Large Arbor Reel...

[live2play]

Looking for a new 5/6 wt fly reel, just wondering if it makes a difference getting a large arbor one over a traditional reel?

[Mukka]

The retrieval is definitely a lot quicker with a large arbor reel. I also find them, more often than not, to be lighter too. I just picked up a Nautilus FWX and to say it is sweet is an understatement.

[SilverDoctor]

The other plus is not having a tight full spool. Much nicer line handeling.

[maxwell]

large arbor all the way traditional arbors are a thing of the past

[live2play]

Looks like its going to be large arbor...

Just one more question, given the choice (large arbor vs traditional), would you sacrifice a little bit of quality (a lower model) to get a large arbor reel over a traditional one?

[ÜberFly]

Shouldn't have to if you buy American!

[LastBoyScout]

I have and still do own and use several large Arbor reels and the pick up rate is superior but do I really need 300 feet of backing on a 5wt reel?

[fishpro]

The line pickup rate it definitely worth it. I was fishing a very large arbour reel for steelhead this past week and there were times that a fish would come at me that even with running backwards and reeling like mad I barely kept the tension on, the large arbour definitely made a difference!

[Conor]

For almost all the fishing you will do with a 5/6 wt in AB, you could go either way without feeling like you made a bad decision.

 

 

While the retrieve rate is faster on a LA, it does not compare to to stripping rate. How many times do you think the retrieve rate will be fast enough to avoid stripping in line?

 

 

The real advantage I see to LA is that the spool diameter is about the same on an empty spool to a full spool, so drag pressure is similar over a long run. But how many times do you go deep into your backing with a 5wt?

 

 

There are some great deals to be had on high quality standard arbor reels out there, because most of the market is buying LA.

[live2play]

Ok, thanks for all of the help.