I am pretty new to fly fishing, but was curious, who makes affordable reels in the US? (under $200)
Thanks,
Scott
Scott,
Teton reels are made in California. I have 2 Tetons and 2 Tiogas, which is their lower priced reel. I have had great service from all of them.
Steve
Scott:
Hello. Ross Cimarron and Cimarron CLA, Teton and Lamsom/ Waterworks Radius are excellent reels, US made and are under $200. If you look at the MRFC website they the Radius for under $100.00.
Another vote for Tiogas. Great, affordable reels. I also have some older Lamsons which I really like, as well.
Regards,
Scott
I have a Ross Cimmaron 2 which I really like,it was a gift so I dont know the cost.Have had Lamson and had some issues with it and traded it off,nothing major it just was not a good match for my rig.
I have the Tiogas and a Lamson Radius in my reel bag and never had any problems with any of them. The Tiogas,for their price, are built extrememly well and have a great drag system, that’s never failed me.Also, with the Tiogas, their large and standard arbors, are interchangeable with the same reel frame.
I use a Tioga for Steeleheading and it’s proven to be a very reliable reel, for the 4 years it’s been in use.
Scott -
I have an Orvis BBS which I really like for my 3 wt. Something under a hundred bucks. I also have an Orvis Mid Arbor on my 5 wt. It goes just at a hundred twenty.
Don’t know how those reels would be for big fish, but they are well made, look good, and do a fine job of holding the line*.
John
- I hardly ever put a fish on the reel.
The Madison River Fishing Company has only the Radius 3.5 and 4 left at this point. I own two of the Radius reels and like them. I have a Radius 2 and a 3 and look forward to putting the 3 through some steelhead soon.
Rick
J. Ryall reels are also made in the U.S. I beleive Teton and Ryall were partners utill they each open their own shops. These reels are well made and have similar drags to the teton reels. They are high quality and unique. Give them a look for a few $ more than a Tioga.
http://www.jryall.com/
Good Luck,
Jet
What line wt? Some of the Galvan Standards are $200 or less. They are made in Sonora, CA.
I have three Ross Cimmaron reels, with one being in continuous service for the last ten years (100 angling days per year), and have had no problems–darn few man-made items about which that claim can be made!
I have the Mid Arbor III on my 6wt and absolutely love this reel. On a couple rear opportunities I have gotten 20" rainbow on the reel and had no problems with the drag. On one occasion I hooked a 2" bluegill that got swallowed by a 12" largemouth. Actually at first I thought I caught a turtle because it took the fish, went to the bottom and sat there like rock. Come to find out it wrapped itself in the weeds. I was able to muscle the fish out the weeds by increasing the drag on the reel, and the reel kept the drag pretty constant without breaking the tippet.
Only thing though is these reels are actually made in Korea.
I fish both Teton Tiogas & Lamson Radius reels with never a problem. The Tioga is an extremely tough reel that will stand up to a good bit of abuse.
Mike
Fly Logic reels are made in Idaho. Reels in their Premium series are well under $200 and, though cast and not machined, very well made with a good drag (same as their $300-$400 Optimum series reels). I have fished one on my 5wt outfit for the past 4 or 5 years with no problems. Check www.flylogic.com/index.cfm
Lamson has a new reel out this year called the Konic. So far it’s proving to be a really good reel and I think it’s even a hair less expensive than the Radius. I’ll also agree with the guys who are talking about the Ross Cimarron. Great reel, not badly priced.
Another fan of Ross Cimmaron and Teton Tioga here. I have been fishing both for years, the Cimmarons for 14 and the Tetons for 10, without problems. Both have been used extensively in fresh and salt water.
I believev Elkhorn (an FAOL sponsor) builds their reels here. I have a T-1 and a T-2 and love them. All under $200.