New Pflueger Medalist fly reel [Archive] - Bill Kiene's Fly Fishing Forum

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Jcolin

11-30-2020, 07:48 AM

Wondering if anyone has experience with the new Medalists? They're very affordable, have had some problems with my Orvis Battenkill IV since hooking a large steelhead on it. Looking for an affordable clicker for my steelhead rods to use as a backup, wondering if its comparable to the Battenkill quality wise. Thanks

Smitty Fish

12-10-2020, 10:08 AM

My friend has a new Medalist. They might be a little small for a Spey rod more for a switch or trout Spey set up.
Second on the Battenkill. They need to up grade the click a paw system on it. Mine failed twice!

Bill Kiene semi-retired

12-10-2020, 01:59 PM

Here is a good video review from Red's Fly Shop in Oregon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3rRm4E06Bg

Looks like a Hardy like click-n-pawl drag.

Good for trout and panfish.....

https://www.purefishing.com/collections/pflueger-fly-fishing-reels/products/medalist-fly-reel-1371887

At $125 price point it will have lots of other competition.....

Jcolin

12-11-2020, 10:46 AM

Thanks for the responses guys. Actually ended up buying an old medalist 1598RC on ebay for $30. Didnt expect much obviously but seller has a lot of vintage medalists and said its in good fishing shape despite worn exterior. Arrived the other day and am very pleased with it, guess the vintage medalists dont sell for much based on what ive seen on ebay. The 1598 is very large, and heavy, going to pair it with my 14’ 8 weight Spey rod for fishing the mainstem Eel and Smith rivers.

Bill Kiene semi-retired

12-13-2020, 07:16 AM

That is a good choice.....the biggest one.

If you need any parts for that reel contact "One-Pfoot" company:

https://onepfoot.com/

Archuleta's Reel Works can usually help you too:

https://www.archuletasreelworks.com/

Jcolin

12-13-2020, 10:02 AM

Thanks Bill those are great resources to have. Would be nice to covert it from right hand wind to left but think its too old to be able to do that? Not sure what year the reel was made think its at least from the 60s if not older.

Bill Kiene semi-retired

12-16-2020, 02:14 PM

Unless the Medalist has a round metal line guard it can be reversed by getting a machines drag disc from One-Pfoot company.

Picture of a One-Pfoot machined reversible drag disc/plate.

https://images.fiberglassflyrodders.com/u/1/ir/XjiHOJyh.jpg

Jcolin

12-16-2020, 11:13 PM

Excellent thanks Bill! Mine does not have the round line guard on it. Was kind of hoping it would as i havent owned a reel with one and they do look cool, but glad it doesnt now.

Bill Kiene semi-retired

12-17-2020, 08:22 AM

On the old Pflueger 'Medalist' fly reels we would install the machined reversible drag disc and a counter balance to keep vibrations down.

This can be bought from One-Pfoot......get some frame screws while you are at it. We would Loctite those screws.

https://onepfoot.com/

Bill Kiene semi-retired

12-17-2020, 08:30 AM

Top local fly fishing guide and Kiene's staff member told me right now his "go to $100 range fly reel" in the Waterworks Lamson Liquid.

https://www.waterworks-lamson.com/product/liquid/

Cast metal fly reels use to be considered fragile but today we have "vacuum casting" that has changed all that.

Rossflyguy

12-25-2020, 06:09 PM

I picked up an old 1498 for my 7wt Spey. Honestly the coolest looking reel I’ve purchased. The cleanest medalist I’ve ever seen too. Has made me a big fan of these old diehard reels now. Picked one other up with the circle line guard for the creek rod. Looking for a 1496 LH for my 6wt Spey rod now. 100% American made.

16480

Bill Kiene semi-retired

12-26-2020, 07:36 AM

From the photo that one is all tricked out?

It looks like it has a machined aluminum 'One-Pfoot' reel foot.

A One-pfoot machined spool center cap.

And a One-Pfoot counter balance.

Inside it might also have a One-Pfoot machined metal reversible drag disc?

You did good.........

.

Rossflyguy

12-26-2020, 08:29 AM