[BigCliff]

I don't know if you could assign a price to the categories of fly reels. I suppose I sort them into four categories: cheap, nice, great, and jewel/lexus.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A "cheap" reel would be something like a Cortland Mosquito- roughly cast or stamped metal frame, and a drag that will prevent over-run, but not much more, and $20-70. -------------------------------------------------------------------------"Nice" would cover the range from a Cortland Endurance to a Ross Cimmaron LA- quality machined construction and a drag adequate for most fishing, normally $75-200. ------------------------------------------------------------------------"Great" would be something like the Galvan OB series or the Lamson Velocity or Litespeed- machined from barstock, lighter than the next category down relative to its size, and a drag that will be reliable even for frequent saltwater use, running $200-400. -------------------------------------------------The "Jewel/Lexus" category would include reels like the the Abel Super series, the Orvis Vortex, or a Waterworks ULA- beautiful feats of engineering that are beautiful, amazingly light for their size, and have a drag that can hold up to a tuna and doesn't blink at a fast running bonefish, going for $400 plus. But like the title, are generally bought more for "bling" than utility.

[BruceN]

My immediate thought was to say "Yes, expensive reels have a lot to offer." Then I realized that my idea of 'expensive' is very different from that of many here. I thought my Battenkill MA's were expensive at $125 each, but well worth it. For the kind of fishing I like (mostly small streams and creeks) I can't see what any of the horrifyingly expensive ones ($350 and more! For a reel?!?) would have to offer. If you have to save pennies somewhere, I would suggest that you put a good quality rod and good quality line higher on the list than a more expensive reel.Just my 2 casts worth.Bruce

[Colorado Cajun]

Originally Posted by BruceN

My immediate thought was to say "Yes, expensive reels have a lot to offer." Then I realized that my idea of 'expensive' is very different from that of many here. I thought my Battenkill MA's were expensive at $125 each, but well worth it. For the kind of fishing I like (mostly small streams and creeks) I can't see what any of the horrifyingly expensive ones ($350 and more! For a reel?!?) would have to offer. If you have to save pennies somewhere, I would suggest that you put a good quality rod and good quality line higher on the list than a more expensive reel.Just my 2 casts worth.Bruce

I have a $280 Ross Evolution and a $125 Battenkill mid arbor as well. The next time I have $280 to spend, I'm going to buy (2) Battenkill reels.

[Frank Whiton]

I don't know if anybody cares but here is my pick for a reel in different price ranges. For a beginner reel I would pick the Ross Flycast LA Fly Reel. For a low cost reel I would pick the Orvis Battenkill LA Reel. For a Mid-Priced reel it would be my favorite reel, the Galvan Open Back. For a high cost reel it would be Able or maybe Sage. For Salt Water it would probably be the Tibor LA. Anybody have a better list? Frank

[Joni]

I am Orvis all the way. So, to me a inexpensive reel would be the Rocky Mountain, mid would be the Battenkill, BBS, Mid Arbour, High end would be The LA, Mach, and upper end Votex and CFO.

[Frank Whiton]

Originally Posted by Joni

I am Orvis all the way. So, to me a inexpensive reel would be the Rocky Mountain, mid would be the Battenkill, BBS, Mid Arbour, High end would be The LA, Mach, and upper end Votex and CFO.

Joni, good list but when you get old and slow like me, you will appreciate the Large Arbors more. For 45 years I cast right handed and fought fish with the rod in my right hand, reeling with the left. For the past 10 years I had to switch and wind with my right hand so I could wind fast enough on a charging fish. Now with the Large Arbor reels I am thinking about changing back.------Frank

[Joni]

Originally Posted by Frank Whiton

Joni, good list but when you get old and slow like me, you will appreciate the Large Arbors more. For 45 years I cast right handed and fought fish with the rod in my right hand, reeling with the left. For the past 10 years I had to switch and wind with my right hand so I could wind fast enough on a charging fish. Now with the Large Arbor reels I am thinking about changing back.------Frank

Oh I agree. I have several LA's in all sizes, even the I on my 2wt.
I made a trade for an old CFO click for a Lamson Lite Speed. Beautiful reel, but the ol' man hi-jacked it. I thought I was going to have ONE different reel, but NOOOOO! He now has Tioga, Orvis, Hardy and NOW! Lamson.
Gotta love him...........right!?

[Frank Whiton]

Originally Posted by Joni

Oh I agree. I have several LA's in all sizes, even the I on my 2wt.
I made a trade for an old CFO click for a Lamson Lite Speed. Beautiful reel, but the ol' man hi-jacked it. I thought I was going to have ONE different reel, but NOOOOO! He now has Tioga, Orvis, Hardy and NOW! Lamson.
Gotta love him...........right!?

Joni, Lampson makes a nice reel. I have and still use one of the first reels they sold under the Lamson name. It is a regular arbor. Have you seen or used the Galvan Open Back (OB). They are a terrific reel. My favorite for a trout reel. Frank

[Kai]

Originally Posted by Frank Whiton

Joni, Lampson makes a nice reel. I have and still use one of the first reels they sold under the Lamson name. It is a regular arbor. Have you seen or used the Galvan Open Back (OB). They are a terrific reel. My favorite for a trout reel. Frank

I will second the recommendation for the Galvan OB reel. It is very nicely put together, and has a butter smooth operation with easily adjustable drag.

[Frank Whiton]

Originally Posted by Kai

I will second the recommendation for the Galvan OB reel. It is very nicely put together, and has a butter smooth operation with easily adjustable drag.

Hi Kai, I don't know of a better reel in the price range. The first time I saw one was at Lee's Ferry. I was checking out the reels and Wendy Gunn told me to take a look at the Galvan. It has been my favorite ever since. I wish I had one when I lived in Alaska. Where are you fishing?------Frank