Re: Abel Reels
If you want a great reel with a cork drag, Abel is easily one of the top three options. All three of those top options will be priced about like the Abel. (Pate is an exception, but the lack of expensive porting makes them pretty heavy too.)
There is an ongoing debate about whether cork or sealed synthetic drag is best, but for a long time it will be true that cork drag fly reels have landed more big fish on a fly rod.
It is also undeniable that cork drags require a bit more maintenance: you MUST completely back the drag off after each use to prevent compression of the cork, and you MUST occasionally treat the cork with neatsfoot oil to keep it from drying out. Cork drags aren't nearly so effective when all the life has been squashed out of them or when they are so dry they're crumbly.
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