Smitty Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 I know we've done reel threads before, but I asking something a little more specific, because I am limited to the models below: Knowing that there is a sale coming up (somewhere I can't mention, because its a non FFC sponsor), what reel would you choose between the following: 1) TFO BVK 2) Sage 2000 Series 3) Sage 4200 Series 4) Redington Rise Series 5) Redington Delta 6) Madison II by Montana Fly Company 7) Amundson Trend or TXS reel (cheaper models) With the little research I have done, if I had to choose today, it would probably be between the TFO BVK's versus the Sage 4200 Series. Thoughts? Comments? Smitty Quote
Guest JBear Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 dont go rise, i hate the ones i have, maybe its just a bad batch or something. If you decide to with the montana II let me know. Im curious about those. Quote
Guest Dust1n Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 The BVK and Madison II by Montana Fly would get my vote. Dont go with the admunson there drag turns to crap. Quote
ÜberFly Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 None of them (except maybe for the Sage 4200 series)!! They are all too heavy (or just crap)! Except for maybe the Sage 4200 series. I bought Deb the Sage 4250 in the winter for her 5 wt (but she hasn't got around to trying it yet, so I cannot comment)... You can find a Bauer Superlite M2 on Ebay for around the $200 mark. Made in the USA and lifetime warrantee!! I've heard good things about the Hardy Ultralite, as well (though they are made off shore like all the ones that you listed)... P Quote
Smitty Posted June 18, 2012 Author Posted June 18, 2012 Just a reminder, I am choosing from the list. lol Uber - I am quite surprised by your comment. I picked up the BVK the other day and I felt it was rather light myself. Smitty Quote
ppb Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 I picked up a Lamson Konic this spring and love it, has the same drag as their more expensive reels for a lot less $$$. The finish on the reel could be more eye appealing but overall its a great reel. Quote
Tungsten Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 i really like a reel to free spool on the way in.really handy for streamer or cronie fishing. also for 300$ none of those reels would be on my list. Quote
Smitty Posted June 18, 2012 Author Posted June 18, 2012 -sigh- now I am chuckling; perhaps I can get the store to special order Lamson's or Bauer's, hopefully they'll get there in time for the manager to discount them for me, lol. Look, I know what you guys are saying but I prefer to get them from the store and not deal with Ebay, US shipping, etc. The store I deal with has excellent customer service. I am prepared to wait for the sale because right now I have some old (from the mid 90's) Orvis Battenkills, just looking to sell them eventually and get something from the 21st century that has a large arbor and is lightweight. So anyone else have experiences with the reels...from. the. list? Smitty Quote
ppb Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 Sorry for straying from the list, I think we who did stray from the list are probably in the same mindset in thinking that you shouldn't limit yourself to a small selection of reels just because they will be on sale in a couple months. You should find the reel that you like and gives you the best bang for the $$. Just my opinion. Quote
brownonbow Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 Maybe the advise you are receiving about purchasing or at least considering other reels is worth heeding. I have an old bauer lm2 and the thing is great. Also got a very nice Islander from a fellow ffc member at 1/2 the list price because it was used (no not hot) that I really like. Anyhoo... go with quality cause at the end of the day that is what will last. And eventually, if you decide to sell, it will hold it's value a little better than the latest flashy offshore reel. And yes I have owned offshore reels too... My .02c Quote
Smitty Posted June 18, 2012 Author Posted June 18, 2012 Well I do appreciate everyone's perspective's; I didn't think I had limited the choices that much with 4 brands and 7 reels. Clearly, some of you don't like any of those choices, which truly does surprise me. You'd think once you get into the $200-$300 range its a good bet you're buying a decent reel. I played around with those models at the store, they seemed pretty good, especially the BVK and the Sage 4200 Series. I did like them. And fundamentally, the advice is sound - get the best reel for the buck. Just surprised that few or none in that list would qualify, based on a lot of the opinions thus far. Thanks for the advice! Smitty Quote
Guest 420FLYFISHIN Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 I would go with any of the SAGE products over the TFO or Amundsons. Bang for your buck you are going to be hit with much higher markup on the lower end companies trying to masquerade in the quality market (for reels that is)! I will also NEVER get another Amundson product because after 3 months the drag is GARBAGE and it should not NEED warranty every year. hope you get something good and that lasts Quote
Duke Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 I've got a sage 2050, and in my personal opinion it's a piece of junk, not even worth the line I put on it. If I had to choose from the list I would go with the Montana. Quote
Guest NamasteMushroom Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 None of them (except maybe for the Sage 4200 series)!! They are all too heavy (or just crap)! Except for maybe the Sage 4200 series. I bought Deb the Sage 4250 in the winter for her 5 wt (but she hasn't got around to trying it yet, so I cannot comment)... You can find a Bauer Superlite M2 on Ebay for around the $200 mark. Made in the USA and lifetime warrantee!! I've heard good things about the Hardy Ultralite, as well (though they are made off shore like all the ones that you listed)... P Too heavy. Go the gym. Quote
fruinincalgary Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 Smitty, What rod are you planning to match the reel to and what will be your primary use of the reel?... Streamers, dry fly, nymphin do you plan to use on the bow, lakes, high country streams? Quote
ericlin0122 Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 $200 can't buy hardy light weights, but you can still buy an old school retro reel by cortland. Quote
troutlover Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 Too heavy. Go the gym. Ya........you girly man Quote
Smitty Posted June 18, 2012 Author Posted June 18, 2012 Smitty, What rod are you planning to match the reel to and what will be your primary use of the reel?... Streamers, dry fly, nymphin do you plan to use on the bow, lakes, high country streams? Good question. I intend this reel to be my "go-to" reel for the 5-6 weights that I own. So, with the excpetion of using my 3-4 weights for the small streams, I pretty much intend to use this reel all the time on lakes; floating line techniques to trolling type V-VI lines. For the rest of the time in flowing waters, I'll be using it for larger rivers like the Bow and the Oldman. So it will be part of my main set-up for lakes and those larger-type rivers. Thanks for the question. What about an Islander IR3? Comments on that one, anyone? Cheers, Smitty Quote
Guest NamasteMushroom Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 Good question. I intend this reel to be my "go-to" reel for the 5-6 weights that I own. So, with the excpetion of using my 3-4 weights for the small streams, I pretty much intend to use this reel all the time on lakes; floating line techniques to trolling type V-VI lines. For the rest of the time in flowing waters, I'll be using it for larger rivers like the Bow and the Oldman. So it will be part of my main set-up for lakes and those larger-type rivers. Thanks for the question. What about an Islander IR3? Comments on that one, anyone? Cheers, Smitty I love Islanders - my fave. Quote
Jayhad Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 I have most of the reels on your list, the best one in the bunch for longevity and quality would be the 4200. Jbear what specifically dont you like about the Rises Quote
fruinincalgary Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 I love Islanders - my fave. Totally! 100% the best reel in its class bomb proof and super simple... in 50 years these will be the hardy reels that are so collectable now! Quote
Guest Grinr Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 Not on the list I know,but if I was in the market for a new reel I'd snap up that Sage Click IV in the trading post w/Rio line,a steal @$200 IMHO,but then I do love the sound of a click/pawl when an angry fish is taking you into backing. Quote
Tungsten Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 I have an Ir4 ,not large arbor.its full with my 5 wt line on it. its my go to reel on my Z 5wt, balances perfict. And they can be had for under $300 Quote
browntrout57 Posted June 18, 2012 Posted June 18, 2012 lamson velocity or if your willing to spend a little bit more get the litespeed. Bombproof reels and super light as well. Quote
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