I am looking for a good large arbor reel that would have great line pickup speed and would be able to pickup the line quicker. I am not a rich man, but I also know that you get what you pay for. Could someone please suggest a good arbor reel with great line pickup for a reasonable price. I would appreciate anyone’s help.
Quick question first …
What target species fishing ?? Salt?, Salmon?, Steelhead?, Trout (small) ? trout (BIG) ?.
Will help in getting some educated relies 
Retrieve rate is determined by the depth of line on the reel measured from the center of the spool spindle. This depth is essentially the radius (r) of a circle. Retrieve rate per revolution is Pi * 2r.
As line comes off the reel, r shrinks, and so does retrieve rate. With a wider spool, r shrinks slower. So a larger, wider reel produces a faster retrieve rate compared to a smaller and or narrower reel.
So arbor size in and of itself does not dictate retrieve rate. However a larger diameter, wider reel with large arbor can have the same backing capacity of a smaller narrower reel with small arbor.
So you may also want to consider a larger diameter reel with standard arbor than you are accustomed to using also.
When I shop for a reel, I set a budget, then I look for diameter and width first, then backing capacity. Sometimes I end up with a large arbor and sometimes a small arbor.
To make a specific suggest as to a reel, we need an idea of what you may be fishing for. My recommendations would be different for trout, stripers, and tuna for instance.
However for light saltwater, stripers, and most freshwater, the Cortland Endurance and Redinton SV are a couple of nice reels for around $100.
Also, Ross Worldwide has redesigned the Flywater and Flycast reels as large arbor reels for this year. These would suit just about any freshwater situation and run from about $70 to $110 or so.
My suggestions would be…Teton/Tioga LA, & the Lamson Velocity. They run in the low hundred dollar range (Tioga’s), up to the upper two hundred range (Larger Teton’s and Velocity’s).
tailingloop, keep in mind that I am Orvis so I am refering to the Mid Arbor and the Large Arbor.
The LA will retrieve line faster (refering to the line picked up per turn) than the Mid Arbor right down to the backing. You do however lack in the backing end on the LA as to the MA.
I do agree on what you are saying the difference is however.
I bought a BBS V for my eight weight and put a grundle of backing on it so the line does come off an pick up quicker, plus I have all that backing to wave to the fish as it strips it away before I loose every thing LOL. The BBS was my choice cause of the weight. It is such a light reel that even with all that backing and line it balances out that 10’ 8wt. nicely.
Be sure the reel balances out your rod.
I really like the Orvis Mid Arbor reel. Our main problem locally is our shops can’t get enough for their customers.
The LA picks up line faster because of diameter difference. Note LA III is 3.75" while MA III is 3.25". You have to go toa MA V to get same diameter is LA III. I nearly bought a MA V for light SW and heavy FW but went with a Teton Tioga Magnum instead.
I use an Orvis Battenkill Disc 7/8 and 8/9 and Ross BG4 on 5 and 6 wt rods for trout fishing on lakes quite a bit when big fish can be encounterd because of the larger diameter/width compared to standard ‘trout’ reels.
My recs were based on a arbitrary price pt. of $100. Lots of good reels close to that but above.
Whatever WCU Boy’s needs, there are going to be a variety of choices ranging from $50 to $1000.
Hi FG - You got me curious . Never heard the word “Grundle” before so I Googled it. :shock: …Ed
okuma airframe
$40
Guys, thanks for your help. I need the reel for trout, bluegills and small bass mainly. I am a big fan of Ross reels. After one of your suggestions, I may look into the Flywater or the FlyCast. Since you guys have heard of my species need, please let me know what you think.
I think the new large arbor versions of the Ross Flycast and Flywater are due to be released in October. Ross Worldwide is also going to have a new reel < $50.
The last year’s standard arbor versions can be found for sale at a number of places. I have a Flywater 2 and it is a pretty nice reel. You could get a Flywater 3, which is 3.5" in diamter and have a larger diameter reel.
As far as specific LA reels, in addition to those already mentioned, some other economical reels are: Cortland LTD II ($39), Okuma Integrity ($70), Scientific Anglers Concept Large Arbor ($55), and Redington Crosswater ($39).
While the Tiogas I own can take either a regular or large arbor spool, therefore NOT truly large arbors, they are very well made, extremely durable, & would work for you as you aren’t fishing for species that would take you into backing. Tiogas are a great “bang for the buck”. They DO now make a true large arbor…it’s more expensive.
Mike
Mike,
The Teton Tioga Magnum is more in line with large arbor design philosophy. The Tioga Magnum is a wider reel than the standard Tioga (which can be purchased with standard or LA spool). Yes the Tioga Magnum costs a few dollars more than the Tioga or Tioga LA.
tl,
I thought that was the case & think for the needs stated, the standard Tioga with the LA spool might work.
Those Tiogas ARE nice reels.
Mike
The Orvis Battkill LA reel. Low cost, great quality, Beautiful to look at and functional. I love mine…
I’m putting in another plug for the Teton Tioga. I just haven’t found a better reel at any price. I have a couple of tiogas as well as a couple of Ross’s. I like the tiogas better hands down. IMHO they have a smoother drag and are just built better. Less $$ as well.
Greg
I came back from several days fishing with the Orvis Mid Arbor reel. I was very impressed with it. Having put on Gel Spun Backing I have a reel that is well made, picks up line fast and holds about 250 yds. of backing. Perfect for my needs.
jed
Yea Jed, That Battenkill Mid Arbor is hard to beat. Lets face it the reel is Guaranteed for life, holds plenty of backing, is smooth, looks great and only cost about $119.00 bucks. I can’t think of a better reel for the price. My brother has a Tioga and the BMA… I have the Orvis BMA, BLA and the Barstock Battenkill. I love all of em. Orvis has the BLA on sale right now and you get free backing with it… I got my Mid Arbor Battenkill on sale at Basspro for $100 bucks!
I also had the Basspro Large Arbor 270 reel but was unimpressed with the drag system. It seemed to Bind up some and you can’t have that happen. Took it back and got another LA battenkill.
Ross is closing out on the lower line of Ross reels currently. You can order them from Basspro and I think Cabelas for like 40% off!
Try a Bass Pro Hobbs Creek for $40. It’s a great reel and you can’t go wrong for the price. I own 2 and like them alot.
The Orvis reels are nice…too bad they are making them in China now. The Battenkill LA and the Mach were both awesome reels. Lightening fast, scratch resistant and smooth drag’s. ORVIS, GO BACK TO ENGLAND! Sorry I had to vent.
But on the lighter side, so are most of the popular rods, not to mention the pre-tied flies. Or at least (Asian) Getting harder and harder to get ALL USA made and the quality is still there.