Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: Spawn Sack on September 09, 2013, 11:52:10 PM

Title: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 09, 2013, 11:52:10 PM
For a couple years now I've wanted to get into spey fishing but never got around to making the plunge. To my pleaseant surprise I got a spey rod for my birthday that I was contemplating buying! It's a Redington Dually 8wt, 13"6, 4pc.

I need to go out and buy a reel and am wondering if anyone can offer me some advice. I'd like to get something good and not dump a huge amount of cash. I'd say the upper end of my budget is $250. I plan to fish the rod (after I take a lesson and learn how to use it!) year round on the Vedder mainly but it is entirely possible I'll end up on other rivers with it.

I could care less if I get a Reddington reel. Astectics may play a part as I want it to at least look decent on the rod. Overall quality and a nice smooth drag are the most important.

Any make/model reccoemndations and where to buy would be awesome. Don't want to buy online as I want to bring my rod into the store and actually put some different reels on the rod.

I'm not sure if it matters but the shooting line I got with the rod is a Rio Skagit 600gr 26.5ft.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: RalphH on September 10, 2013, 07:49:22 AM
The Echo Ion reels have been very popular lately and are more in the range of $100:

http://www.rajeffsports.com/echoreel_ion.php

not suitable for saltwater use and changing spools is a bit more difficult than many other. I have one and if you don't intend to swap spools on the water and to no use it for ocean fishing it's a great value.

Lots of choices in the $200 to $250 range and includes the ROSS CLA Spey. The bigger pfleuger and how many other I don't know.

You will need a reel that handles a 100 feet of shooting  line and I'd go with a coated floating line that is basically very thin floating fly line plus 100 to 150 meters of 30lb dacron backing.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: BNF861 on September 10, 2013, 12:38:55 PM
As Ralph just mentioned, the echo ion reels are great bang for the buck.

I have an Echo Ion 8/10 spey reel that I would sell if you are interested. Only used a few times on a back up rod of mine. They're $100 new plus tax, how's $70 sound. I live less than five mintues away from the Vedder if you want to see how it fits on your rod, but I assure you it will be great on there.

If you already have a skagit head, all you need is some backing and a running line and you are all set. If you are out this way and want the reel I could proably show you a couple tips on casting to get you started.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: BNF861 on September 10, 2013, 01:01:59 PM
I forgot, I also have a Rio power flex running line. Brand new in bow, never been off the spool. They retail for $40 plus tax.

$100 for the reel and running line. Add a few yards if backing and you are all set.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: TayC on September 10, 2013, 01:13:55 PM
Nothing beats an old gear & pawl. solid, simple and the growl will wake the dead.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on September 10, 2013, 05:30:52 PM
Yep.  I recently picked up a Hardy Marquis Salmon No. 1 for my 7 wt. switch rod.  I love the classic set-up!  But I digress from the OP's question...

My other reel for my switch rod is a Lamson Guru 3.5.  I like the Lamsons, and the price for a Guru will be around the $250 range which will be in the upper range of the OP's budget.  Stratocaster has a Lamson Konic for his 6 wt switch rod, and I know he likes it.  The Konic will be less expensive than the Guru.  I would give the Lamson Guru a thumbs up.  Fully machined, and saltwater protected.  The Konic is not machined (it's casted), but it is saltwater protected as well.  The only thing I found is you have to periodically check the "gland cap" inside the reel.  Both Stratocaster and I had an unpleasant experience of our spools falling out because the gland cap became loose over time.  Now I just check the cap and ensure it is screwed in "tight by hand pressure" every time before I use the reel, and have had no issues.  Lamsons also carry a lifetime warranty, and I found their customer service to be quite good (they sent me a new gland cap, no questions asked, for my Velocity).  I also like the look of the Lamsons.  Modern reels with a classic look and feel...

Check out the Lamsons here:

http://waterworks-lamson.com/

Good luck and have fun!
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 10, 2013, 05:49:46 PM
what you want is a reel heavy enough to balance your rod. I would think you want something around 9-11ounces without line on it. I had my 9oz Hardy on a TFO 13'6" and it fit pretty nice balance wise. You DO NOT want a reel to light, this will cause you to "fight the tip" all day trying to keep it out of the water. This is why it needs to balance before you put on backing/running line/shooting head.

some reels under $300

Vision Tank
http://www.visionflyfishingcanada.com/index.php/blog/107-getting-tanked

Dragonfly salmon spey reel (its last on the list, this also sells at A&N)
http://gonefishinshop.com/fishing/dragonfly-fly-reels/

Echo Ion (I used this link because it shows the reels weight in ounces)
http://www.cabelas.com/product/Echo-Ion-Fly-Reel/1262257.uts

Vision GT
http://www.flymart.ca/default.aspx?ctl=ctl_ec_product&category_id=105&product_id=1161

Amundson Wind Warrior
http://www.flymart.ca/default.aspx?ctl=ctl_ec_product&category_id=105&product_id=1101

Pflueger President (2090)
http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/Pflueger%C2%AE-President%C2%AE-Fly-Reel/1280292,default,pd.html#start=2

Pflueger Trion (1990)
http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/Fly-Reels/Pflueger-Reels-Fly-Reels,default,sc.html


those are the reels I can think of off the top of my head. I know there is more but that gives you an idea. My dad fishes a Pflueger President and loves it. I think the only two that are click/pawl are the first two, the rest are all disc drag type reels. I think the Pflueger reels are the best for their price range and you can buy them locally at Wholesale Sports


Take your rod with you, put it together with the reel on it and see how it balances.

**to find the balance point - simply place your hands on your upper/lower grip shoulder width apart, the hand on the upper grip "should" be where you place a finger to check the rods balance.

I personally like my butt end a bit heavy (heavy to the reel end) so that when the line is under tension swinging the rod still lays perfectly level with the water even if I only hang it on a finger. If the reel end is to light the rods tip will want to lay in the water forcing you to hold it up all day

that should be plenty enough info to get you started and possibly confuse you LoL  :D
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Bently on September 10, 2013, 06:02:32 PM
I forgot, I also have a Rio power flex running line. Brand new in bow, never been off the spool. They retail for $40 plus tax.

$100 for the reel and running line. Add a few yards if backing and you are all set.

That's a wicked deal, then you can go get your new skagit max and gripshooter.  ;D ;D ;D

Think that 8/10 Ion is too small for a 15" #10 ?? It's quite the pig of a rod, maybe I might need the 10/12 instead eh ??
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: BNF861 on September 10, 2013, 07:34:44 PM
Think that 8/10 Ion is too small for a 15" #10 ?? It's quite the pig of a rod, maybe I might need the 10/12 instead eh ??

Yes I would say the 8/10 would be too light for a 15 footer.  It's best suited for a 12'6-13'6 7 or 8 weight.

A 15' 10wt would take a pretty heavy reel. I have a Sage 8150 with a downlocking reel seat and use a Saracione on it that is pretty heavy weighing in at 14.4oz empty.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 10, 2013, 08:15:51 PM
ya no kidding. 15 foot rods usually need a solid 13ounce or heavier reel depending on blank weight and casters preference.

man I don't think I would want to cast a big rod like that all day  :o
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Bently on September 10, 2013, 08:20:26 PM
That's what I thought, I just picked up an 8/10 for my Original Loop Yellow Line #8 12'6, too bad though, I would have bought that in a heartbeat !! Best bang for the buck out there right now IMO.

If I decide to pick up another similar rod then maybe I'll give you a shout if you still have it, thanks man.

sorry for the hijack
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Ssypark on September 11, 2013, 06:45:02 PM
I bought Allen Flyfishing's Kraken reel last season and i am absolutely in love. The drag is fully sealed so its safe for the salt, and it is buttery smooth. I can confidently say that the drag is at par with higher end reels twice the price. My friends have the Admundson and the echo ion reel we all can agree that this reel outperforms. Plus, you get lifetime warranty and exceptional customer service. They come in two colours and are constantly coming out with new ones. Be sure to check them out at http://www.allenflyfishing.com/ (http://www.allenflyfishing.com/)
$199

(http://cdn2.bigcommerce.com/server4600/cb329/products/174/images/937/emerald05__49465.1367266199.1280.1280.jpg)
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 11, 2013, 06:59:21 PM
Damn ! how did I forget about Allen   :-[


there is also the Solitude 5

http://solitudereels.com/fly-fishing-reels/solitude-5/#
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Ian Forbes on September 12, 2013, 04:59:37 PM
I've got a half dozen Pflueger Trions and I'm happy with them. I've caught 30 pound Chinook, and 60 pound tarpon on them, a bunch of bonefish and gawd knows how many coho and steelhead. I've got a couple of Reddingtons as well and no problems so far.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 12, 2013, 07:15:17 PM
Wow thanks a LOT for the reel tips guys! :) Lots of good info there!

BNF861, thanks for the offer on the reel + line. I actually have an Echo Ion on my 8wt single hand rod and it's not a bad reel. For my spey rod I'm looking for something a little higher end, but I appreciate the offer.

Also HOOK thanks man excellent tips on choosing a reel that matches the rod. I'm pretty sure I get what you're saying.

Basicially I want to go to a fly shop with staff that really know their spey fishing and get someone to help me go through the spey reels and choose the "best" one that is in my pricerange and is a good weight match for my rod.

Where would you guys go? I live in Chilliwack. I buy my day to day tackle at Fred's but would not go there to buy this reel (long story not worth getting into). I like Fred's new store in Abby and especially the awesome staff there. My favorite store although I go there rarely due to it's proximity to Chilliwack is Sea Run in Coquitlam. I started going there for the tying classes and find the staff there second to none plus I find their inventory better than Fred's. However I don't reeeeallly feel like driving to Coquitlam just to look at fly reels. Abby is a lot closer! Opinions?
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 12, 2013, 08:26:10 PM
I have not once gone into a shop to have them suggest things to me. I do ALOT of research online on rod weights, reel weights, line capacities.......etc before I even step foot in the shop. That's if I even bother to not buy online. If I did it the way you want to I would end up spending way more then I meant to which would translate to death by wife later on  :-X


HOOK - likes classic looking click/pawls, I own 3 Hardy's already and think an old Dingley or a Speyco might be next in the quiver  ;D
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: RalphH on September 13, 2013, 07:57:38 AM
you will do fine going to Fred's.

FWIW like Mr Forbes I also have a couple of Trions. They are a good sturdy reel. I have had not had good luck with Redingtons. They are however simply replaced under warranty (for a small fee) when there is any problem.

So many good reels are being produced in the factories of the far east for such reasonable sums it makes little sense to spend a large amount of $ on a reel. You can buy 2 or 3 equivalent reels for some of the more expensive stuff.Most come with some sort of lifetime warranty.
 
Lamson is one company that has an excellent rep for product quality and they make reels at just about every price point. 

I am not a fan of click and pawl reels. No Hardy reel is a classic unless it was made 60 or 70 or more years ago. I bought more than a few Hardy's when I first started fly fishing in the early 80s. The 'classics' knockoffs like the St John M2 and the Marquis developed loose rivets on a regular basis with consistent use. By consistent I mean they had to be replaced every year. The replacements were never as reliable as the factory installed rivets. My Golden Prince twice has the spindle seize when I was in the field. I sold what I could and use the few I still have as backups.

I have since bought only disk drag reels and haven't had any issues. Most good disk drags will last several years or more before the drags are worn. My SA system 2 reels both went over 20 years.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on September 13, 2013, 08:11:11 AM
I have a number of Hardy's myself, and they are all in near-mint condition and I've used them hard.  My most used Hardy is probably my Ultralight DD 8/9, but it does have a disc drag as opposed to a click & pawl.  I intend to use my Marquis for steelhead, where my Lamson will likely get more "heavy use".  We'll see.

As I've mentioned before, I do really like the Lamsons and their pricing is not bad for what you get.  Just watch out for that "gland cap" issue I mentioned before.  I can't comment on the other reels, but I'm thinking with today's technology, you don't have to spend a ton of dollars to get a good quality product.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 13, 2013, 05:41:34 PM
Thanks a lot guys I've been researching a lot of the reels mentioned and like a lot of them.

I emailed one of the fly instructors I know and asked his opinion. He said if you can afford it to go with the Galvin Rush Light R-12 or the Torque T-12 for the rod I have. Here's a link to the reels:

http://www.galvanflyreels.com/rush_reels.html
http://www.galvanflyreels.com/torque_reels.html

He said in his opinion they are top notch and well worth the money. The R-12 MSRP is $370 and the Torque is $500. I'm definitely NOT looking to drop $500 before taxes on a reel, but I could possibly swallow $370. $70 above the high end of my budget which is no big deal.

Any one own or have an opinion on the Galvans?
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 13, 2013, 08:22:16 PM
the R-10 at 9.4oz should also fit your rod nicely.

I personally don't get excited over a lot of Galvans stuff. they are pretty basic looking for their cost but I know a couple guys that own them and love them

I think there is reels of equal quality at lower prices. do side by side comparisons of lesser value reels and the Galvans (or do google reviews)

the Rush seems like its components compare very close to the Allen and Pflueger reels
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: pwn50m3 f15h3r on September 15, 2013, 12:15:45 AM
Will these reels work? They sound like they will.
http://templeforkoutfitters.ca/reels/43-prism-ii-reels
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 15, 2013, 10:46:56 AM
yes that reel would work.

again its very comparable to the Allen and Pflueger reels. its also comparable to the Lamson's with its sealed drag system, sealed drags are great if your one of those people that like to set their rod/reel in the water with your fish for pics or set them on the ground. without a sealed drag water will cause your drag to "slip or stutter" sometimes or all the time, sand in the drag will cause the same thing but also grinding and wearing it out very quickly

I like to use click/pawl because I can set it down without worry. I just make sure to open it, clean it and lube it every few trips. If I set it down and think it got sand in it I can just pop out the spool and give it a solid rinse in the river and pop it back together. Of course on my solid face reels its not as easy to take out the spool so I do it at home. I don't put my gear on the ground/in the water very often.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: RalphH on September 15, 2013, 02:25:24 PM
Grit is a problem with any fly reel. Click and pawls are no better. It's a matter of getting the grit between the spool and frame. I find it easily rinses out. Just pop out the spool and rinse both. Viola!
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Bently on September 16, 2013, 09:04:01 PM
yes that reel would work.

again its very comparable to the Allen and Pflueger reels. its also comparable to the Lamson's with its sealed drag system, sealed drags are great if your one of those people that like to set their rod/reel in the water with your fish for pics or set them on the ground. without a sealed drag water will cause your drag to "slip or stutter" sometimes or all the time, sand in the drag will cause the same thing but also grinding and wearing it out very quickly

I like to use click/pawl because I can set it down without worry. I just make sure to open it, clean it and lube it every few trips. If I set it down and think it got sand in it I can just pop out the spool and give it a solid rinse in the river and pop it back together. Of course on my solid face reels its not as easy to take out the spool so I do it at home. I don't put my gear on the ground/in the water very often.

After I have finished fighting the fish {and presume it has finished fighting also ;)},I then give up the rod and toss my hat down, this is where my reel goes to protect it from any damage, I then follow the rod until i get to the end , then grab the leader and remove my fly while tailing the fish and laying it on it's side, works good for me and i don't ever worry about getting dings or the likes of in and on my reels.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: TayC on September 16, 2013, 10:27:37 PM
After I have finished fighting the fish {and presume it has finished fighting also ;)},I then give up the rod and toss my hat down, this is where my reel goes to protect it from any damage, I then follow the rod until i get to the end , then grab the leader and remove my fly while tailing the fish and laying it on it's side, works good for me and i don't ever worry about getting dings or the likes of in and on my reels.

That's how I do it as well, learned it by watching some Bob clay videos.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 17, 2013, 04:13:42 PM
I've tried that but because I play my fish hard and get them in quickly they are always still ready to fight, nothing worse than being half way down your rod and the fish takes off dragging your stuff across the rocks  >:(


Only time I might put my reel down in the water is for a picture, usually I lay it across my thighs but sometimes you cant.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 19, 2013, 12:02:29 PM
Thanks a lot guys! Unrelated to the reels, I do like the idea of dropping your hat and placing your reel in/on it when you're mucking around trying to release a fish. I agree with HOOK that there are few things more annoying that laying your rod+reel down carefully to release a fish and it takes off dragging your gear along with it! >:( Most of the time I try to "high stick" the fish up close to me then stick me rod butt in the ground, grab my leader with pliers in the other hand, and release the fish without my rod+reel touching the ground. However at times I'm forced to lay both down which always makes me cringe. I'm going to try the hat idea next time I'm in that situation!

Back to the reels...I've been looking at them all online, some look pretty sweet! Based on price, specs, reviews and of course appearance I really like the Allen Kraken and Solitude 5. However they are a little light at 8.11oz for the Allen and 8.14 for the Solitude.

I was looking at the Redington Delta 11/12 ($259.95) at Fred's in Abbotsford the other day. Nice looking reel! Weight is 9oz. Has any one tried the Delta or have an opinion on it? Overall they (Fred's) did not have much of a stock of spey reels. Some Hardy's which look nice and I think were around $300. I still have to research them. I haven't checked out Fred's Chilliwack yet but it's so small in there and so busy lately I'm not too crazy on looking there.

Probably going to check out Sea Run in a couple weeks. Went to Wholesale sports on the weekend and young guy working the counter new nothing about them aside from "what's popular." I know a lot of staff at Sea Run are big into the spey scene so I'm hoping they have a good stock of spey reels for me to look at.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 19, 2013, 12:04:25 PM
Also, what's the deal with this "gel spun" backing vs regualr backing? I've never heard of it however I see a lot of the reel companies list the reel capacity with both lines and the gel spun is about half the diameter. I'm guessing twice the price???
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: BNF861 on September 19, 2013, 12:51:27 PM
Gel spun is thinner diameter so you can fit more on a reel in less space. Can be good if you have limited capacity on a reel. The trade off is its more expensive. I personally have just stuck with standard Dacron on my reels.

If you are looking for more shops to check out for reels, I would highly recommend Micheal & Young fly shop (M&Y) in Surrey. They are great and fly/spey specific.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on September 19, 2013, 04:36:37 PM
I do not like gel spun for two reasons. it costs to damn much for something that barely comes off the reel and it must be put on tightly or it will dig into itself cause it to grab as a fish pays out line which could result in lost fish.

Did I not tell you to take your rod with you to look at reels ?? pretty sure I did. Does anyone at WS really know anything about fishing ? I leave them puzzled about something fishing every time I'm in there and they can never answer a question I may have

Those reels might fit very well being pretty close to 9oz. like I was saying that a 9oz+ will probably be slightly too heavy but that's how I like it (also how a lot of spey guys like it)

I know you cant try out those reels however you can take your rod into a shop and try other reels in similar weights as them and see if they balance. If not then you know you need a bit more weight in the reel. remember that putting on the backing, running line, shooting head will also add weight to the reel (probably less than an ounce though)


EDIT - I decided to go and look up your rods actual weight and it is 7.9oz. the rod I use says its 8.7oz and a 9oz reel balance it perfectly. I would bet a slightly lighter reel will work nicely on your rod
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on September 19, 2013, 05:22:32 PM
I bought a galvan t12 for my first spey set up. I did a bunch of research on reels and the galvan reels had great reviews. I still haven't used it. It is going to see some action in a few weeks though. Seems like a very nice reel.
Partnered it up with a loomis nrx 13 foot rod. Now I just have to learn to cast it. ;)
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 20, 2013, 11:28:24 AM
Gel spun is thinner diameter so you can fit more on a reel in less space. Can be good if you have limited capacity on a reel. The trade off is its more expensive. I personally have just stuck with standard Dacron on my reels.

If you are looking for more shops to check out for reels, I would highly recommend Micheal & Young fly shop (M&Y) in Surrey. They are great and fly/spey specific.

Good to know! Thanks for that. Ok I'll more than likely stick with standard dacron. Also I have heard good things about Michael and Young. I'll check them out next time I'm out that way :D
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 20, 2013, 11:31:21 AM
I do not like gel spun for two reasons. it costs to damn much for something that barely comes off the reel and it must be put on tightly or it will dig into itself cause it to grab as a fish pays out line which could result in lost fish.

Did I not tell you to take your rod with you to look at reels ?? pretty sure I did. Does anyone at WS really know anything about fishing ? I leave them puzzled about something fishing every time I'm in there and they can never answer a question I may have

Those reels might fit very well being pretty close to 9oz. like I was saying that a 9oz+ will probably be slightly too heavy but that's how I like it (also how a lot of spey guys like it)

I know you cant try out those reels however you can take your rod into a shop and try other reels in similar weights as them and see if they balance. If not then you know you need a bit more weight in the reel. remember that putting on the backing, running line, shooting head will also add weight to the reel (probably less than an ounce though)


EDIT - I decided to go and look up your rods actual weight and it is 7.9oz. the rod I use says its 8.7oz and a 9oz reel balance it perfectly. I would bet a slightly lighter reel will work nicely on your rod

Awesome tips! I really appreciate the effort. Haha yeah I WOULD have brought my rod into WSS but we were late to go to a party in Langley so I convinced the misses to let me run in for just 5 min and see what they stocked and what their price was. Just left my rod in the car. Interesting that the Redington Delta is 279 there and 259 at Freds. I like that reel but want to check out others before commiting. Im no big rush to buy as I won't be using it until after the fishing madness season dies down...
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 21, 2013, 11:38:53 AM
I've got a half dozen Pflueger Trions and I'm happy with them. I've caught 30 pound Chinook, and 60 pound tarpon on them, a bunch of bonefish and gawd knows how many coho and steelhead. I've got a couple of Reddingtons as well and no problems so far.

Do you, by chance, have the Reddington Delta? I liek it and am considering buying it. $259 at Fred's. From what I have read online seems like a pretty solid reel. Also really sharp looking.

http://www.redington.com/fly-fishing-reels/delta/
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on September 21, 2013, 10:25:24 PM
Also, has any tried the G-Loomis East Fork? I was talking with a guy at Michael&Young and he said it is one of the reels they carry that he would reccomend for my rod (in my price range). From the reviews I've read most say it's good. Plus M&Y has it on sale for $126.95 for the 9/10. Most other places it's around $200 I think.

http://www.gloomis.com/publish/content/gloomis_2010/eu/en/fly/reels/eastfork.html

Also really liking what I read about the Hardy Ultralite 8000DD. Been reading up on the Reddington Delta as well but I think for the extra $40 I'd get the Hardy over the Reddington.

Some reels have a fully sealed drag while other have a "semi sealed" drag. My reel rarely if ever goes in the water, but you never know so I'd rather err on the side of caution. No plans to ever use it in salt water. Any tips on what drag I'd be best to go with? I definitely want a disk drag. I have a few click and pawl reels, which I like, but for big fish I prefer a disk drag.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Funeral Of Hearts on September 21, 2013, 11:18:52 PM
I have an eastfork in my 8wt. Its a good reel... not great.. but good.
The drag holds up well but it could be a little more smooth.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: FlyFishin Magician on September 22, 2013, 08:24:12 AM
Sounds like a pretty good price, although I doubt that it is fully machined at that price point.  A fully machined reel will be more smooth and have "higher" precision, not that this will make any difference in how many fish you catch.   ;D 
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on October 12, 2013, 12:00:58 PM
SSypark, on the first page of this thread you said you bought the Allen Kraken reel. Could you please tell me what type of rod you're fishing it on?

I've been looking around at Spey reels, most places seem to stock most of the same stuff. Was at Michael and Yound the other day and almost bought the Lamson CLA(6) ($285) but I just didn't like the way it looked and the sound it made when the drag was being stripped out or reeling in. A bit lame I know but for $300 I figure I better at least like the damn thing! Also considered the G-Loomis Eastfork 9/10, a great looking reel, but just felt a little cheap and the manager didn't reccomend it as it's no longer made (if breaks under warranty can't be replaced). I liked the Lamson Guru 4.0 but was too light for my rod.

The only reel I've found locally I like in my price range is the Reddington Delta at $259 (Fred's). It's also very sharp looking and balances the rod nicely (9oz). I've been reading reviews on the Allen Kraken 4.0 and they're all very good. But noone carries this reel! Can you only order it from the manufacturer in the US? At $229 it seems like a real steal. I don't really like the idea of ordering a reel online I've never tinkered with, but I suppouse it I don't like it I could mail it back and eat the shipping costs.

On paper it looks good: 4.45 diametre, 1.58 width, 8.11oz (a tad light but probably ok) and the price is fantastic. For $40 less than the Delta it still has me humming and hawing about buying one...

Any thoughts SSypark???
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: TayC on October 12, 2013, 12:12:01 PM
SSypark, on the first page of this thread you said you bought the Allen Kraken reel. Could you please tell me what type of rod you're fishing it on?

I've been looking around at Spey reels, most places seem to stock most of the same stuff. Was at Michael and Yound the other day and almost bought the Lamson CLA(6) ($285) but I just didn't like the way it looked and the sound it made when the drag was being stripped out or reeling in. A bit lame I know but for $300 I figure I better at least like the damn thing! Also considered the G-Loomis Eastfork 9/10, a great looking reel, but just felt a little cheap and the manager didn't reccomend it as it's no longer made (if breaks under warranty can't be replaced). I liked the Lamson Guru 4.0 but was too light for my rod.

The only reel I've found locally I like in my price range is the Reddington Delta at $259 (Fred's). It's also very sharp looking and balances the rod nicely (9oz). I've been reading reviews on the Allen Kraken 4.0 and they're all very good. But noone carries this reel! Can you only order it from the manufacturer in the US? At $229 it seems like a real steal. I don't really like the idea of ordering a reel online I've never tinkered with, but I suppouse it I don't like it I could mail it back and eat the shipping costs.

On paper it looks good: 4.45 diametre, 1.58 width, 8.11oz (a tad light but probably ok) and the price is fantastic. For $40 less than the Delta it still has me humming and hawing about buying one...

Any thoughts SSypark???

It sounds like you have made up your mind already, just take the plunge!
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on October 12, 2013, 02:29:04 PM
But I haven't made up my mind! :o It would be a LOT easier if the Allen reels were stocked my local shops, but noone seems to carry them. Same with the solitude reels.

I'm torn between buying likely the Reddington Delta for $270 which I'm sure will turn out to be a totally decent reel, OR, spending less money and getting a reel that is likely to be better made like the Allen Kraken 5, but then I have to (it seems) buy it online from the US and run the risk that I won't like it and end up having to pay to ship it there + back. I'm curious what type of rod Ssypark fishes the Kraken on and if it's similar to mine. At 8.11oz it seems a little on the light size. Consistent comments on this thread have said do NOT go too light. The Delta at 9.0oz balanced quite nicely.

I'm in no big rush to buy as I'm not going to be fishing it for a couple of months.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: TayC on October 12, 2013, 03:50:13 PM
Given the length and weight of your of I would go with a heavier reel than 8oz, but to each there own. Never know until you try it for yourself.  I fish a reel around 10-11 ounce on my 13'3" Cnd and a marquis salmon 1 on my 11'6" Spey.

The sooner you get that set up on the water the better!
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on October 12, 2013, 07:08:55 PM
If you want to talk to someone that owns several Allen products, has done reviews on them then get ahold of Dave Henry.

this is his website, I think it has reviews if you search around but emailing him through that site is your best bet

http://2handedtrout.com/

He is a good guy and may even meet up with you so you can check out the reel in person but that's up to you guys to figure out LoL


FYI - I don't think any shop sells Allen products
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on October 13, 2013, 09:43:23 AM
Thanks HOOK! Email sent to Dave. Would be cool if he lives around here and has a Kraken I can check out.
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: nickredway on October 13, 2013, 06:23:20 PM
If you are looking to get a good cheap reel on a budget I would seriously consider a Magnum 200D, you can pick them up for less than $100 on ebay or spey pages. Built like a tank and a very good disc drag and the right weight for you rod at c.11-12oz. Mine is a hand me down that has been around for 20 odd years and still going strong.
Its this one -
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-GOOD-LEEDA-MAGNUM-200D-SALMON-REEL-AND-LINE-/251326215795?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Fishing_Reels_JN&hash=item3a8435b673 (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/A-GOOD-LEEDA-MAGNUM-200D-SALMON-REEL-AND-LINE-/251326215795?pt=UK_SportsLeisure_Fishing_Reels_JN&hash=item3a8435b673)
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: HOOK on October 13, 2013, 09:23:04 PM
Spawn Sack he does infact live around here. I have ran into him at M&Y surrey a couple times. He guides locally but I cant remember with what company or if its his company so his blog was my best source. I would surprised if he didn't have a Kraken, I know he was using an Allen reel on a switch rod, I saw pics and a review  ;)
Title: Re: Wanting advice on spey reel
Post by: Spawn Sack on October 20, 2013, 08:25:37 AM
Had some good emails back and forth with Dave, what a super guy! Gave me some great tips on finding the right balance for my rod. And yes he owns several Allen reels and strongly advocated the Kraken 5 for my spey rod. Unfortunately Allen has a huge backlog right now and the reel I want is on big time backorder. They said 4-6 weeks before they can get one shipped out. Too bad as that's too late, I want the reel sooner. After doing some humming and hawing...reading online reviews etc, I decided not to go with the Reddington Delta ($259) and fork over the extra $100 for the Galvan R-12. One guide I'm aquainted with uses one to fish the Skeena, Dean, etc and says it has always performed flawlessly. If figure if it's good enough for him it's good enough for me. Excited to get into spey fishing!