I’m with Gringo on the Galvan Open Back. This reel has the smoothest drag I’ve ever used. I have some Redington reels, a couple of Okumas (which do have a nice smooth drag), a Shakespeare, and a SA System I. The Galvan is definitely the finest reel I have.
Larry
I wonder how the Helios would compare?
I’m a big fan of the medalist
There’s more expensive reels but IMO none better.
If anyone is interested I know of a fly shop that is closing out their medalist line, both the 1400s and the 1500s
$19.99 :shock:
I have dealt with them in the past and have been very pleased.
They are not a sponsor so I will not post their URL
If anyone is interested they can PM me for the address
Ducksterman - I know the Okuma Helios, and it is a lovely little reel though I do not own one. Nothing against it, but the Galvan OB is in another class, finish and feel, drag etc… no comparison.
My humble opinion only, all of these reels are good reels… I guess there is a bit of tackle snobbery going on here too!
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I’d recommend an Orvis Battenkill or CFO, depending on which end of the price range you’re leaning towards. Look around for one that’s still made in England if you decide to go that route.
Orvis Mid-arbor is a very nice reel. Not that light. I have one and like it MA V model.
I also have and Okuma magnitude which is a good reel for the money. Very light which I like. I use it on a 4 wt.
Both reels are good values for the money.
As for Okuma, its built locally… for someone :roll:
jed
Since a good reel will last many many years I’d splurge and go with a Ross. The Cimarron is a great reel but personally I’d go with the Rhythm or Evolution. Both these reels are a little over your budget but again they will give you many years of fishing pleasure. Besides, you’ve bought a nice American made rod why not buy a nice American made reel?
I like the Orvis Clearwater reel alot works very nicely.Today I bought a Scientific Anglers Model 79 large arbor reel super good drag, very light, and affordable. 
The Okuma reels are made either in Korea or China.
Tica in China
Orvis, all their reels, now China
The cheaper Ross reels also overseas.
Also the Plughers excuse the spelling.
I have heard that the Trion and large arbor Battenkill spools are interchangeable. Haven’t seen this myself.I truly feel that if you have to get a reel made overseas buy their reel and not pay for an American Co. an extra 20-30 bucks to put their name on it. I object to the Asian made equiptment because of suspect child labor laws.
All Teton reels made in U.S.A. I think the Tiogas start at about $110.00. There are other companies but I’m not familar with they’re products.
Tom
I have an Orvis Battenkill Mid-Arbor, an Abel Super 5, a G-Loomis Adventure, & a Galvan Torque. I love them all equally (I’ve heard you are not supposed to favor one child over the others) 
. Seriously, buy what makes you feel good. They all will work! I do agree that you need to feel them in your hand before buying, though.
Pflueger’s LA reel is the President. The MA reels are just as bad though - Pflueger’s Trion, Redington’s CD, and Orvis’ Battenkill MA spools are all interchangeable. From the looks of it, I wouldn’t be surprised if Bass Pro Shops’ CV2 reels were on that list, as well. I have seen this in person; the only exception that I’ve seen thus far is that the Redington spool will not fit on an Orvis frame. It will work the other way though.
All that said, I do own an Orvis MA III, that I use on a 5-wt outfit, and plan on purchasing a an MA V for a 9-wt outfit that I want to build.
Nathan
"The Okuma reels are made either in Korea or China. "
I wonder why there are
“Made in Taiwan” stickers on mine?
I did just learn Ross has introduced a new cheap line of reels made “internationally”. I never understood why people will pay $600 for a Jananese spinning or baitcasting reel and would look for a bargain in a fly reel. The Ross evolution was my favorite reel and I have always been happy with the people at Ross - I even have a Ross Reel Hat. Leaves me with an empty feeling. Maybe I should just “grow up.”
I didn’t know Teton reels were made in the U.S.A. That’s great to hear. I’ll be looking closely at their gear next time I’m shopping for a reel. 
I agree. I have an OB4 that’s probably 6 or so years old. I used it myself a lot, and still do, but now my guests use it and have almost every day for years. It’s all nicked up and the black finish has faded but the drag still performs as well as it did when I got it. I mostly fish with a Galvan torque now, and performance has been the same. I have a growing stack of reels that no longer work and have destroyed plenty of Ross and others. For my money there’s nothing better than Galvan. I have recommended them so many times they should put me on the payroll.
I had an Okuma Sierra reel a few years ago and I think I vaguely remember, “Made in Korea” somewhere on the box. It’s been a long time and I could be wrong about that though.
I also own a Galvan Open Back it is an excellent reel, but it’s in a completely different price range. If you’re on a budget you will probably be just as happy with a Tioga, I don’t give a second thought as to which of those two reels I’m using on the stream I know they’ll both perform well for me and put up with any abuse I can dish out.
Bill this one’s for you:
Two Aggies go on a fishing trip. They rent all the equipment - the reels, the rods, the wading suits, the rowboat, the car, and even a cabin in the woods.
The first day they go fishing, but they don't catch anything. The same thing happens on the second day, and on the third day. It goes on like this until finally, on the last day of their vacation, one of the men catches a fish.
As they're driving home they're really depressed. One Aggie turns to the other and says, "Do you realize that this one lousy fish we caught cost us fifteen hundred bucks?"
The other Aggie says, "Wow! Then it's a good thing we didn't catch any more!"