Reels

[bswens]

I'm looking to get a nice reel and wanted to know what some of you think who have the reels that I'm interested in. I'm looking at the Ross Evolution, the Orvis Large Arbor Batenkill, and the Lamson Lightspeed. I am sort of leaning toward the Orvis cause a can get a deal on one; and the Lamson seems real nice - I like its feel. I can't decide about the Ross. The thing is sweet, but with the quality of the other two, would it be worth it to put out the most cash for it? Your shared knowledge and experience with these reels would be much appreciated.

[ezlehappy]

I just put down money on an expensive 8wt rod with the intent on using from both freshwater and saltwater (I hope) fishing.

I'd also like to know others recommendations on large arbor reels that are resistant to salt water. (preferrably with a silent retrieve).

[carpman]

Ross all the way, with the Lamson a close second. The Evolution is very sweet. Also check out the new Ross Rythm, a less expensive version of the Evolution. The Lamson Litespeed is a very nice reel, and is the least expensive one piece machined reel from Lamson. The Velocity is a nice reel also, but the spool is epoxied together......

[Ouzel]

freshwater fishing a Phluger Medelist (?) will serve; the rest is the size of your pocketbook and ego. When was the last time you had a trout or bass strip out 50-100 yds. at blazing speed?

Saltwater fishing reels need to be built better, reads more expensive, because the fish are faster, tougher and bigger.

A Land Rover will get you around the mountains in bad weather and so will a 4x F-150.

[Indylab]

So, because I fish with a ross cimarron and not a phfluger medalist or whatever, I have an ego? Come on, just because people like to fish with a decent reel doesn't mean they have an inflated ego. Plus, I have had many trout get into my backing on the Henry's, Madison, even had a big bow on Strawberry do it and a good reel and drag was nice. I fished with crappy reels for years and I noticed they were crap. Also, I drive a 98 Tacoma and it gets the job done very well, but I would much rather be in a quadcab gmc sierra. When I get the money to get one someday, I guess I will be an arrogant egomaniac. Come on, comfort and quality don't equate to inflated egos.

[Cary]

I fish with Abels, but I also have an enormous ego. Oh, when I'm feeling a bit down to earth, I break out the Hardy Marquis.

I would use a Phlueger, but wearing the bag over my head would give me a bad case of anoxia.

[baetis]

I have only used the Orvis LA Battenkill and the Lamson Litespeed reels. Both are very nice but I obviously use the Orvis more. They are great for any type of fish you're after. I've caught everything from trout, bass, steelhead,and salmon. They are great reels that will last forever.

[carpman]

I admit I have a bit of an ego problem, but I doubt it has anything to do with reels. Shheeesh...... a guy asks for a bit of info on some reels and we get up in arms about ego's???

Go buy a diesel truck, put an 8 inch lift on it with super swampers, chip it, and trick it out, then we can talk about overcompensation.....

Cripes lady, just give me my dollar back......

[«°Ñøvã°»]

No egos here I use Ross reels myself have 2 actually one Cimmaron for the back up that I have had for over 3 years and a Canyon large arbor for my main. That drag system just cant be beat in my HUMBLE opinion ;). I have checked out the new Ross line and they are very nice reels and really light.

[cheech]

I have a Lamson LP2 that I absolutely LOVE. I pawned a bunch of bass fishing tackle for it. I also have had a couple Orvis reels that I have really liked. I have fished with some Ross reels and I do admit that they are hard to beat for the price. HOWEVER, My next reel will be an Orvis Battenkill barstock with the silver finish.

[bswens]

thanks everyone for your input. while reel hunting at a flysop today i ran into the ross rep and he took the evolution apart for me and showed me all it guts. nice reel. soooo smooth.
thanks for your info carpman. the rhythm would be a less egocentric reel to purchase- same reel, just ported diffrent to be more economicaly priced.
hey ouzel, ive fished the same sa system II reel since i was fouteen...so its a little hammered. its been a great BASIC reel. whats wrong with upgrading to a quality reel? you get what you pay for man. it wasnt an ego driven question and my decision is being ultimatly determined by price. what a gay reply. you can stick to the shitty reels. i choose to put out some hard earned cash and get a superior prouduct.

[bswens]

ouzel, i'd love to share some great fishn' stories of when fish have taken me into my backing- oops....that would let out my true inner egomaniac!
i guarantee the majority of members on this site who actually get out and fish, have had at least one fish rip them into their backing this year.

[Lonnie]

For my day in day out fishing I've got a cool looking (and nice performing) psychedelic blue,darker blue and green Able TR2. Mom got it for me last year for x-mas. Totally unexpected (but super appreciated) gift. I also have a Hardy that I've had since I was about 15 or 16. I cracked the case on that one when I slipped on a rock many years ago. I sent it to a guy in Oregon who welded it back together and re-coated it. I also have an old orvis Madison that I inherited. It's mainly a back up. My wife has a pretty cheap reel, I couldn't even tell you the name. For as often as she fishes with it, it'll do...

[Ouzel]

I did mention "TWO" things (pocketbook & ego) but no one brought up the point 'yes, I make a good buck so I'll buy the higher priced reel'.

Some just jumped out of their chair and said "EGO! I don't got no stinkin EGO". So now that you're standing we can all see you.

Having a engineering background my comments mostly will focus on "what is 'needed' to perform a task properly". I have no need to single out a person because of their viewpoint. Also because I've been in a lot of different manufacturing facilities I (machining included) my appreciation for actual 'value added' for more expensive products might be more critical than others.

By the by, for freshwater fly fishing I use Orvis Battenkills and for saltwater Orvis and Fin-noor. You see, while form should follow function for a long time I've been able to afford what I want, when I want. My busniess clothes are tailored in Chicago but my 'rational' is that I'm ugly and need all the help I can get.

I'm sure glad my comments were not directed at any one individual.

[Rod Hog]

I can appreciate your comments about "what is needed to perform a task properly", however, the adage simply does not apply to flyfishing nor to women.

[Ouzel]

was intended nor taken, I just want to be clear.

There are always personal exceptions to any rule; like Redheads.