Ok, I know this is going to sound like a sales pitch, but I get absolutely nothing out of anyone buying one of these fly reels. I stumbled across their reels on Ebay and boy am I ever glad I did! Here is a link to the companie’s website http://www.allenflyfishing.com/xl.html I got my reel in today and I couldn’t be happier! The reel I got sells for $75.00 on their website, and spare spools are only $30.00. Here is what their website says about the XL reel that I recieved today…The XL Series features a larger arbor spool with a very smooth and flawless bearing system.
With it’s straight forward bearing design. It provides a better access to the maintenance of the reel.
With it being CNC machined from bar stock aluminum and stainless steel. It gives the reel a corrosion resistance finish that’s suitable for fresh and saltwater use.
As with all our reels, the drag system is our main concentration. It’s a carbon sealed disc drag. The carbon allows a stronger grab letting you take more control of the reel without losing your line. It’s proven great success with our Alpha Series.
Other features include; an Anti tangle counter balanced spool, 2+1 BB, 1:1 gear ratio, exposed palming rim, easy right to left hand exchange, and a large knob for adjustable drag for better control.
Let me know what you all think. I am so sorry, I thought these were U.S. made, but now I find out I was wrong. These are still very nice reels though. Thank you all and take care,
Erby
I understand your excitement.
I bought a pair of the XL reels a while back as well. Very similar in looks to the Cabela’s SLA fly reel (the black version, of course). The reel feels very solid. I spooled up the 5/6 size with 125 yds of Cortland Micron Backing, plus a 5wt WF Floating fly line that was 85’ long.
They really seem to be an excellent value for the price.
The reels are all set to go, but I can’t fish them until all this darn snow and ice disappears!!
I got mine (5/6) about a month ago and it is solid for sure and i also got it with 2 extra spools… I love the thing and I’m sure there will be more in the future for me.
I just recieved an email back from them that said if you have allready purchased one, you can purchase additional reels for $48.00 each !!! It just keeps getting better all the time. Glad you guys like yours as well. Tight lines and god bless,
I haven’t ordered any extra spools yet, but when I emailed them with a question, they were very quick to respond. The email link is as follows: info@allenflyfishing.com I’m not sure I would even buy an extra spool for $30.00 after they told me that additional reels would only cost $48.00. Good luck,
The packs I wouldnt be worried about - I’m sure they are top notch. You are essentially paying that much for the fishpond name. I wish they had a waterdance knock-off, I’d buy it in a second. I am very interested in hearing some reviews of the fly line and hooks - because if they are as good as the prices, I will go crazy on that site -haha.
I’ve tied on several of the hooks offered on their website. I placed an order for more late last week. I think they are good hooks.
I also have a couple of their WF Floating lines…and they seemed good enough that I recently ordered a couple more. I got the first ones earlier this Winter, so haven’t actually cast them yet, but they are spooled up on reels and ready to go. Seem/feel like excellent lines for the price. I’ve gotten cheap lines with “beginner fly rod/reel combos” in the past that were basically junk. Allen & Co’s lines certainly aren’t junk. Somebody on this website mentioned in a previous thread that they had cast them, and let their friends cast the lines too…and apparently the consensus opinion was that they were as good or better than the Cabela’s Prestige (Plus?) lines.
Thats great - I have never been one to pay 70 dollars for fly line - I just wont do it because I think its ridiuclous. I can spool up all my reels for the cost of one from a “name brand” - I mean, come on, there isn’t THAT much difference. I just wanted to hear that they are good lines and there are no major flaws - I will definitely be placing an order. Also getting some hooks based on your rec.
I have an XL in 7/8 and it is awesome. I’ve fished it only two days in the salt water and after a rinse it looks to handle the harsh environment perfectly. I also have some Cabelas SLA and the appearance is similar, and I like the look, but this is a much more solid design IMHO. I like this one and will consider adding more of the Allen gear to my collection as time goes on. I have looked at packs on their site and they look like some solid bang for the buck to me.
Hello Everyone, I just wanted to say thank you on the post’s. I do read them and if there is any suggestions. I try to fix or improve something. If anyone has any concerns, questions, and/or suggestions. Please send me a PM. Always like to help someone out and get to know people.
I just read all the posts and I need to make a correction. This reel is not made in the States. I am working on the same design to be made here. I will be offering this option in April. It’s under prototypes now. I worked (ran) a plastic injection molding company in South Bend, IN for the last 8 years and got to know some great companies around the world.
We out sourced 80% of our tooling to machine shops in Canada and China. We had no choice to do this. It was made by our customers to do this. By outsourcing some of our tooling. I got to know some very good CNC production factories that make very good products.
This reel is made for me by a supplier of ours in China and I trust the quality and performance of the reel. A company in Mishawaka, IN will be making the USA built reel.