Orvis Reel Seats too big???

[ALG]

I recently bought a Scott flyrod 5 wt. and found that when I put my Clearwater reel on it it wouldn't fit tight. It seems to be taking the finish off the reel seat. I e-mailed scott and they said that it was Orvis's fault due to their oversized foot to the reel. Has anyone found this problem on their rods or reels? Also, any way to fix the finish problem? I know I could send it back but it is just the looks not performance. Thanks,
ALG

[The Ole Man]

ALG
I would think it is not an oversize foot. Seems an oversize foot would tighten up real quick, whereas an undersize foot would not tighten-possibly at all. First, look at the rod ring that slides up on the reel foot. Most often those rings have an undercut on the inside of them so that you have to line that cutout inside the ring with the foot on the reel. If you are trying to force the ring onto the foot without aligning that cut, then it won't fit and will skin up the foot. If that is not the problem, then something is wrong. Rod and reel mfrs. a few years back, ran into a fit-up problem because there was no standard in the industry. I have an older Penn flyrod (6/7 yrs old) that my Ross Cimmarron (pre 98) won't fit. But a couple of years ago the mfrs. established NAFTA ( a different one from the trade agreement)and this is National Assn. Fishing Tackle Agreement or something like that. They established a standard for reel seats and reel feet so that a mismatch would not occur. Assuming that the mfrs. adhere to this new standard, yours should fit. Unless, your reel or rod is 4/5 yrs old or more. And you said the rod was bought recently-don't know if that means new or used. If it's not the ring cutout alignment, and the rod and reel are of recent mfr, contact Orvis and Scott and ask if they are meeting the NAFTA standards on reel feet and reelseats. If your rod or reel was used and has some age on it, then you may have to find a reel by different mfr. that will fit. David Edens may be able to add to this if he is looking in.