Pflueger Medalist Info Please

[Fish Gazer]

Can anyone tell me a little info about Pflueger Medalist reels? I spoke with Len Codella at the Conclave and he sparked my interest.

Is there any difference between old and new?

What does DA mean?

Is one more collectible then another?

Also, differences in the 1492, the 1492 1/2, the 1494, and so on.

And, anyone have any 5w sylk for sale?:rolleyes:

Thanks

Jeff

[Buck Henry]

Jeff,

I don't own a Pflueger Medalist, but I did a little snooping around for you and found some info that might be helpful. First off, Fly Anglers Online has a pretty good history write up on the Medalist reel. Here is a link: http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part287.php

Also, according to one reliable source I found, the DA does not stand for "dual action" as many believe. DA apparantly is the Shakespeare date code for 1970. Just as CJ and AK are the date codes for subsequent model releases by Shakespeare. Who knows!

As far as value, I found some info on 1950's vintage Medalist reels, Reels with the boxes without the cello seal are worth about $65-$85, If the box is still cello-sealed, the reel is worth much more, probably in the neighborhood of $150.

Hope this was helpful.

[Gatorbyte]

Jeff:

If you're looking for a reel for your Phillipson, the newer models don't fit because the reel foot is too big. Not an issue with the vintage reels.

Give Bill O. a shout on the Sylk line. He usually has it.

[watkins]

What wgt rod are you planning to use the reel on ? Iv'e picked several up over the years of different sizes. Would have to check and see where I stored them. Remember one on 7 wgt W&M cane and it is RH wind only, 1495 I think. Also way to go on the casting deal!!! TRW Also check out One Pfoot web site.

[Fish Gazer]

Hey Sir Watkins

I am looking for prolly a 5, 6, or 7.

I have an old CFO for the Phillipson, but need a couple more reels for a 4 and a 6-7.

I saw them last week and Len Codella showed me the Pfoot stuff. Kind of brought back memories....... I really liked the reel, esp for a line holder.:)

Now if anyone has a Hardy St George laying around they don't want;)

Thanks Buck and GB

Jeff

[oyster]

Hey Jeff,

I've got new Sylk lines in all sizes http://www.oysterbamboo.com/fly-lines.html and a used Sylk of my own for you at half price if you're interested.

Bill O.


_______________
www.oysterbamboo.com

[Fish Gazer]

Gee Bill, I like used...........:) What do I need to do?

Thanks

Jeff

[watkins]

Got your reel for 6/7. Will trade reel w/ backing for expertise in showing wife how to cast.;) She won't listen too me. Btw, prob. a good thing. TRW

[Bob M]

I use Phluegers on some of my cane rods. They are all reels of recent manufacture. I have five Phillipsons and they take Phlueger reels without any problem.

I'm not sure why you are looking at Phluegers. They aren't particularly collectable, their value isn't likely to increase, and you can get more aesthetically pleasing reels. I use them because they are heavy reels and help balance the rods a little better. For a 7' rod it doesn't matter. For 8 1/2 foot rod it helps a lot. I also use the trick of using some lead core line for backing.

The model numbers ( e.g. 1492, 1492 1/2, etc.) relate to the diameter of the spool and the construction of the reel. Some have an exposed rim to palm and others don't. I prefer the ability to palm the reel.

Watch out for some of the old Phlueger reels as some can't be reversed. If you don't wind with your left hand you'll be hosed. The new ones and some of the old ones can be reversed.

They are good reels for very little money. The drag is bombproof but the plastic ratchet wheel could be a weak point after years of hard use.

[Fish Gazer]

Hey Bob

Oh man just 5 Phillipsons, thats sick ;)

I wasnt really interested in collecting, I just thought one might be a little better then another. I guess I worded that wrong.

For the money, I just thought its a good way to start, then look out Hardy St Georges.

Thanks
Jeff

[Bob M]

FG, they are a great way to start ....and to keep going. BTW the old peach-colored Courtand 444 looks pretty good with a cane rod and works well if the line guides aren't too small. St George is nice. Adams reels are good too and are made just up the road. L L Bean carries them as well.

[Fish Gazer]

TRW

Thats a deal, let me know when:) I wish my wife would go, I think she would enjoy it. She used to enjoy outdoor stuff, but somehow has become lets say citified........;)

Jeff

[Fish Gazer]

Bob, so this adams...............

http://www.llbean.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/CategoryDisplay?storeId=1&catalogId=1&langId=-1&categoryId=48788&productId=848667&qs=5686472-Google_Product_Submit






I did not know LL Bean had anything like that.




Jeff

[Bob M]

Yep, that's the reel. What isn't obvious is that you can palm the reel which I like a lot. Gary Lacey makes these reels and the cane rods for LL Bean. He's in Gainsville. He's got another series of reels that he started making in an even more traditional configuration.

[Dawg Vet]

Gazer, if you are getting into older bamboo, you should check out some of the older Medalists, especially those with the round line guide. They look similar in a way to the St. George. The workmanship and durability of those reels is remarkable. I fish one made in the late thirties/early forties as my main reel on a 8' Oyster. The drag on these was all metal and has a sweet, nostalgic sound. I work in Woodstock if you would like to see one up close sometime.
Jed

[Fish Gazer]

Dear Dawg Vet

That would be great! I will PM you. I am assuming that you work with one of the vet clinics here in Woodstick......... I 'll bet we have talked before.


Jeff:)

[watkins]

PM sent----TRW

[Fish Gazer]

Mssr Watkins

Thank you kind sir

Jeff

[Bob M]

I stand corrected. Gatorbyte is right. The foot on the new Phluegers is too big for some of the Phillipsons. It's been a couple of years and I forgot all about having to take a dremmel tool to shave down the foot a bit. Ten minutes of 'work' and the problem is solved and there isn't any grief in shaving down the foot on a $30 reel.

[Fish Gazer]

Hey Bob

I just tried a 1492 (made in Akron Ohio) so I am not sure when it was made, but is does not fit on an old Heddon I have. I did not try it on the Phillipson.

After you shave the foot is there any wobble?

[Bob M]

Not if it is shaved to fit. It's not difficult to take it a little at a time to get a wobble-free fit. Take your time and it will be fine.