Okay, got to let off some steam. This was a long time building up so I’ve got to get rid of it somewhere . You guys know me and I don’t usually get upset for no good reason. Okay, gator feeders, and invasive species are a good reason to me. But there is another pet peave and here it is.
I have some modern fly reels and they are super good reels as far as I am concerned (so don’t get me wrong on the super good quality of modern fly reels) but the only drawback for me is the same as on all modern fly reels that are produced by all manufacturers today that I hate as all fly reels produced today seem to be designed this way and this way only. They have an open frame design . I know they are trying to keep weight down but there is more chance for things (dirt, rubbish, and so on) to get hung up in the line on the open spool and in the open spool that could jam it. This happens to me all the time. I am reminded of the cutaway magazine ammo clips that caused so many malfunctions for the military. Do designers ever learn from their passed lessons? If I could find a closed frame reel like used to be made, I would get one. But alas, there are none that I have found…anywhere…by anyone. They stopped making them. You would think there would still be a few. They are all the same now… open framed reels. If enough stink was raised over the frame problem, maybe they would change. I know I can’t be alone on this one.
Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL
“Flip a fly”
[This message has been edited by dixieangler (edited 07 May 2006).]
Here, here. I too am a reel luddite. I don’t even like rim control. How’s 'bout a standard Medalist? They have a closed frame. So do the Hardy lightweights. There are also several classic repro reels ala the Vom Hofe or Bogdan design that have closed frames. Cheers, Alec
Well, I do like rim control. The only problem I have is with the open frames. I have not seen any modern reels with closed frames yet. I have looked at some of the Medalists but have not seen a closed frame yet. Is it possible to buy an affordable new closed frame fly reel if they are available or will they break my wallet (like trying to find an affordable 2-piece 8 foot 4wt. fiberglass fly rod)? Sticker shock happens .
From the online dictionary.
<BLOCKQUOTE><font size=“1” face=“Verdana, Arial”>quote:</font><HR>Lud?dite Audio pronunciation of “luddite” ( P ) Pronunciation Key (ldt)
n.
Any of a group of British workers who between 1811 and 1816 rioted and destroyed laborsaving textile machinery in the belief that such machinery would diminish employment.
One who opposes technical or technological change.
luddite
n 1: any opponent of technological progress [syn: Luddite] 2: one of the 19th century English workmen who destroyed labor-saving machinery that they thought would cause unemployment [syn: Luddite]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I am not a luddite. This is not about technological change I am opposed to, its about a technological design error in judgement. In layman’s terms, its about a technological malfunction.
Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL
“Flip a fly”
[This message has been edited by dixieangler (edited 07 May 2006).]
Well, Teton and Teton fly reels are full cage designs. Scientific Anglers System 2 reels still are also (not 2L). Also the S.A. Concept 2 79LA. And Billy Pate reels too. Seamaster is another. Schukken Design has it as an option I think. Probably others.
There are a many modern reels made to classic designs but with updated componenents and techniques that ustilise a full cage such as the Hardy Bougle, Lightweight, etc.
I have a Teton and Teton Tioga and love them. They are very dependable fresh and saltwater reels. The Tioga models are all less than $200, with trout sizes less than $150. I purchase my examples specifically for working with amnesia shooting line, which can get between the line guard and spool of many open frame reels including my Orvis, Ross, G. Loomis, and Abel models.
I purchase my examples specifically for working with amnesia shooting line, which can get between the line guard and spool of many open frame reels including my Orvis, Ross, G. Loomis, and Abel models.
Yes that’s something else, I’ve had line pinch between the spool and the open frame also particularly with smaller line or leaders hanging up the spool. Never had that happen on a closed frame model.
I know a small number of anglers the feel the best fly reel, from a durability standpoint is full cage reel with a non-ported spool. Less likely to get sand and other crud into the inner workings.
One of my local fly shops is in its fourth decades and has lots of interesting things in the back store room. If interest to me is a couple of mint Billy Pate reels with the non-ported spools. I am thinking of purchasing one as a tough reel for remote trips.
I’ll second the Teton reels…which by the way are now carried by Cabela’s…Bout time they seen the light…But I’ll always add to my collection from Feather-Craft Flyfishing…Wish they were a sponsor here…But nothing is perfect!.
Traditional Angler is a sponsor and carries the Teton reels. No shipping charge on orders over $100. I just bought a beautiful Teton Tioga Magnum #8 in Alpine Green.
Maybe we are talking apples and oranges here. The reels that have been mentioned are not what I call a “closed” frame. Those reels are still all open frames. I do not mean a cage. To say they are cages is correct, not solid frames. When I say closed frame, the only openings on the frame at all should be two open line guide holes or slots for left or right hand use at the lower portion of the frame. The rest of the frame should be solid.
Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL
“Flip a fly”
[This message has been edited by dixieangler (edited 07 May 2006).]
I think another reason for the porting on reels, besides weight savings, is they allow the line and backing to be rinsed out easily and to dry more readily.
The neatest non-ported frame I’ve seen is on a Bauer LOHR. The EDM’d a nice pattern on the frame that must be paper thin in that area.
Thanks, Jackster. Ported was the word I couldn’t think of. Non-ported frame sounds right. Whatever you call it, open frame, cage frame, ported frame. I call it a malfunction nightmare. I’d love to meet that reel designer who traded weight and ease of cleaning for malfunctions. I went to Bauer but didn’t find that model. Probably w…ay out of my price range anyway .
Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL
“Flip a fly”
[This message has been edited by dixieangler (edited 07 May 2006).]
Look into a used JW Young “Condex” or “Pridex” reel. Most are non-ported, tight as can be and sweet to use. Can be found in good to excellent condition for $60.00 to $150.00.
. You guys know me and I don’t usually get upset for no good reason. Okay, gator feeders, and invasive species are a good reason to me. But there is another pet peave and here it is.
. I know they are trying to keep weight down but there is more chance for things (dirt, rubbish, and so on) to get hung up in the line on the open spool and in the open spool that could jam it. This happens to me all the time. I am reminded of the cutaway magazine ammo clips that caused so many malfunctions for the military. Do designers ever learn from their passed lessons? If I could find a closed frame reel like used to be made, I would get one. But alas, there are none that I have found…anywhere…by anyone. They stopped making them. You would think there would still be a few. They are all the same now… open framed reels. If enough stink was raised over the frame problem, maybe they would change. I know I can’t be alone on this one.