Reels

[tkhour]

Looking to purchase a new reel for my #3 weight Sage rod. Currently have a Junior Mac Bauer which has a tendency to freeze up easily in winter conditions. Was wondering who can recommend an alternative. Don't really like the drag setup on the reel as well. Was looking at the Ross Rythym or Evolution but had no experience with them. Thanks

 

[Mike Ridolfino]

I have an Orvis Battenkill and a Battenkill Large Arbor that I use on my 3 wt. rods and I like them both. They're relatively light and I've never had a problem with them freezing up even when the temps are in the teens.

 

[tkhour]

Thanks Mike. Will have to check out.Many times this year the reel froze up on me and it was very frustrating.

 

[bkill]

I have a Ross Rythym and havent had any problems with freeze up. It is a nice reel, smooth drag...I have it on my 6 wt and replaced an Orvis Large arbor Battenkill (I hated it, the handle was too large. More than once the line got wrapped around it at the wrong time)..But my favorite reel is the Sage 3200 which I have on my 4wt and the rod I use most often to fish Jersey waters in the winter...

 

[ML]

Ross Evo's are hard to beat! Use them for all my trout reels....so light, just looked at the porting... never had a freeze up either. The drag might be overkill, but so SMOOTH!

 

[tkhour]

Thanks guys. Looking around on the net the reviews for the Ross Evolution have been very positive. Might jump on it for the right price. Appreciate the feedback.

 

[Montauklax]

Take a look at the Lamson Litespeed or Velocity. Awesome reels. They're very light and very worry-free.

 

[DoubleHaul]

I don't know about Lamson, My buddy owns one & has sent it back to the factory multiple times to be taken apart because it locked up solid during use.

He says he loves it but calls & bitches every time he has to send it back :dizzy:

I would have chucked it long ago. Life is too short

 

[sandfly]

clean it and regrease it, they shouldn't freeze up..try a different grease, i use super lube -45 to +450 deg..

 

[theartoflee]

TK any reel without a sealed drag has the potential for freezing if it gets wet. Heed double hauls warning but I have heard that Lampsons top end reels have the same sealed drag system as their premo reels. Old Flordia or Nautilus reels are supposed to be excellent and worth every penny. I have also heard that Jack Charlton helped Nautalis design their drag system.

IF you gave us an idea as to how much you were looking to spend we might have a better time advising you as to which reel to buy. But either way in my opinon you should get a sealed dray to avoid freezing or allowing dirt sand etc to get into the drag.

 

[trout48]

I have a Ross CO1 reel with a 3wt line on it . I also have the box velvet bag and the heavy spring,the light spring is in the reel. 75 shipped to your house if interested. I cant post my email not enough posts.

 

[NJstomp]

Used my uncles Lamson Konic over the weeked. Has the same Drag system as their more top of the line reels. Was very impressed with it and he picked it up for $120. Just an FYI...

 

[Trout Nazi]

Anyone here have any experience with the Nautilus Feather Weight series, good or bad?

 

[Harry]

Try a good old Teton Tioga #2 , no play in it like a Ross. It's all you need for trout.

 

[azcat1]

I agree with Harry- the Tetons are probably the best value for trout. You can get one dirt cheap on eBay or even new. I think that they come in standard and LA spools so make sure you ask but if you are an eBay lurker you will be able to pick up a decent one before the season officially starts.
AZ

 

[tkhour]

Thanks everyone for their advice on this thread. I went with the Nautilus FW3. Had great reviews and love the drag system. I will let everyone know how it performs. Going out this weekend. Good fishing

 

[EJS]

tkhour, I am fishing with a Ross Evolution. I have had it for just about a year, and I would deffinately recommend Ross. If you are looking for something with a smooth drag, buy a Ross. NJDrew has a Ross Rhythm and its just as nice!

 

[rckrego]

I know its too late, but for a three weight, never overlook the Abel TR1. Phenomenal.