New steelhead Fly reel

[Pete]

Hey, I'm just dreaming here, so here's my dream reel!



Abel Reels

With an extra spool it only about $850 ... add $100 or more for custom anodized finish. I'm sure it catchs more fish!

[Bubzilla]

In the approximate price range you're considering, I'd recommend the Redington Large Arbor (AL 7/8). They are machined--rather than cast like the Battenkill--and anodized from bar stock. They have a strong disc drag with coated and sealed stainless bearings. Also, Redington offers an unconditional lifetime warranty on their products--break it for whatever reason, and they replace it no questions asked. They run about $195--$100 for extra spools. That's more than the Battenkill ($115 reel/ $48 spool), but it's a MUCH better reel. The Ross Cimarron would be a better choice than the Orvis as well--I'd still go with the Redington, however.

Personally, I prefer Bauer and Loop, but they're a considerably larger investment.

Whatever you decide to get, place a want ad on the Virtual Fly Shop (www.flyshop.com) and FlyFish.com before you buy anywhere else. There's a really good chance you'll get a much better price.

[ 12-03-2001: Message edited by: Bubzilla ]</p>

[moman]

For the price range of the Battenkill, I agree with Bubzilla, the Redinton large arbor is the way to go, put one in your hand and the light will turn on. Believe it or not, GI joes has them at a price ($195) I couldn't beat anywhere (although its similar elsewhere). I recently did the same comparison you're doing and came up with the Redington.

[4Salt]

Check out the Teton and Tioga as well.

[TH]

Great, I'll look at Redington AL 7/8. Lifetime warranty is very appealing. This will be my first year of targetiing steelies with a bug rod first and drift/float rod second.. and I'm pretty excited about it! :grin: \
I have a Loomis Anventure serise on a 5wt and like it..

[Jellyhead]

I third the reddington. I have one on a Loomis Adventure series, Good drag, good reel for the $$.

Aaron

[Catch 22]

I have the Reddington large arbor 7/8 on a St. Croix Imperial 8 wt. Great setup. GI Joes in Milwaukie had these reels priced at $175 a few weeks ago. Not sure if it was right or not.

[ 12-03-2001: Message edited by: Catch 22 ]</p>

[SSPey]

You've got some good advice about good reels, so here are some more random tidbits that don't come in the advertisements. Really, pick up the reels and play around with them to see what you like. They're all fine reels.

The redingtons are heavy and their stated line capacities are quite a bit more exaggerated than they need to be. Plan on fitting in substantially less backing than they list.

The Battenkill's are light for their line capacity, have accurate capacity listings, and have stood the test of time. It is cast, so not as durable as barstock, as others have noted. On the flip side, the reels are simple and work well, and I have several cast reels that have seen decades of use and are still working fine.

The Ross Cimmaron reel can't be beat for durability and value IMO, but that cheap plastic clicker sound keeps me away. I like a reel that sings with a fish on, not one that clucks. Pick one up yourself and decide if that is a cluck or a click.

The Tioga reels are durable and cheap, but have terrible tolerances and are a little heavy feeling. I like a tight reel and have little love for one that moves side to side when its supposed to be moving round and round.

And to strong disk drags, I say hogwash when it comes to fighting steelies. A cheap click pawl reel with a palming rim gives all the drag resistance you'll ever need with steelhead, and keeps you connected to the fish. A reliable drag is much more important than a strong drag, as more fish have been lost to siezed reels than to weak drags. A disk drag is an invitation to overset the drag and pop fish off.

Consider also the SA mastery reels that are on sale here there and everywhere. An excellent value at 50% off.

have fun :smile:

[rob allen]

Sci Anglers Mastery 8/9 thats the reel i'd recommend in your price range, Machined bar stock alum. Excellent capacity and a great drag system and a full warentee. These reels are a great dean right now because Sci Anglers is discontinuing them. They are a sleeper of a reel. They retailed for 230.oo noy they are 119.00. Most good fly shops should have them on sale I suggest the Madison River Fishing Company. MRFC.com

[TH]

My wife said I can get a new steelhead fly reel for Christmas. Any good ideas? 7wt-8wt
Thinking about an Orvis Battenkill Disc 7/8 its about $100.

What do you use?
Thanks