Large Arbor Reels...

[STMFlyGuide]

Talking about reels, I have only mid and large arbors in width and diameter..Since the large arbor was finally introduced I have been a fan. I am on the move quickly and I appreciate the line pickup speed a large arbor offers, not to mention fish fighting capability. My dad and I had some old Hardy multiplying reels at one time with 2:1 and 3:1 crank ratios..those things could really pick up some line..

But now the large arbors rule the scene.. Some the largest and lightest large arbors for 3-6wt rods I can find are:

The largest diameter reel I can find is the LOOP OPTi...!! V-shaped spool, very slick reel...some of the spool diameters are almost 5"

http://www.pikefly.com/loo_opti.htm

The elkhorn MA series is not far behind..especially when considering price and weight..I own a couple of these..

http://www.elkhornflyrods.com/reels/ma.cfm

Also the ULA force is one sweet reel, but with a smaller overall diameter..but very light.

http://www.waterworks-lamson.com/force.html

Here is the company Scierra from Denmark...The drag system on this reel caught my eye.

http://www.scierra.com/?product=261



Anybody else know of any great, unique, or have any favorite large arbors? There are a lot of european reels out there as well...

[stlhdr]

this is slightly off topic, but...I won a Scierra Ferox model 3 wt in a raffle last year and the quality and workmanship are excellent. I would give their reels a look...-Mike

[Rollincast]

Hey David,

All sweet reels for sure.....but you didn't mention the "COBRA" Multiplier. With the xtra gears and spools it comes with you can get alot of milage for a good price. Fun Carpin reel. Also the older Martin M-72 multiplier disc drag, old school that still kicks butt. Thanks for the links. Very nice.

[STMFlyGuide]

Thats right Randy! I forgot to mention the cobra large arbors multipliers we got for carpin'!! What were they $70? I can't find them on Ebay anymore....Carp shredded mine.... And yours?

[Rollincast]

First set of gears....wasted. Second set still going strong. I havn't seen them on e-bay for awhile. You can pick-up the Martin M-72 for about the same price. It is a TANK, serious drag and all metel construction. Just a little on the heavy side.

[RubiKinda]

Anyone ever had any crazy design ideas for a reel? I'm starting to do some prototyping of reels with the first one being an ultralight titanium to be paired with a new 00 wt. I need a creative mind to make it look right as I have pretty much nailed down the mechanical side of it. I made a replica of an aluminum Orvis Mach reel in titanium and was able to chop almost 40% of the weight from it by making thinner walls as the titanium is much stronger than the aluminum. I'm not planning to go into business with this, just had some free time at the shop to play around and have fun.

[anacrime]

If I could afford it I'd have all Loop reels.

[dna]

I have the Sage 3100 for my 00 and a Waterworks Purist for my Winston 8'6" BIIt 4wt. 3100 is a great reel matches the 00 well. The fast pickup and light weight is really nice on such a combo.

The Purist is beautiful on my BIIt as that rod only weighs 2.5 oz. The Purist completes the package making what is probably one of the lightest, sweetest casting 4 wt combos around. The Purist is a dainty reel, though. It is made of titanium and aluminum and has incredibly tight tolerances. I have had to send mine in as it is seizing during the heat!? Who knows what will happen, but Waterworks has been great thus far.

Another reel that sparks my interest is the Hardy Marksman. I want!

[dna]

Anyone ever had any crazy design ideas for a reel? I'm starting to do some prototyping of reels with the first one being an ultralight titanium to be paired with a new 00 wt. I need a creative mind to make it look right as I have pretty much nailed down the mechanical side of it. I made a replica of an aluminum Orvis Mach reel in titanium and was able to chop almost 40% of the weight from it by making thinner walls as the titanium is much stronger than the aluminum. I'm not planning to go into business with this, just had some free time at the shop to play around and have fun.

Are you kidding me!! You should go into business. I know I would be interested in all titanium reels for my rods!

[RubiKinda]

Problem is it takes about 10 times the machining time to cut titanium than aluminum and although the material I'm using was a "donation" from my boss, it would be around $150 to buy. It's super corrosion resitant too. I'll start posting pics next week when I get into the new one. I need feedback on the style factor too.

[KRoberts1]

I like the looks of the Loop reels, but at 456 euro's ($670), that kinda outta my league. I'll stick with my Teton LA's, thank you. Nice thing about the Teton's, the regular arbors and the LA's fit the same frame.

keith

[stanbery]

I got a Albright GPX about 6 months ago and it is awesome.

Fast line pickup and a very good drag for bigger fish
Normally 200 on sale right now for 97 and change
http://www.albrighttackle.com/index.html

Jon

[midger]

Jon,
Those are some great prices. Even the rods are at 50% off and you can get a 4 or 5 piece rod for a great price. I don't need any rods, but if I were looking, I'd sure consider them.

[RiverRat]

Can we add large arbor reels that suck on this post?

I bought a Corland Endurance LA for my Sage Bass rod and it's horrible. The drag is either all the way on or off. The lack of adjustment causes the line to come off in wads and bunch up when you reel it in. Soon to be on Ebay.

RiverRat

[RubiKinda]

I will 2nd that the cortland sucks! I was going to sell it too, but decided to chop it up for research. So it still died a hero.