Cortland Retro Reel

[lastchance]

Anyone care to share their reviews on the Cortland Retro Reel? I've been looking for a vintage type reel.
Bruce

[tailingloop]

In a word, real nice. Ok, that was two words. I have examined both reels thoroughly as we have them in the shop. The only weak spot is the drag knob which seems to be some sort of plastic, though it is solid and should last a long long time. It might crack if you dropped it right on the knob then fell on it. The photos on the web show a silver reel foot but on the reels we got in the foot was the same color as the rest of the reel. Though well made, the tolerances finish seem not quite as nice as the TFO No. 1, which retails for $10 less but only comes in a small size suitable for 3wt and lighter lines. The drag knob on the TFO is metal. I am thinking of getting the larger Retro model to go with my new Cabelas glass rod.

[lastchance]

Thanks. I was beginning to think Cortland wasn't able to sell one. Ha! Ha!


Actually, I'm looking for any type of reel such as the retro. I never fished with an old style click and pawl reel. I'd like to get one that will fish on a 4 wt. I think Redington makes one, too.
Thanks for your help,
Bruce

[tailingloop]

The Redington Drift is also very well made. Aside from the difference in price compared to the Retro it has a different look. Functionally they are equivalent.

[sagefisher]

I wanted a classic trout reel for my bamboo rod so I bought a reel from TJ's Bear Den, a Fishon Kodiak Bear Classic Trout No3 Fly Reel.
http://tjsbearden.mybisi.com/product...t-no3-fly-reel

There are a number of good classic style reels out there. I am sure the Cortland would be just fine.

Larry ---sagefisher---

[Apachetrout]

Hello:
I was looking for a click drag reel and looked at the Retro and the Redington Drift and bought the drift 3/4. The drift is lighter and I think better made. What is really nice is the drag paws are held in with screws not rivots. The drag on drift is very smooth and plenty of out going tension with just a slight turn of the drag knob. After fishing this reel a few times for trout, bass and panfish, the disc drag reels I have seem like total overkill.

Lanny

[lastchance]

I wanted a classic trout reel for my bamboo rod so I bought a reel from TJ's Bear Den, a Fishon Kodiak Bear Classic Trout No3 Fly Reel.
http://tjsbearden.mybisi.com/product...t-no3-fly-reel

There are a number of good classic style reels out there. I am sure the Cortland would be just fine.

Larry ---sagefisher---

Those Fishon Reels sure look beautiful.

[Colston Newton]

Want retro? Buy a Medalist...or better yet, snare an American Medalist off ebay. Of course, you can always go tuna can Martin.

[Ron Eagle Elk]

Colston,

You took the words right out of my mouth.

REE

[lastchance]

I actually have a Medalist made in the early 70s I bought off of Ebay, but it's not very pretty and the retrieve needs changed to lefthanded.
Bruce