fisher26 Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailhead Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanJuanWorm Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Don't get tioga, i have one and its a piece of junk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchy Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 How much are the TFO Mayfly's? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toolman Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisher26 Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trailhead Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishfreak Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanJuanWorm Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 SA reels are nice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisher26 Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bloom Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
birchy Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 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!" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanJuanWorm Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Buy my SAGE FLI and my Islander reel. More over your price range but both are warrantied for life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fisher26 Posted August 16, 2007 Author Share Posted August 16, 2007 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SanJuanWorm Posted August 16, 2007 Share Posted August 16, 2007 Tell u what. Buy the reel for 500 and i'll give you the rod for free. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.