Opinions on original Battenkill Reels

Well my b-day has come and passed so Ive come into some $$$$$ from family and friends. Its kind of funny they dont even dare send gifts anymore they send cash so I can pick my own gifts out. "I sure do love flyfishing". Anyways Ive been looking at reels for a 3 wt and am leaning towards one of the original Battenkill Reels from Orvis. So,,,,, opinions please. Ive been comparing Battenkills, Drakes(Cabelas), Okuma, LL Bean any others that are right around $100 and bullet proof please feel free to mention.

Seege

I have had the Battenkill 3/4, 7/8, and 8/9 disk drag reels for about 10 years now. The two larger ones have seen extensive saltwater service in addition to freshwater. The 3/4 model has seen a lot of freshwater action and I have caught many nice trout on it. All three reels have performed flawlessly for me over that time. I'm about to get another 3/4 model.

Simply put, I think you'd be hard pressed to find a better reel at that price.

battenkill bar steel appears to be a damn nice, small and lightweight reel for right around the price point (a little more, throw in your own money to make up the difference) you listed.

I've got a battenkill large arbor that I really like, though I doubt a la reel is the ticket on a 3wt. I'd go as small and light as I could.

if you can find a ross colorado 0, I'd jump on that. they've been discontinued, but I read here that cabelas had them for about $79. that's a great price for a great reel.

myself, I'd steer clear of those others you mentioned. lotsa people think a reel does nothing more than hold line, but I like quality machining and appearance. then again I'm a bit of a tackle snob ;]


mgj

I've had a 5/6 for over 10 years and just bought a 3/4 a couple months ago. Never had any trouble with them--I really like them. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another either.

They have a great drag range and are light enough for their size.

Check your email.

anybody have any experience with the new battenkill mid arbor?

I really like my 3/4 disk drag. It sees a lot of use in fresh water. Smooth drag but often times not a big issue for the lighter line weights and fishing situations where I'm using a 3/4 (i.e smaller streams and small fish).

Battenkill would be my suggestion.

I have a 3/4 click/pawl that i use on various light rods and love it. I've had it for about 4-5 years and it looks as good as the day i bought it. I also have a Ross Colorado 0 that I love just as much. Both are great reels.

Lou

I have four of the originals. Never a problem.

Just got a mid arbor Battenkill for a 6wt yesterday. Haven't tried it out but it is a sweet looking reel.
bd

Ive been waiting on my MidArbor IV since Janurary. They said it is on back order till the middle of the month. How do you like yours,bonedog. As for the original battenkill i think it is one of the best small rod reels out there. Looks and performs great.


phish

I've had the 3/4 disc drag for years and think it is about the best buy for the money out there.

Phishfool,
I got the Battenkill MA III for a 6wt. Sharp looking reel, I got the titanium finish. Seems like a smooth very adjustable drag. Taking it for a test run on some LM Bass tomorrow. I think you'll like it.
Tight lines,
bd

cool...thanks

phish

Thanks all of you for chiming in and giving some opinions. I not really concerned about the large arbor I think that I will get the original Battenkill. Off to the flyshop I go the money is burning a hole in my pocket.

Seege

The Battenkill Barstock is a excellent reel for $100!!!
I didn't care for the Click and Prawl drag the older Battenkill had. Bassically useless. Disk drag is 100% better to put it mildly.
I wouldn't trade my LA for anything myself!
Got my Wife a Barstock and my Son uses a regular Battenkill disk drag.
Just one happy Battenkill Family. http://www.flyanglersonline.com/bb/smile.gif



------------------
Jim Bolden Sr

I caught a Fish so big once I couldn't weigh it.
Took a picture of it and the picture weighed 20LBS! (My Dad)

Since you are looking at a Batt Disc, you might want to consider a CFO Disc while they are on sale and still made in England. For US made take a look at the Teton Tioga. Also the FlyLogic FLP series is in the same price range as the Battenkills but only 3 models so there may not be a size you need. If you want Korean made the choices are endless.

Regards,

Bob
Fly Supplies
aflyshop.com

I've been using a 3/4 click/pawl for over 12 years and I love it. It is my primary trout reel. I've had no problems with the mechanics nor fighting some large trout with it. Although I don't personally own one, I've never heard of any complaints with the disc drag model, either. I'd recommend either model to anyone!

John

I've got a couple and like them a lot but last summer I bought my Son the bar stock reel and for the little bit more it is I would recommend it. Great reel (so far) and I have considered buying me one for a 6 weight rod I have in my future.

Dan

From what I hear Orvis has discontinued the click and pawl reels (is this true). I have purchased the disc drag Battenkill its light in the hand cant wait to play a fish on it.

Seege

i have the battenkill disc 3/4 on my 8' 3 wt, and absolutely love it. its my go to setup and has been for the past 3 years. i even have an extra spool for my TT line. an unbeatable and extremely reliable reel for the price.

I never owned on Orvis reel, but I also highly recommend the Teton Tioga. I avoid the Okuma, I've had mine fail on me several times.

[This message has been edited by Bill Blake (edited 05 March 2005).]

I too would like to find a Battenkill Click and Pawl. It is a basic function reel with unequaled reliability. And yes, I do believe that Orvis in their board room follies, has decided to discontinue that model. Too bad.
It was a dandy.

LoTech I too believe Orvis has discontinued click pawl reels in both the CFO and B'Kill series, at least I cant find them on their web site.
Probably cuz of lack of sales. The last one I bought at local fly shop they had to order it for me and offered to sell me a disc for the same price. The manager told me they didnt sell enough clickers to justify stocking them. What a shame. I have 2 CFO III clickers and a spare spool and 2 B'Kill 3/4's clickers with a spare spool. Hopefully they'll last me.

I own 2 8/9 original Battenkill reels that have served me well for many years with one exception. The line guard snapped off one after dropping the reel. Since the body seems to be cast it is more brittle than a reel cut from bar stock.

All reels are vulnerable when I am clumsy! I keep the broken reel for parts. My other Battenkill reel has worked for more than 10 years without needing any repair. I replaced the broken one with a barstock but I still use the old one. It works great.