Does anybody know a source where I can get a cheap~$40 large arbor reel? I saw a large arbor reel (black) called a prism reel, and I would like to find a dealer. Thanks.
You won’t get an alloy reel in a LA for that but Okuma makes some fantastic reels in the $50-$60 range like the SLV and Magnitude. You might even catch a steal for one on eBay. I’ve never been disappointed with Okuma.
Okuma Integrity series are Large Arbor reels. Aluminum, great drag, reliable and not expensive. Search them out on auction or wholesale sites and you might get lucky.
Bass Pro Shop has their Dogwood Canyon for around $35 and the Hobbs Creek for about $40. I use them both and haven’t had any issues, I landed a 6 -7 lb. channel cat last fall on a 3 wt. with the Hobbs Creek and have a couple of 7#+ grass carp and 5.5# LMB.
You might check Albright’s Bugati & GP reels. A bit more than your $40 target, but not by much. Check them at www.albrightflyfish.com/fly-reels.html
if your not afraid of composite materials, check out an okuma airframe/cascade
http://www.troutlet.com/Okuma-Cascade-Large-Arbor-Fly-Fishing-Reels-P199.aspx
Has anyone used the redinton reels?
I found a sale on them.
Hi …I’ve owned several of Bass Pro Shop’s Hobbs Creek reels and for about $40.00, I think you’d have a hard time finding a better reel.
Crackleback/Springfield, MO
Bass Pro Hobbs Creek gets my vote. Thousands of trout, hundreds of steelhead and a handful of salmon can’t be wrong.
Thanks for the replys.
Ken, I forgot to mention that I have used and still use some of the Redington CD reels. I just sold a 5/6 to a new fly angler but still have several of the 7/8’s a 3/4 and 9/10. These have a lifetime guarantee backed by Redington who are now owned by Sage on Bainbridge Island WA. These reels are killer tough for the money and if you find them on closouts then you’ll be quite happy I’m sure. Ed
Redingtons are quite good, as are reels from BPS. You might also look at Cabelas. They have some in your price point. All are quite decent for the price…but then again, I have never owned an “expensive” reel…
I have Redington AS, CT , and CD reels in a variety of sizes. They are all excellent and if you find one that meets your needs and price go for it.
I got a Cortland large arbor 5 wt reel at gander mt for $19 . Line, backing and all. It was on sale reg is $29. Still a good deal. Even has a real drag and antireverse.
Cabela’s has their 3 forks reels on sale for $20.
I would go with the Bass Pro Hobbes Creek if you don’t mind the weight, or look at the Albrights for just a smudge more. I own and love both the Bugatti and the GP. I like their drags quite a bit. You can get many nice reels for the price point you are looking at.
Has anybody used the Redington SV reels?
I’ve heard some bad reports on them.
Not sure on the model, but I took a guy steelhead fishing in CA several years ago, and his Redington reel froze up in the middle of the trip, and he ended up not being able to fish for the last couple hours of the drift. Soured me on that brand name. I suspect, as with many products, that the reels in that price range are all made in the same factory somewhere south and east of here, and the only significant difference is the label on them.
Noticed a Lamson Guru with backing and 5wt line posted in the For Sale section by Troutmaster 1975. I have had extremely good luck with items he has sold me in the past (another forum). Worth checking out and finding all the loose change around the house for a quality setup. Best of luck.