spey reel sizing

[nookslayer]

So I just got a new Echo 2 12'4" 7wt and I am trying to figure out what size reel to put on her. I have decided to go with the Ross Momentum in the gold color but I am having a hard time figuring out whether to go with the 5 (8 to 10wt and 4") or the 6 (10 to 12 wt and 4.25"). I was hoping some of you could help me with feedback to help make the decision. Most likely going to put the Airflow running line and the new AirflowCompact Scandi or Skagit in a 480 grain on it (and change out to a floater for summers). Slow and Low, Andy K I'm looking to you to for advise and any others have input. Thanks in advance.

Shawn

[MikeT]

Shawn, The size 5 has more than enough capacity for what you plan to use it for. According to The Fly Fishing Shop in Welches, the Momentum 5 can handle an 8/9/10 spey line plus 175 yards of backing. Your Scandi and Skagit lines plus enough shooting line should require even less capacity than an 8/9/10. By way of comparison, I own several spey reels of similar size and they can handle a Windcutter 8/9/10, an AFS 7/8, or a 550 Skagit with plenty of room for backing and shooting line.

[steel_beaver]

Did Brian give up on it already??? That was quick. I hope the reason is not the injury.

The reel should work just fine. Just make sure it will balance the rod properly (it shouldn't be a problem since the rod is less than 13' and pretty light).

Good Luck

[AndyK]

Originally Posted by nookslayer

So I just got a new Echo 2 12'4" 7wt and I am trying to figure out what size reel to put on her. I have decided to go with the Ross Momentum in the gold color but I am having a hard time figuring out whether to go with the 5 (8 to 10wt and 4") or the 6 (10 to 12 wt and 4.25"). I was hoping some of you could help me with feedback to help make the decision. Most likely going to put the Airflow running line and the new AirflowCompact Scandi or Skagit in a 480 grain on it (and change out to a floater for summers). Slow and Low, Andy K I'm looking to you to for advise and any others have input. Thanks in advance.
Shawn

Fly reel companies are notorious for over estimating the amount of backing a reel will hold. I have a 7/8 rod with a RIO 450 gr. Skagit line. I was told an Abel Super 11 had enough capacity; factory specifics are 250 yds 30 lb backing with an 11 wt line. It was a no go, even when I tried 50 lb Spectra. I ended up buying a standard arbor spool for the reel to load enough backing.

Get the Momentum 6 or an Abel 12X.

[nookslayer]

Thanks guys and I have decided on the Ross Momentum 6 to be safe and it balances well (And the gold goes great with the deep red of the rod). Meskel didn't give up in fact his new Echo Dec Hogan 7wt is what prompted my purchase. I just liked the way the Echo 2 felt and the 2 tip idea making it a great multi-purpose rod for me. Looking forward to getting it wet.
Maybe we can get a trip wiht Steel Beaver, Andy K, Meksel and myself on a local trib sometime soon?

[Meskel]

Originally Posted by steel_beaver

Did Brian give up on it already??? That was quick. I hope the reason is not the injury.

The reel should work just fine. Just make sure it will balance the rod properly (it shouldn't be a problem since the rod is less than 13' and pretty light).

Good Luck

Give up? I’ve only just begun. I do apologize to Andy K and yourself for not being able to make to the river this past week. But im looking at getting out next week (mon-wed) after work on one of the local rivers and would love to get some pointers from either of you.

As it stand now I have been restocking my tying supplies and have set the next few evening dedicated to rapping some thread around some tubes.

Hmmmm looks like you are going to get the reel I suggested in the first place. Good thing you took my word for it. Oh that’s right you don’t ever listen to your older brother.

Andy and Steel let me know when you plan going out again so that I may tag along.

Meskel
AKA the Che of Spey

[AndyK]

Originally Posted by Meskel

Andy and Steel let me know when you plan going out again so that I may tag along.

Right now the river levels don't look too good.

[steel_beaver]

Haha... glad to hear you both have the bug...

Next Tuesday after work might work for me.... 80 deg Temps sound very good

[nookslayer]

I agree! We'll keep you posted. PM me for email and cell so we can plan it out.