"Light weight"? I hope you are being sarcastic. In the 3/4 these new reels will weigh TWICE as much as a Battenkill...and ironically cost more as well. In fact, just comparing with the Orvis line, they weigh more than the Mid-Arbor...but without a real drag. Heavier than the historical Medalists as well, if the data I found on the net can be believed.

The old Medalists are a part of history and are thereby considered classic, and they were quite inexpensive in today's market. These new ones sound quite uninteresting IMHO. I am sure some will buy these new ones due to brand loyalty, but there are better reels out there...