Hey i know these are always really common questions, but what reel would yall recommend. I have an orvis battenkill on one of my rods and its average, wished i got the next size up.
The reel that i am looking to replace has pretty much no drag.
I have been looking at the allen fly reels and they look pretty nice for the price.
Ideally i would like to spend between 150-200 dollars.
The reel would be paired up with a 8wt midflex.
Let me know of any suggestions you may have.
Thanks for your help.
For that price tag go with Lamson, hands down, no questions asked. The Guru 3 or 3.5 if you feel like you need more backing…
I think it prices right at the $200 mark… You won’t be sorry going with the lamson, way more reel for the money than you will get with anyone else, period.
I have a hardy untralight and it’s a beautiful reel and the narrow large arbor is great for moving line quickly but the drag is inadequate. Dad’s got a guru and I think that’s a better reel for the price.
They normally go for 160. Word I heard is they are cleaning out the stock to reintroduce the reel with a large arbor spool and that new spools will fit old reels. I heard that from a reliable source but don’t take it as gospel.
I have Rise reels in a few different flavors including a 7/8 and I think it is a great reel and for the money you can’t beat it. The Moss color is dead sexy. I also have a Lamson Guru 3.5 which would fit your needs but not your budget. Even the 3.0 Guru is technically over your budget but not by much. Guru and Rise are the only 8s I own but would feel comfortable recommending them both because they are great reels.
Aren’t those Allen reels the same ones from fly cast outfitters? If so, you seriously need to upgrade your reel bro for fresh water they are good but for salt they just look way too cheap to me…
My Lamson Konic 3.5 is great. Super durable, sealed construction, quick rinse after the marsh and good to go. Had it for 5 years without issue. Hard to beat for the price.
I used to think that too but of you think about it… for salt water reels in the 7-9wt range I have spent about $700… no warranties and when they fail I have to buy a new one. If you get a reel like a Hatch or a Hardy or Tibor they have a lifetime warranty on the reel… instead of buying a new reel I get it repaired free for the rest of my life… I have a special fund set aside just for a new hatch
I used to think that too but of you think about it… for salt water reels in the 7-9wt range I have spent about $700… no warranties and when they fail I have to buy a new one. If you get a reel like a Hatch or a Hardy or Tibor they have a lifetime warranty on the reel… instead of buying a new reel I get it repaired free for the rest of my life… I have a special fund set aside just for a new hatch
I am cheapskate and pretty new to salt water fly fishing (trout bum for many years). Both my big reels came as part of an outfit. Given the cost of the outfits I paid roughly $130 for my Guru 3.5 and like $60 for my 7/8 Rise, both brand new. I think I did really well.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to have one of those dead sexy pricey reels but I am cheap and not a rich man. Besides, I probably don’t fish enough to break a quality reel and when you combine that with anal care of my equipment these reels might last me forever. I might sing a different song once I get a few seasons of salt under my belt.
Ross Reels don’t get a lot of love on here, but the Cimarron LA fits the bill you are looking for(price, etc) I’ve been picking up some used Big Games here and there and love them. Lifetime warranty and fast return service. I second the Lamson praises as well.
To be honest the Okuma SLV is a great real and super cheap(easy to procure extra spools, etc) Talk to Nikonjedi
Best statement I have ever heard on the subject…
quote:Originally posted by scotty d
Reels are not terriblely important…more like man jewelry…unless your chasing the ganstas…ie poons, Aj’s, permit, etc.
Lamson. Had mine for 5 yrs now, drag is the same as the day I bought it. 100 some redfish later and numerous salt water baths have not scathed it. I hate to steer away from local dealers, but I’m a cheap bastard. Check sierratradingpost.com
I assume from your handle that you will prmarily be using a reel for redfish on the flats. I would suggest figuring out what the intended use is and go from there. I’ve caught hundreds of reds on the flats in the last 20 years, and only a handful have required drag. You should be able to control most redfish on the flats through proper fighting technique and a 20# leader. The main purpose of most fly reels is line management and control. I have several fly reels, from Okuma through Tibor and Lamson, but have found that the drag is really only important if you’re fishing for albies, etc. What I’m trying to say is spend your money on a nice flyrod and flyline before spending it on an expensive reel. You may also want to look at TFO. Good luck
no drag issues there, lifetime warranty and they are dead sexy 
