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Spring 2002 Reel
Reviews
Orvis Battenkill LA
The Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor is a nicely built, afforable, quality
reel. We found the large knobby grip for reeling to be very comfortable
and the drag smooth and sufficient. The reel we tested was a matte black
finish, and a gold one is now also available. We prefer the black, as it
is less apt to spook fish, (yes, we are that paranoid!). The arbor on
this reel is bigger than any other reel that we have tested, and it had
excellent line pick-up accordingly. One drawback that we found on the
Battenkill LA was due to this large arbor though. In the 3/4 model that
we tested...we loaded up the reel with WF 4Wt line, and had barely
any room left on the spool to put on backing. Also the reel seemed a
little oversized for our tastes. All in all however, this is a quality
reel, and we would recommend it in sizes 5/6 wt and higher, for those who
are looking for an afforably priced, quality, large arbor reel with
superior line pickup.
| Model | Diameter | Width | Weight | Capacity | Reel Cost |
| 3/4 | 3 3/8" | 1.00" | 4 3/4 oz | WF4 75yards/20lb | $185 |
| 5/6 | 3.5" | 1.00" | 5 1/4 oz | WF6 175yards/20lb | $195 |
| 7/8 | 3 5/8" | 1.00" | 6.37 oz | WF7 100yards/20lb | $220 |
| 9/10 | 3 7/8" |
1 3/8" | 7.50 oz | WF9 150yards/30lb |
$230 |
Redington GD LA
The Redington GD reel, is quite a nice little low-priced package. We were
very impressed with the infitiely adjustable drag, although I do wish the
drag know was a little easier to grip. The shiny finish was a little
flashy for our tastes, but some may like the style. From performance
perspective, the reel is very smoth and the drag very capable, with the
ability to be set much higher than many reels that we have tested in this
size range. The 5/6 model is sized well for a matching rod, and the arbor
is in between what I would call large and normal. The arbor itself and
the reel are cut out in many places with allows for the sturdy
construction but not being too heavy. We'd recommend this reel for those
budget minded anglers looking for a quality reel in a low price. This
reel will be your all-around workhorse.
| Line |
Diameter |
Weight |
Capactiy |
Cost |
| #3/4 |
3" |
4.81 oz |
WF4 + 70/20 yds |
$99 |
| #5/6 |
3.23" |
5.20 oz |
WF6 + 100/20 yds |
$109 |
| #7/8 |
3.47" |
5.59 oz |
WF8 + 200/20 yds |
$119 |
| #9/10 |
3.7" |
5.84 oz |
WF9 + 200/30 yds |
$129 |
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