which orvis reel would you get

[phatkid248]

i am looking for a 9 wt. reel that can handle fishing in the keys in april, but more importantly, striper fishing in massachusetts. the reels in my price range are the battenkill disc, battenkill mid-arbor, battenkill large arbor, or the battenkill bar stock. i am leaning towards the bar stock, just because it has the most backing capacity of any of them. let me know what you think and what your experiences are.

[Benjo]

Of those reels, I like the mid arbor. It holds more backing than the LA, and you'll still be able to pick up line pretty quick. It's also stylish and reasonably priced. Don't have experience with any of them.

[ohiotuber]

phatkid,
I have an Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor I for my 3 wt & love it. Of course, it's NOT a valid recommendation as you're looking for a 9 wt, but it's a nice, very well made reel. Obviously, I can't give any firsthand knowledge of the functionality of the drag (I may NEVER use it on mine!). I have heard nothing but good about the Bar Stock as well.
Mike

[Stonefly Nymph]

May I ask why an Orvis...I had a BK LA and had to send it back. It was an OK reel. Plus now their reels are gonna be coming out of the far east 'cause they shut down their factory in the UK. If you can look at the Ross Rhythm or something else go with that.

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"Get the drift?"


[This message has been edited by Stonefly Nymph (edited 05 March 2005).]

[D. Micus]

have a good look at the drag. if it's those little derlin washers, pass on both and hunt around.

[bonedog]

Got a Mid Arbor this week for a 6wt and tried it on some LM Bass today. Nice reel in my very humble opinion. I have no experience with the others but for the $$ I sure do like this one. The catalog says saltwater proof I think.
My dos pesos,
bd

pk,
I have a battenkill disc 5/6 that I loaded withs a WF5F Sylk. I've used it for 3 years now, and it pleases me every time. I personally think it's the biggest bang out there for $100. Mine is made in England. 2 years ago I looked at the barstock. It is basically the same reel, and I was surprised with how light it was. Never did get one but I wish I did.

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A free gift waits for those who ask.
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Lotech Joe




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

[lthrnk]

I have fished a STH cassette MR POP 3 for 5 years in the salt on a 9 wgt and never had a problem. Extra cassettes for various lines and the reel for about 100.00 with extras. Nothing complicated, just down and dirty practicality

[Battenkill Jim]

I'm a pure Battenkill user as you can tell by the screen name!

I use a Battenkill LA IV and it works GREAT caught plenty of fish with it.
I will say that extra spools are VERY costly!!
Wife uses a Battenkill Bar stock for 6wt but dunno how they are in a 9wt. Her's is GREAT and both are VERY nicely made. Disk drag is nice and tight on both.
The English really know how to make a nice reel.
If a reel says made in England I don't see how you can go wrong!




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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)

ofthose you listed, I like the la.

I'd look at ross really hard though.

rossaholic,

mikey