Opinion on Fly Reels

[Fishtail]

I am considering buying a new fly reel and wondered if anyone has any info or opinions on the Teton or Tioga. I've heard only the difference is the price and the quality is the same. I'm looking for something for a reel with great quality that doesn't cost an arm & a leg :help:.

[troutski]

Are you looking for a large arbor style ?

[SSPey]

I fished both pretty hard for several years in saltwater, about a decade ago, before upgrading to fancier tackle. They are great reels, just a nudge heavier than some, but bombproof. You are correct that the main difference is price, not quality. The Tioga's are great for the money. If I was outfitting a guide boat, I'd seriously consider these reels for their ease of use and durability.

The regular arbor version has more capacity and weighs less than the large arbor version (their large arbor design isn't). Match the diameter to the application if you are concerned about retrieve rate.

There are a lot of newer reels on the market, but this one has stood the test of time.

[lilnorthfork]

A couple years ago I bought a Tioga 10wt... it barely held any backing with a WF10F line. I called Teton and they said it was actually suited to an 8wt. :whazzup: They upgraded it to a Magnum, which holds plenty of backing, at no charge.
On their website, the specs give a range for backing amount with a specific line... unless they are accounting for the different types of backing available, I don't really get it.
I fished the reel daily for 4 weeks in Baha last year and it showed no signs of wear.
Bottom line... I give the Tioga Magnum and Teton's service (2 years ago mind you) the thumbs up, but suggest contacting them before making the purchase if there is any question which reel is right for your application.
Tight lines.
:cheers:
lnf

[jschainsaw]

I have fished the Teton for 2 years now and love it- 5 weight set up!!!!

[Fishtail]

Thanks for the info. I'm looking at setting the reel up for a 5 weight, but I want to have enough backing. Most of the large arbor reels seem to have limited backing, unless you go up a size.

[D3smartie]

what is your price point?

[daveg]

I have had a Teton for about six years. It is a good reliable reel, I like it. I also have had a Ross Evolution since March of 2003, also a good reel.

Ross:

Pro: pretty and light with faster (slightly) retrieve

Con: expensive

Teton:

Pro: cost and durable

Con: fairly heavy

They are both great reels and you will not go wrong with the Teton. I was talking to a guy who used to rep the Teton reels to shops, he said he would walk in and drop the reel on the floor, and then hand the reel to the shop owner, and ask him to wind it.... No damage, reel worked... then he asked if they had a Loop (you can fill in any other light frame reels like Ross Evolution, Sage, etc) in the shop and asked if the owner would drop it. :smile:

[Azeal]

I have a Teton Tioga on a 4wt that I like pretty well. The drag is nice. I'd echo the comment that it does not hold much backing. With a DT 4wt line, the model I have held about 50 yards of backing.

For slightly less $$, check out the GLoomis Venture line. I have two of them (on a 5wt and on an 8wt), and I like them better. They have one of the best drags going on any fly reel, all machined aluminum, and you can buy one for $100 bucks.