Best Value Reel?
I'm looking for a large arbor reel in the $200-250 range to balance an 8 wt Redington CPS. It will be used for redfish, bonefish, permit, baby tarpon, and etc. I was using a Lamson Radius, but the drag was too grabby at higher settings. Any recommendations?
Sea level Tempest 7/8 or 9/10 or TFO LA 375 or 425
Originally Posted by tailingloop
Ditto. I have the 9/10 -- great reel.
I really like the Lamson Product and the drags systems, I have found them to be exceptionally smooth. If you want to upgrade from there Madison river has some good close outs on the Velocity, some Abel and Ross reels: http://www.mrfc.com/MadisonRiverShop...x?CategoryID=4
Personally would just call Lamson and discuss your issues with them. That Radius should do anything that you want a reel to do.
Unfortunately, I got the Radius used without the warranty card. It works fine on the lower drag settings, but it gets very grabby and rough when you crank it up for bones.
Never heard of Sea Level reels before. Their website indicates that the Tempest was originally sold by Albright. I heard that the Albright reels (and the Redington CD) were actually made by Okuma. So, what makes the Sea Level Tempest a better choice than an Albright or Redington?
Last edited by bazakwardz; 09-14-2009 at 09:17 PM.
The Orvis Battenkill LAIV looks pretty sweet @ $239.00.
If it was me, I would look for one of these click/pawl, multiplier darlings.
Hopefully you could find one in this condition......
bobbyg
When you can arrange your affairs to go fishing, forget all the signs, homilies, advice and folklore. JUST GO.
Elkhorn T-3 w/extra spool can be had in that price range, which is simply an amazing buy! These are sensational reels at an increasingly impressive price point as you go up the size scale from T-1 through T-4. Check them out before you buy.
Disclaimer: I am a member of the Elkhorn Field Staff.
Last edited by flyguy66; 09-26-2009 at 12:56 PM. Reason: disclaimer
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