the salt cassette has been discontinued and the Pop series is still available!

I wonder if anyone has tried the (new) TFO cassette reels?

[McKenzie]

I just got off the phone with Orvis. Well, more likely a call center jockey in Alabama rather than someone in Vermont...anyway - I got a repair order number. The gal told me to just drop a note with that number in the box with the reel and ship it off to vermont and they'll repair or replace the reel. I would imagine if it gets replaced it would be replaced with a standard Battenkill reel, since they're the same pricepoint. The only other options would be replacing it with a Clearwater reel or a Rocky Mountain large arbor reel. I just don't like the looks and size of the LA Rocky Mountain reels. They're not as good looking as the originals. The gal on the phone told me $10-15 to fix it, but I have a feeling it would be more, as the handle isn't just a screw-on item - it was a solid piece integral to the rest of the spool. Ohwell. I'll send the reel & casettes off to them and let them deal with it. Worst case scenario is that they can't fix it, and will offer to replace it with something similar and will just have me pay the price difference/shipping costs.

And AndyK - I thought STH fixed their issues with the POP reels? They're still the junky fall-apart-in-your-hands garbage they were 7 years or so ago? You'd think after that much time they could fix the problems. :hoboy:

[Kootenay]

My son has a LA Rocky mountain reel for his 6wt and loves it. Its quiet and isn't that much larger that my Battenkill.
Also, Orvis makes a bar stock reel for about $100.00 and you get a free extra spool with it.

[AndyK]

And AndyK - I thought STH fixed their issues with the POP reels? They're still the junky fall-apart-in-your-hands garbage they were 7 years or so ago? You'd think after that much time they could fix the problems.



I don't know if the problem is fixed because I just like the Salt cassette. In fact, if anyone has a STH Salt Cassette in size 3 or 4, I'll be willing to buy it. Send me a PM!

Most reel companies keep a supply of reels and parts on discontinued reels. You might get lucky with your Orvis reel.

[Chas]

If I were you I would call Bill Archuleta down in Grants Pass. He is a master with reel repair and has kept my Hardy's in working mint condition. (541)956-1691.

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"It is all about the hunt"
CTPH

[mandinga]

PM me if you want an almost exact replica.

[McKenzie]

Incoming :yay: