OK, here I go again.
I started looking for a new 7-9 wt reel for Salmon,steelhead,pike,etc. a month or so ago. At first I wanted the Lamson Litespeed. Great reel they say. Price$245+.
I then did some soul searching and decided I liked the Lamson Radius. Nice reel also. $165+. I have looked and looked some more and was about a day away from getting the Radius, then someone started talking about Orvis. So I went to the site and found a reel with a drag that looks good. I can get this reel for $125 even.
I hear more about the Battenkills than most reels and I have read some great reviews. I noticed that this reel is NEW for 2005. Has anyone seen and touched one yet?
[This message has been edited by fishigan (edited 06 March 2005).]
Yes, made in Korea. Same guts as the Pflueger Trion and a half dozen other other company’s versions from the same factory. You have lots of options in your price range including US made models.
I have seen touched and bought the Pro Guide Mid Arbor Model 5 for my brand new 4pc 8wt 9’6" TFO.I chose the largest size because of the larger circumference(similar to the large arbor).I havent fished either of them yet but the reel appears to be well machined w/ a good drag system. If it holds up like my 15 yr old 5wtBattenkill disc I will be more than satisfied. I was aware of similar reels but went w/ the Orvis because of their guarentee. I plan on using this for salmon/steelhead.
I may be wrong but I think the Pro Guide Mid Arbor and the Battenkill Mid Arbor are one and the same with a name change. Got a Battenkill Mid Arbor last week and have used it on some pond fish this weekend. Nice looking reel and seems sturdy. I like it so far but it hasn’t been put to much of a test.
Tight lines,
bd
Honestly if you want a reel stay away from Orvis…they have closed thier factory in the UK. Look at a company that specializes in reels such as Ross, Bauer, etc.
Possess and have used a Orvis Mid Arbor IV with Sage 10’ 7wt. Used it in January In Argentina. The drag and 125 yds of backing handled sea run browns well. Aveage size 8 lbs. Largest 14 lbs. Used it last weekend at North Platte in Wyoming. Rainbows to 7 lbs and worked well there as well. Enclosed drag system seems to eliminate a lot of salt and moisture problems. The drag seemed to easily engage with no stutter or lag as is the case with some disc systems. Obviously limited use but no complaints so far. I have a 24 year old CFO and I would be pleased if the Mid Arbor lasts half as long.