I am looking purchase a new fly set up after using a friends old gear for a few years getting into the sport. I purchased a G. Loomis CrossCurrent GRX 8 weight and am looking to pair it with a good sealed drag reel that will last me and perform for years with maintanence without spending the money on a Tibor or high end Ross. I was wondering if y’all had any suggestions as I’m doing the research to try to find the best fit in the 200 to 350 range. I primary fish for reds on the flats but sneak offshore to catch schoolies every now and then. I have heard good things about Colton and they have a deal going on right now and are made in the US. Simply looking for advice from those who have tested and used the products. Appreciate it.
If you watch E-bay, you can find a Tibor or Abel at the upper limits of your budget. Either of those will last a lifetime and should hold their value. Non-sealed cork drags, but easy to maintain and basically bulletproof. Good luck.
Appreciate the help guys. I’ve heard good things about the CLA’s and fished with the Tibors and was impressed to say the least. Im going to shop around and keep an eye out on ebay. If anyone else has any input I’d love to hear it.
I just started using the Sage 3850CF as an all water reel. I have cranked in redfish and trout with it so far and I have been real happy with its performance. Since it is made of carbon fiber, it is extremely light. A perfect addition to my Sage One series. I chose this one for its light weight. I have caught 10-12lb. reds on my fly rods and I rarely ever get to the reel. I usually have so much line out that I just fight the fish with the line. I am sure you can spend more on reels, but the rod and then the line match up to the size lure being used are the most important in my opinion. I believe this model is $250 or so. I always pick up a few extra spools too to go with my floating, intermediate, and full sink likings.
Lamson… hands down best reel in your price range… Check out the new speedmaster… its a wagonwheel, but weighs nothing… right in your wheelhouse as well…
If you want a good USA made reel I’d go for a Hatch 7+… yeah it’s more expensive but it has a lifetime warranty and you won’t need another reel… unless you want one of course
Well I guess I could start with the fact that the copied the Sage drag part for part… only they changed the carbon fiber plates in the drag system for Rulon (sp?) which is a fancy word for plastic… then they took the styling from nautilus… add in a top notch marketing campaign, and voila… you have the perfect storm to convince people that you did something original, when in fact you just copied off of other peoples hard work…
but yeah, they are made in the USA and are twice this guys price range BTW…
But i digress… you’re correct Wully… it is speedster… I was working and didn’t think when I typed that last response… But the fact still remains, for the price range you listed Lamson is the best bang for the buck you could possibly invest in…
I’ll preface this with the fact that I havn’t put my hands on one of these reels… But after a little research I can break it down pretty well for you.
Basically they are working off of the Ross Momentum drag system. They are using a “No-lube” copper bushing which self lubricates with friction. Ross has been doing this for years and its great, the only thing is you must NEVER lube the reel or your going to have problems.
They did make some improvements by replacing the high density plastic engagement disc with a titanium one… as that is the weak point for this drag system… the titanium should hold up well.
They also took out the Carbon Fiber plates and replaced them with Rulon… this is debateable… the people who use carbon fiber claim that rulon is a cheap alternative… the Rulon people claim that its more durable than CF… it is what it is, but Rulon is basically a High tech plastic…
The exterior design is Awfully close looking to the Charlton Mako reels… so nothing really revolutionary there…
Basically, they took a proven model (The ross Momentum) and made some tweeks… It would definately work, but as to long term durability and such, I wouldn’t know as I don’t have a history with this company…
Just wanted to thank you gentlemen for all the help. The stars aligned, and I ended up picking up a new Sage 6080 with a used spare spool on consignment for 325. I don’t think they had any idea what they had, but it certainly fits well on the Loomis. Added Rio line and it casts like a dream. Now if I can only get out of the books long enough to get on the water.
