4 weight reel

I have just picked up a used Loomis IMX 9 ft 4 wt rod, and I am looking for a simple and inexpensive reel to put on it. Although I am a big fan of the Hardy featherwight, I can't afford to outfit this rod with such an expensive reel. I am looking at buying a new Lamson velocity hard alox V1.5 (old model) for about $100, but before I pull the trigger I wanted to ask for opinons about this reel, and also to ask if anyone has a used reel that I should consider instead. Here are the characteristics that I would ideally desire in such a reel:

1. light weight (no more than 4 ounces)
2. simplicity ( I don't need a terribly sophisticated drag for the trout that I will be catching)
3. standard or large arbor format
4. subtle color (i.e., none of the new bright colors)
5. room for a DT-4 line with at least some backing
6. mechanically sound (although is doesn't have to be in pristine cosmetic condition)

If anyone knows of any sales/closeouts/bargains that are available online, I would be grateful for that information, too.

Thanks for your help.

Tom

I have 2 Velocity 1.5s. Love them. Great drag. Have been very reliable. I have a DT5 and *some* backing on one of them (maybe 25 yards). $100 would be a great price. In fact, for that price, make sure you're looking at a reel and not just a spool.

If you don't want to buy offshore, this reel isn't for you. Wait a minute, Hardy is offshore isn't it. The Orvis Battenkill Disc is a very reliable and functionally sound reel at an affordable price. I like them so much I bought two and they have never let me down. Plus, they have a somewhat traditional look to them.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.a...68&cat_id=7628

pm sent---hook549

I have a Sage 3200 on my 4 weight TXL. Nice, light (around 3oz) and simple with an adjustable click/pawl setup. New they retailed for like $280, I bought mine on closeout from red truck for somewhere around $150 though. You should be able to find one for that or less used or check around and see if someone has a closeout left hanging around yet. Its a work of art with the fit, finish and tolerances. Couldn't go wrong with the Lamson either though. I've got a Radius and a Konic, both solid reels. A bit heavier than the Sage though.

The Battenkill Barstocks are nice too and around $100. Have one for my 00 weight and never had an issue with that one either.

Lots of quality options in your budget. I'm sure you'll be happy with whatever route you go

I have one of these from Fly Logic. In your range, brand new, made in the USA and life time guarantee http://www.flylogic.com/proddetail.cfm?itemid=279&catid=2&fishid=24
Shop around you may find these reels cheaper. I got mine off e-bay brand new and couldn’t be happer.

Sean

i have a velocity 1.5. excellent reel in my estimation. it's filled with wf4f 117'/ 60 yds. backing and that's max with any backing at all. another worth consideration is ross flystart.

I have a couple Velocity 1.5 reels.....would not consider another.
Is the one you're looking at a V1.5 in the "smoke" finish? If so, 100 bucks for that reel is a steal....I'd jump all over that! The V series in the "smoke" finish have quite the following...including me!

A sage 3200 on clearance would be worthy of consideration. I bought one, loved it and found a way to add a few more.

I have the rod IMX 4WT. I think it casts better for me with a GPX DT 5wt. I have the lampson reel you are considering. I tried on
the IMX and I and only I do no like the balance of the outfit. I think that either a Hardy LHR or and Lampson LP 1.5 are a better fit for this rod. I have extra LP 1.5's if you are interested PM me we can work things out in your price range. Fishin' Jimmy

Thank you for all your helpful comments and offers. I went ahead and purchased the Lamson Velocity, and I think that I will be pleased with it.

Tom