Dear Benjo,

I think the reel manufacturers are pretty honest and accurate with their backing claims.

You have to keep in mind that all flylines are not created equal. You can purchase DT lines from 80 to 95 feet in length, and weight forward lines from 80 to 120 feet in length.

It's pretty obvious to me that the amount of backing required to fill the reel will vary greatly depending on the exact line used.

Regards,
Tim Murphy