Cabela's SLA reel

[Big Bad Wulff]

I'm reading reviews that say either:
-the drag broke the first time out.....2 stars.
-never had a problem, great reel......5 stars.

Literally it's an either/or situation in the reviews. Nothing in between.

I think it's a great-looking reel but don't want to get something that will be a potential problem.

[FishnDave]

The black SLA's are on sale/clearance right now (as I'm sure you noticed) for around $100. I read those same reviews yesterday. Definitely some conflicting reports. My personal take was that many of the problems were a result of using improper tools when changing spools, or spool-change related. I seldom change spools, so that isn't a big concern for me. Overall the comments were positive, and generally people are more likely to take the time to post a negative report than a positive one, so take that into consideration as well.

I don't have an SLA reel, so can't comment on it personally, but I did look into "affordable" large arbor reel alternatives a week or so ago. I'll share some of the reels I found interesting:

In that $100-$140 price range, you can look at the Sage 1600 or 1800 series, the Scierra XDP, Lamson Konic, Cortland Endurance LA, or the Loop Evotec CLW. There may be others.

In the $150-$200 range, some options available are the Wright & McGill Dragon Fly, Orvis Battenkill LA, Cortland Precision XC-LA, and Scientific Anglers System 2 LA. Again, there may be other options available in this price range as well.

[EdD]

One thing to consider is use. I bought a cheap reel to go on my new TFO for MI-FI last year. It was grinding by the end of the two weeks. Sounds like a bad reel, right? If I had not dropped it into a fast current that swept sand and gravel into the gears, I'm sure that it would still be turning smoothly.

Feedback sites also allow malcontents to sound off. Consider the Okra v SPAM discussions on this board. Someone who had no knowledge of either would consider this to be a sign that they were very bad to eat or that two different species of beings were discussing them.

Ed

[Big Bad Wulff]

Okra boiled: nasty
Okra coated and fried to nearly burnt: fantastic

[Kaboom1]

[QUOTE= .

Feedback sites also allow malcontents to sound off. Consider the Okra v SPAM discussions on this board. Someone who had no knowledge of either would consider this to be a sign that they were very bad to eat or that two different species of beings were discussing them.

Ed[/QUOTE]

Ed
Only you could get okra and spam in a conversation about reels...and all in one sentence to boot. My hat is off too you...
Brad

[EdD]

Okra boiled: nasty
Okra coated and fried to nearly burnt: fantastic

"Boiled" okra can do a lot for a soup, though. I certainly wouldn't be quick to drop fried okra into a bot of simmering soup. Sorry to hijack (Hi, Jack) the thread.

Ed, NBOF Charter Member

[gzacckey]

BBW - Don't forget if you aren't happy with a cabelas reel you can take it back. Cabelas is very good about that.

I have a few Cabelas reels but not the SLA. The only one I really liked was the SR that was discontinued. Others were just OK or had some problems but they were lower end. I did buy a RLS (couldn't resist a sale) but only fished it for half of this year. Good drag and balances well with my 8'6" & 9' rods.

For some reason their reels seem to be hit or miss. I know the XSS reels were actually pulled off the shelves at my local store due to manufacturing problems with the reel seats. Now they're on clearance and I believe this was their first year.

If you think you'll like it give it a try. Or better yet look at the Ross Rhythm on sale at Sierra Trading post and use a coupon for further discounts.

http://www.sierratradingpost.com/sea...criptions=True

http://www.mycoupons.com/coupons/sierratradingpost.com

[Greg F]

I think it is a sign of poor quality control. Cabelas does not cull out the bad ones, so they continue to be manufactured and sold. If you get one with nothing wrong it is okay. I have a Pflueger Trion it is a pretty nice reel, new on Ebay about 80 bucks.

[comanche]

not generally a big promoter of orvis-& know a lot of people seem too hate them-but i did buy thier battenkill mid-arbor-8/9-for salmon-&-steelie fishing in the winter & was one of the best reels i have-and i have a lot of reels??sound off???

[raw69]

I bought an SLA on sale for my 6wt and am hoping it's one of the good ones. I was looking for a LA and the price was right. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, so... Anything preventative I should do before I take it to the river?

Comanche - I too have the Orvis mid-Arbor for my Steelie fishing (8wt) and love it. It has seen 3 seasons of Steelie fishing and I have used it on 4 spring Bass trips. The drag is amazing.