New Reel

[fisher26]

I'm looking to buy a new fly-fishing reel for a 5wt rod; I will occasionally use the reel on the bow but mostly on smaller rivers. I'm a bit cheep and all I want is a light reliable reel that has decent drag... I was originally considering the orvis battenkill barstock reel but I decided against it as it's a bit pricey ($100 +) and country pleasures is the only store that carries orvis (I have nothing against country pleasures I just I can't make it there before it closes).

 

What's a good reliable reel that's light for under a $100?

 

 

Thanks

[trailhead]

Tioga makes a pretty reliable reel in that price range, the have them at Bow River Troutfitters and Westwinds I believe, probably other places too.

[SanJuanWorm]

Don't get tioga, i have one and its a piece of junk.

[birchy]

How much are the TFO Mayfly's?

[toolman]

How much are the TFO Mayfly's?

 

 

I own and use a couple of these reels that have a couple of hundred days of use on them without any problems. Very good value for about $60.

[fisher26]

Thanks TM.

 

Does anyone know about scientific anglers reels? They seem fairly light (relatively speaking) and they advertise as being basic and durable. I wouldn’t know because I don’t own one or know anyone who does.

 

Would most fly shops in Calgary carry these?

[trailhead]

I have two Tioga reels and one is now 8 years old and have never had any trouble with either of them, good solid reels. I have had some trouble with a Redington, and I got a Martin reel for Christmas a couple of years ago that's pretty shaky, plus I bought a TFO from Cabela's that they don't carry here in Calgary and when a rivet in the reel popped off the second time I used it, I was told to send it back to the US. The shipping and receiving charges plus the warranty fee were more than the price of the reel. So I used a metal screw and it works fine now. Everyone has an opinion so I guess you should try out several different manufacturers and make your own decision. Now if only that Sage rod I bought was as solid as the Tioga reel I put on it, the cork handle is starting to come loose and it's just over a year old.

[fishfreak]

I use a Scientific Angler reel for my 4 weight and it's been doing well the last 3-4 years. They sell them at Wholesale Sports and Russels. I think they cost around $50-$60.

 

I just bought my wife a Tioga reel, and so far so good on that one.

[SanJuanWorm]

SA reels are nice.

[fisher26]

Now if only that Sage rod I bought was as solid as the Tioga reel I put on it, the cork handle is starting to come loose and it's just over a year old.

 

 

What model of sage is it? I'm planning to pick up a sage launch but I wasn’t sure what sort of reel I should use. I've done quite a bit of research on the launch and most people seem to like it, the Fli on the other hand is apparently not a great rod... If anyone owns a sage launch could they post how they like it?

 

 

Thanks for all of the responses I'm thinking of a SA reel.

[bloom]

The SA reels are nice, but go up to the system 2 reels. The System 2L 4/5 should work good. The drags are great and they're lightweight. Used them for a while. I've owned 4 different SA reels, and the system 2 series is a great bang for your buck.

 

Stay away from the lower end ones. I started with the System one 5/6 and blew the drag out on 3 or 4 different spools.

[birchy]

I own and use a couple of these reels that have a couple of hundred days of use on them without any problems. Very good value for about $60.

 

There ya go fisher26. Done deal. TFO Mayfly.. "Do it!"

[SanJuanWorm]

Buy my SAGE FLI and my Islander reel. More over your price range but both are warrantied for life.

[fisher26]

I don’t know SJW... I recall you posting something about your Sage Fli being a horrible rod + I've heard that the Fli's aren’t that great from other people too.

 

 

Sorry!

[SanJuanWorm]

Tell u what.

 

Buy the reel for 500 and i'll give you the rod for free.