[BigCliff]

Basically, I do have enough faith in Lamson's quality to say that the Konic is worth 3x the price of the average cast reel out there (thinking of my BPS hobbs creek as an example). Its price really isn't high if you compare it the the reel Loomis used to sell under the (Ad)Venture title that was machined from a casting, had an exposed roller bearing that was very susceptible to grit, and sold for $100. THOUSANDS of that reel sold and likely are still in use today.

And Steely, if I was to promote a company that really makes great stuff instead of using marketing and their brand to polish a turd, I don't think Orvis is the example I'd throw out there.

[Joni]

[quote=steely;18979]
Plus, after a year, if you decide that the reel does not meet your expectations, send it back to Orvis with your receipt and they will issue you a full refund!


http://www.orvis.com/intro.asp?subject=111

The Orvis 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
For over 150 years we have offered the strongest return policy in the business. We will refund your money on any purchase that isn't 100% satisfactory -- any time, for any reason. It's that simple.



Don't want to be a downer cause unfortunately, this practice happens way too often, but here in lies why the PRICES GO UP!.
For $89. if the reel was not broken (or come to think of it, even if it was) I couldn't return it...It is an inexpensive (Chinese made NOW) reel.
Just like the rods for $79. and the ones for over $700....THERE IS A DIFFERENCE!
I still believe that a USA made reel for $120+ is GREAT! We don't employee cheap labor and thus the price gets transfered to the merchandise.
I know we can NOT live 100% total USA, but recreational or Hobby, or Sports equipment we CAN control.

[Frank Whiton]

Originally Posted by wfosborn

Hi Frank,

So what's your take on if they say they are forged & machined? Got me curious what my reel was so I had to go look. I always thought it was a bar stock reel, but maybe I was wrong about that . . . Those sneaky marketing guys . . . Well, the reel has been good to me regardless of how it was made and it sure has taken an awful lot of abuse.

--W

Hi wfosborn,

Forged/machine is similar to some of the other machined or fully machined reels. In forging the reel parts will be formed in a impression-die processes. Two opposing dies with a highly heated metal billet is pressed together, under extreme pressure, forming the side plate or other parts of the reel. The metal is not molting like in a die cast process. The parts are probably made slightly over sized and then machined to final design. There is also a hammer-forge process but I don't think it lends its self to reels. Hammer Forging does make steel tougher and that is why you see Hammer Forged knives.

What ever process the various manufactures are using to make these lower cost reels, there is no reason they can't make a serviceable reel with reasonable tolerances. The closest tolerances are made from bar-stock on CNC machines. To further confuse the issue not all CNC machined reels are created equal. I need to point out that CNC machines are expensive to operate and maintain. A bar-stock reel made in China may not be the equivalent to a US made bar-stock reel. An example is Hardy who first looked to China for a reel and ended up with Korea. I doubt that cost was the reason. Some of the reels coming out of Korea are quite well made. To get really good work from a CNC machine you need a highly qualified technician to operate the machine. When a cutter gets worn or out of specs it needs to be replaced and the machine re-indexed. If you are trying to keep cost down the manufacture may take a "its good enough" attitude and the end product suffers.

So what we come down to is what ever process a reel is made from it will eventually be machined to some degree. The machining process may be as simple as polishing a casting, forging or stamped part. Many of these reels will receive some machining on a CNC machine. The very best reels are made from bar-stock and usually in the US. Quality work cost money no matter where it is made. How much it cost is influenced by the labor rate and product waste. With CNC construction there is much higher cost in material waste. It could be as high as 50% of the aluminum stock is waste.

Frank

[wfosborn]

Hi Frank,

Wow, great description, thanks for the help!

Would still love to pick up a high-quailty bar stock reel some day, but for ~$150 the servicability and quality of my forged reel in fairly extreme conditions makes me plenty happy.

--W

[Frank Whiton]

Hey --W,

What reel do you have?

Frank

[wfosborn]

I'm using a Pflueger Trion 1990. All saltwater and glacial fed fishing with it.

--W

[fishman]

Well what about some realy usefull comments of Lamson Konic reel. Need a comment from person who actualy uses the reel (preferably for more than a fishing trip or two).

[Frank Whiton]

Hi Fishman.

Getting a first hand fishing report on the Konic may be hard to come by. It has only recently been released and not a lot of people have them. I would like to see a Motorcycle test on one.

Frank

[Joni]

Originally Posted by Frank Whiton

Hi Fishman.

Getting a first hand fishing report on the Konic may be hard to come by. It has only recently been released and not a lot of people have them. I would like to see a Motorcycle test on one.

Frank

Not to mention, weather that will allow you to use them. We have been getting snow 6" to a foot every other day. A little hard to get to the rivers.

[cowboy]

Is it me that sees $100 plus fly reels as nothing more than ostentious display of wealth? I can neither afford or want to spend that kind of money for a line holder. I have never fought a fish in my life (69+ years) with a fly reel.
Sorry, I do mean to sound like I am better than thou, just do not understand the forced expense of fly fishing and what it has become. I caught as many trout with my grandfather's Shakespeare bamboo rod and a J.C. Higgins reel as I ever have with much more expensive equipment.