I just visited my local fly shop and noticed the subject reels. I was amazed at the low price for the reels and particularly for the spare spools. The shop owner uses them for his Tarpon clients and gave quite glowing reports of his experience to date. Any comments?
They have the line capacity and they have the anodization. With regard to the latter, Orvis claims they are “100% corrosion-proof” – not “corrosion resistant”. That’s a pretty bold claim, and the one that convinced me to give the reel a try, at full price. My only question is the drag. Unfortunately for me, I haven’t had the luck to test it on a large fish. The comments of your guide friend, however, are encouraging.
As an aside, I wonder whether pricing the reels at 30% off – $206.50 rather than $295 for the Mach V – is fallout from Danielsson’s going direct with what were the Loop reels. The Danielsson LW 8/twelve at $310 (as opposed to $595 as a Loop Evotec LW 8/twelve) is a far better reel than the Mach V at $295. At the $206.50 price point, however, the Mach V is very attractive.
[This message has been edited by Smolt (edited 30 April 2005).]
Smolt,
I have been contemplating the purchase of a Mach reel for some time now - can you provide more information on this 30% off deal you are referring to. I haven’t seen it anywhere.
heaven knows i like orvis equipment. that being said, i don’t think they have ever made a decent salt water reel, and every time they try to make a foray into that market (read: vortex) they end up selling the reels off at a reduced price. now, depending on how cheap they are, you might want to consider, but i think you are wise posting that question here. Fly shop owners always like the reels they sell.