I’ve been looking for a new mid-price (my idea of mid-price anyway) Large Arbor reel to go with my 8wt rod for Pike/Bass/Walley fishing, and I noticed that Orvis is selling their Battenkill LA Disc Drag reel in the 7-8-9 size for $159. That seems to be a pretty good deal. Does anybody have any experience with these reels. I have one of the old basic Battenkills in the 5-6 size, but these appear to be a different animal. Thanks ahead of time - Gary
I do, with a 9 weight line on it, and while Im ashamed to say I didnt put it to the test nearly as much as I would have liked on last summers Pike/musky trip…it did perform well the few times I managed to hook up. I would say the ONLY complaint I have is that the lettering on the side has easily and partially rubbed away. Otherwise, the weight is reasonable, drag is easy to adjust, looks are decent if that matters to you…overall Im pleased.
If I were to do it all over again, you can also get GREAT deals on Ebay on J Austin Forbes reels. Who knows if that thing breaks down in 10 years if you’ll get warranty on it, but I just got the Avon for my 5 weight and it blows the CFO out of the water. And while doing my research, I heard plenty of accolades for their large arbor salt/large warm species reel. Just a thought…
Nice reel. The one you are looking at is it last years model that is being discontinued. I would imagine at that price it is.
I have 4 of them . . . And really like them. Good reels!
wayne