new reel question

[TheEndlessEnigma]

need something very light in a 5 weight ..... the mid arbor i have is too heavy for this rod ..... rod is 3.2 ounces and need something that would balance it properly ..... what is a good reel for let's say under 300 that would fit this bill

oh and i prefer a larger arbor reel

[skibum]

Which mid-arbor do you have and what did it weigh??

[TheEndlessEnigma]

pro guide mid arbor ..... weigh just over 5 ounces and loaded with the line and everything was slightly too heavy

[skibum]

Well let me know what you end up getting.. I'll be looking for the same for my 5wt.. Need to upgrade to a large arbor and move the BBS to the 4wt..

[The Ole Man]

Ross Evolutions, heavily ported inside and out, are some of the lightest disc drags around. The Evo # 1.5 and #2 weigh 3.8 and 3.9 oz.-- $270/$280. In comparison, the Orvie Mid-arbor III for 5/6 weighs 5.9 oz.--about 1/3rd more. Bauer Mackenzie Superlites M1SL and M2SL @3.9and 4.4 are in the ballpark also--and fit the under $300 figure.

[moronefly]

I second the Old Man's recommendation for the evolution. After using several of them on 3, 5 and 7 wts, I'm impressed. They're light, feature easy-to-change spools, and possess Ross' excellent drag system. The drag and backing capacity makes the Evolution 3.5 a wonderful reel for bonefish. Even overlined with a SA 8 wt bonefish line on a 7 wt Sage Xi2, there's plenty of backing capacity. Nice reels.

[mmarkey]

Orvis BBSIII weighs just under 4 oz. not a mid size arbor but a very nice reel and the price is great.

[flyflicker]

My Tibor light tailwater balances very well on my 9' 5 wt. that weighs around 3 oz. The reel is 4.2 oz. and retails for $330. You can usually pick one up on ebay for around $200. Lifetime warranty and probably the best drag system made.

[DAWGFISH]

EE,

Hope you are doing well. Sorry I haven't been in touch lately. Things have been really hectic. To the reel question, it's hard to go wrong with the Evolution, Tibor Light Tailwater, Lamson Velocity and Litespeed, or Galvan Open-back. The Torque is another sweet reel, but I think it's slightly above the 300 dollar mark. In any event, I have all of them and if you want to meet up and try all of the different reels on your rod and see what balances best, and tinker with the reels to just see what one you like the best, I'll be more than happy to accomadate that. They are all very sweet reels and are really close to each other in terms of weight, backing capacity, drag performance, etc. It's just a matter of which one you personally like best.

[TheEndlessEnigma]

how can a nucca turn down an offa likes that. when ya available

[The Owl]

Third the Ross Evolution. Flyshow price. $150 ! Love it. Miss the Colorado though, even though it didn't have the nice drag. Yet to catch mtn. trout that pulled drag. oh well. not that it matters.

owl

[huntfish]

TEE.
I'll second the Galvan recommendation. Once you try them, you'll go with them. The OB is awesome with a super drag.

[skibum]

Anyone have the Orvis BA large arbor reel?? They have their rod and reel swap going on. 25% off makes it about $150. But Orvis does'nt include the weight of the reel, but it's made with the same material as the BBS.. What ya'll think??

[Trout8myfly]

I think you mean the one in the photo below. I have that model and I am quite pleased with it. The large arbor helps retrieve line quickly and prevent coiling.

Can't say how much it weighs but does not seem to be burdensome. I use it on my 6wt.

http://images.orvis.com/orvis_assets/prodimg/12HLM2SF.jpg

[skibum]

Yes thats the one..

[fishmonger]

Dennis,

I have 2, the smallest one with 4WF, and the next size up with 5WF and a 6 sinking line. I love 'em, being an Orvis-boy and all. You are welcome to come by and check 'em out, as well as the craft. Give me a call. If the river clears up, we should hit it on Sunday.

FM

[skibum]

Not sure we'll be out by sunday but ya never know. Either way I'll get in touch with you on sunday..

[Petey]

It is a sweet lightweight reel. I fish with a Bauer JM2 and love it. It is a little heavy for your application, but the M1SL is a fine reel that ways less.

What I love about them besides their sleekness, there is zero slip in the reel what so ever. There is direct contact between the fish and reel at all times. I looked at some higher end reels and found slip, and sloppy movement in them. The Lamson is also a nicely engineered reel. Hard to go wrong with either.

Petey :)