As noted in another thread I am currently looking (right now only LOOKING…not thinking of buying anything right now until I have worked a lot more on my casting) at new rods and reels. My Uncle owns an old Pfleuger Medalist reel, and as well I see them advertised here and there, and the Cabela’s site has 10 reviews for a 4.7 out of 5 rating. It has that old school kind of look to it, which I kind of like. The price is absolutely hard to beat. So I guess what I am wondering is, what is everyones overall impression of the Medalist reels? Is it considered a newbie reel, or is this a reel for all ages and experience levels?
I think you’ll be happy with a Medalist made in Akron, Ohio. I think the Cabelas Medalists are made in China. Incredibly, a spool from a 1930s era Medalist will fit a 2007 Medalist.
The old Medalists have a unique vintage look to them and look just right on cane and fiberglass rods. They never wear out and spare parts are still available from Shakespeare.
A vintage Medalist never goes out of style and fits all ages and experience levels. Use with confidence and pride.
You are going to get many responses on this…but I’m here early…
The Medalist is a reel that many of us grew up on.
The following of it is almost like a cult.
It is all of the things you mentioned in your post.
IMHO and that’s all it is…my opinion …is that from a practical standpoint…as long as your fishing only requires a reel that is a storage system for your line you will not go wrong…
My g… the price even now is incredible :shock:
Oh and I’ve caught many of a steelhead on a Medalist…and yes I was over matched :roll:
If you decide you want to buy a Medalist there is a place that had them on sale for 19.95 which included shipping. They had various sizes for this price. Below is a link to their web site. You will not find the reel on sale on their web page as it was offered on their monthly E-mail specials. Perhaps you can call them and get one for that price.
Wow! Thanks everyone for the quick replies. My Uncle has had his Medalist for over 20 years, so I guess its a Made in USA one. :lol:
The ones Made in Akron…are they available from the used market only, or is there a place that sells them new? If not, then that means the only “new” Medalists are ones available from China?
Brian,
While I own a number of both the domestic and imported medalists, it’s the imported ones I use most often.
They’re a reel that you can abuse. Not only ‘cuz they’re cheap, but they can take it too.
"They take a lickin’ and keep on clickin’"
I have many reels, which include 2 of the big Medalist. One a 1963 model 1498 made in USA. The other a 2005 model 1595 RC made in China. They are both fantastic feels and I would not take anything for them. A reel is a personal choice. Check out a lot of them to find the one you want. I do not beleive you would go wrong with the Medalist. It just depends what you are looking for. John
I just bought a 1594RC for about $50 and so far I love it. The drag is very smooth. When I peel out line for casting it comes off easily but without overshooting and creating a bird’s nest of fly line on the reel.
I noticed on my old cheap reel that if I reeled in fly line that was hanging loose off the reel I’d get a lot of open loose loops that would then tangle. With the Medalist I don’t have that problem.
I’m very happy with mine. And at only $50 or less depending on the model you can’t beat the price.
I should say, that I’m very much a newbie fly fisherman and there are probably features and “feel” to the better reels that I don’t know about or understand. But for me, this reel works out just fine.
Like someone said - reel type is personal preference. Most of the responses have been favorable toward the medalist. I had a medalist from the early 1970’s when I bought it new. I used it for many years - I broke a reel seat and tracked down the parts to repair it. Must be about 6 or 7 years ago, I retired it. While I like the medalist a lot, it is inferior to more modern reels and this was the main reason that I retired it. I found that my newer reels (and these were not overly expensive) had better drags, palming spool design, and were lighter. I feel better able to handle that 20+ trout with my newer reels. Yes, I could do it with the medalist but it is easy to get outmatched.
I’ve got one of the ‘Pfleuger’ made Orvis Madisons that I have been using for 25 years or so and it was by no means new when I got it. I’d use it even more if I could find spare spools for it.
Twice I thought I’d upgrade and both times I erred. I’ll take the Pfleuger over the fancier reels. Good price, and it’s not my fault where they’re made. JGW
I’ve been using the same Medalist 1494 purchased in 1972. Back then I purchased 4 spare spools. I may buy some more extra spools if they fit. I also visisted the Fayettville plant back then when attending school nearby
