I'm still looking for some data on how much backing I will need. I found out that both are considered reels for 3 or 4 wt lines. I will probably use the larger of the two for a 5 wt as I often will use smaller reels than recomended. I have a reel meant for 3/4 on my 8 wt and it works wonderfully. I would not use it in the salt flats for bonefish but the bass and bluegill I normaly target have never taken me into the backing. I have never seen a wide reel like this before though my brother likes his AL 7/8 for salt water.

I will start another thread on the difference between the grades of TFO rods tomorrow so I can be ready for the spring trout releases at Casey Creek here in Western Kentucky, the black hole of fly fishing.

Clint