Hey guys I was wondering what exactly is the Orvis C.F.O. 123 reel? What wt. line is it built for? Are they good reels? Thanks
-Brandon
CFO 123 has been discontinued. It is a spring pawl drag system, very light. They were designed with the Hardy technology. Machined. Diameter 2 7/8" not sure on weight with 20lb backing WF3 + 75yrd and WF4 + 50yrds.
Accually the CFO 123 is a 3-4wt. The I is a 1-2 wt. Weird huh? I have one and about 3 spools.
[This message has been edited by Fly Goddess (edited 15 February 2006).]
Hey Fly Goddess could I get one and put 5 wt line on it or would that be a bad idea? Thanks for your help!
-Brandon
I had a 123 in olive and am sorry I sold it. Nice reel. Small, though. I wouldn’t put a five on it unless you want to use it on small streams and are willing to sacrifice some of the back end of the fly line to make room for some backing.
Ok that’s what I figured that it wasn’t big enough for 5 wt. line. Thanks for all your help!
-Brandon
I’d say way too small for #5 line. Especially if double taper. I have an older click & pawl that I love dearly loaded w/ 3DT and paired with a little 6’9" 3WT cane rod. Killer fun on small streams. Orvis now only offers the CFO in a disc drag model. I don’t beleive they’re made in England anymore-I know the price has come down considerably since I puchased mine.
Brian
The CFO’s are contracted (narrow) design reels. If you want to stay under 3" you will have to go wider to fit a 5wt line. The Hardy Marquis series (also discontinued)is similar and will cost you less. The new Hardy Sirrus reels are very close to the (Hardy made)CFO look and will cost you more.
The CFO painted finish does not stand up to rough handling and the palming rim can be dented easily. But treat them well and they will last a lifetime like any Hardy reel.
Regards,
Bob
Fly Supplies
aflyshop.com
I agree with them being delicate reels. The Green was the disc and the gray or natural was the spring pawl. The new bronze are beautiful abd there was a few still made by BFR (England) but from now on Korea and maybe some in china. Hardy is a good classic look, sound and feel.
Years ago I pickep up a CFO 123, original gray anodized click and pawl, for my Scott G 7’7" 4 weight. They balance perfectly, and that reel is now a permanent resident on that rod. Also got a spare spool while they were still available.
You just gotta love the CFO purr…
Will