I’m looking for a reel for a new 5 weight rod and was hoping I could get some suggestions from you guys. Here’s my criteria:
1.) Standard Arbor. I just don’t like the look of large arbor reels on trout rods.
2.) Audible “click”. Call me a traditionalist but I love the sound the old Hardy reels made.
3.) NOT mad in Asia. This eliminates both current made Hardy and Orvis reels.
So far I’m strongly considering the Abel TR reels. I also really like the Teton reels but from the message on their website, it appears their future is uncertain.
I’ve seen several posts just like this on various sites in the past couple of days, yet I’ve offered two brand new in the box English-made Hardy Featherweights and extra spools for sale three times over the last four months at prices well below what they cost–the last time at prices within a few dollars of the Korean-made models. No takers and few were even interested enough to email me!
-CC
I would not be afraid to buy a Teton reel,they are bullet proof and will last a long time.The Ross Cimarron is being discontinued and they are also a tough reel.I have a couple of Hardy Lightweights and they are very nice.You might try to pick up an older Orvis Battenkill.Lots of good choices out there.
The Abel TR is a great reel. Be sure to checkout the Abel Creek as well. The Abel Creek is configured in both standard and large arbor. The TR is ported with circular holes and the Creek with tear drop. They have a wonderful sounding click. You can loosen or tighten the drag beyond the standard adjustments by bending the piano wire tensioner. They include a second wire that is housed in the view window on the reel case.
The Islander IR2 and IR3 are more classical adjustable click and pawl designs that fit a 5wt nicely. They are comparable in price to the Abel TR and Abel Creek reels.
The Cortland Factory store has a number of made in England Hardy reels of various models.
I have been using Ross Cimarron reels for a dozen years with no issues. As noted already, they have been discontinued and are available from many sources at discounted prices.
The Galvan “Standard” may fit the bill, but the outgoing click is subdued. Galvan reels are excellent.
Thanks for the input. After checking out your suggestions, I’m leaning toward either the J. Austin Forbes “Avon” or the Abel TR. Both seem to fit my needs. I’m leaning more towards the Abel as it’s made in the U.S.
Abel makes a fine reel. Before I owned an Abel I fished nothing but Galvan Standards and then I discovered Abel. Very easy to maintain and very traditional looking. I also just picked up a couple of Made in England Hardy Lightweights.
The Teton Tioga should offer the sound you are looking for. Made in the USA and affordable. Hopefully, whoever buys the business will keep production in the U.S. Although, sadly, that’s questionable.
I got the large arbor #6 this year and I really like that reel!
Suggest you check out troutlet.com
go to website
click on fly fishing
click on reels
4 pages of reels reasonably priced for you to look at. Easy to do. Might as well do it while shopping.
I would stick with the Abel TR or if you want to save some bucks pick up a Ross colorado on ebay. I have the ross and it is an excellent trout reel and meets all your criteria. Good luck!