New Pflueger Medalist fly reel

[Jcolin]

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]

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]

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/collecti...y-reel-1371887


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

[Jcolin]

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]

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]

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.