Does anyone have any experience with Allen Fly Fishing especially their reels. Alpha or Trout model reels recommendations?
The Trout line sort of replaces their XL line of reels. I have several of the XL reels, and really like them. Nice solid reels, look good, the drags seem to work great, no problems whatsoever. Somebody can correct me if I’m wrong, but I think the main difference in the Trout line from the XL is better cosmetics, and also a slightly wider spool for increased backing capacity. Certainly the Trout reel is a good-looking reel!
The Alpha line is supposed to be the flagship model. The latest plans I heard is they were going to revamp that series to alter the look of the reel a bit, and also lighten up the weight on it.
They have really been putting some considerable time and effort into getting the reels pinned down based on users comments and suggestions. The drag may not be a fancy conical something-or-other, but its a rock-solid performer. Also, VERY easy to change from LH to RH retrieve and back.
For the price, its a no-brainer. Personally, I like the looks of the XL and Trout line over the old Alpha line. Haven’t seen the new Alphas yet, though. The cosmetics are just a matter of personal taste anyway.
The new Alpha is now available…unfortunately the only picture available is a drawing…introductory pricing is very tempting…from your review it seems well worth it.
I’m on their mailing list but really don’t know anything about them.
Edit: Just relooked…it looks like the new alpha has similarity to the trout now.
heres a picture
http://www.reelreports.com/store/New-Alpha-Series-910-wt-Machined-Fly-Reel-150477099224.html
Darn, their server isn’t responding, Norman
ducksterman, here is AllenFlyfishing website http://www.allenflyfishing.com/alpha_new.htm and Justin email address if you have any question
allenflyfishing@yahoo.com
thanks popper…I’ve been there and pretty sure I’m going to order but if Norman’s link is for the newest alpha I’d like to see it before doing so…also found quite a bit of discussion on other sites…most good
Norman was it an actual photo of the newest reel?
ducksterman, go to the link I posted and there is a picture of the new reel, Norman link shows one but not sure if that is the actual picture because that looks like the trout series I purchased.
Both links are working!!!
I was going to order a reel and a couple of extra spools, but the price difference between the two was so close I just ordered three reels. They performed well this summer, and I have no complaints.
there is only so many things i can control and unfortunately getting their server to function for you is not one of them!! 
Just an update…
Received my reels and quite pleased…though I haven’t actually used them yet.
I have been a fan of the Okuma Helios reels…when I had to replace some stolen reels I went to get the often recommended Battenkill…at the store I could hold both the Helios and the Battenkill in my hands …IMHO the Helios just had a much better feel to me…whatever that means…well I was getting Helios reels on ebay for $100 or less…auctions…good deal and I really liked them. I have felt the Helios was under the radar for most…and as someone said Helios must have realized they had a good product …their prices have really gone up…recently saw where they were over $200.
My point is that at $60 entry price for the Allen reels I think they are an incredible deal…In comparing the two they are very similar…the Allen in hand feels a little lighter but on my scale they seem equal…both are smooth…the Allen may be a little smoother’
Anyway for now if I need more reels…can you ever have too many???..I’ll go with the Allen.
Thanks for the previous help.
Ducks, I have one and Joni has two Allen reels. So far this year they’ve beaten the fish everywhere we’ve fished. Excellent reel for the money. Actually better than excellent for the money. By rights they should be in the $200+ range. Plus Justin has fantastic customer service.
When you mentioned the Battenkills, I have 5 large arbor Battenkills all with extra spools. The drag on the Allen’s put the Orvis drags to shame. Slowly I’m going to retire the Orvis reels and use the Allen’s exclusively. Like Lewie said, for just a little more than the price of spools, you can get an extra reel. Summer is 99% stillwater fishing out of a kickboat and I usually carry 3 rods strung up and have 3 extra spools of various sinking lines. It’s a cheap way for stillwater fishers to build up thier arsenal of reels without breaking the bank. Now he’s got a line of rods I’d like to try out.
The reels seem a tad heavy. Any thoughts about that?
Anyone use their WFF fly lines?
My scale weighed the 5/6 @ 5 oz and the 7/8 @ 6oz…the scale is in 1 oz increments so fractions are hard to tell
I have one that I got as a gift. I like it just fine. But to change the subject has anyone ever used thier hooks? If they are as good as thier reels they should be a bargen.
I’ve used a number of the WFF lines as well as a variety of the hooks this year.
I will certainly buy more hooks. Very good quality, EXCELLENT price!
The lines are also VERY good quality lines for an EXCELLENT price. For the price, I was expecting bottom-quality junk. But it really IS a quality line. Casts great. The outer coating is, to my untrained eye, virtually identical to the $40-$65 name-brand lines. I originally bought them for back-up reels, but they have been on several of my most-used rods all year. I fish quite often (114 fly-fishing outings this year), and have put some good time on these lines. I am hard on lines, though. I keep at least 2-3 rods in my car at all times so the lines are fairly exposed, plus I haven’t cleaned any of my lines in a couple of years now (kids, do as I say…not as I do!). Despite this, I haven’t experienced any problems with the lines. I have had some line twisting problems, but I think it is something I am doing wrong, and is easily fixable if I make the time to do it.
I have an XL thought I bought on sale, when he was changing designs. I love it, no complaints at all. I recently won one of his Alpha reels and it is so sweet. I just got the line for it, but I have not used it yet. I need to get a furled leader for the set up. The Alpha is the best reel I have by far. I think the XL is a really nice reel, and for the price, you cannot beat it. Justin has some rods coming out soon, and I hear good things about his fly line, and fly boxes too.