reel for 5wt.

[john]

I'm going to put a new reel on a St.Croix Elite 5wt, 9' 4-piece. Leaning toward the Old Floride 234, or 456. Backing capacity is not an issue, but I'm wondering if the 234 may be a bit too small/lite to balance. Anyone have a thought?

[Adam Grace]

John, Iwould direct you towards the 456, a 234 reel IS too small. Your 5wt line wil coil up being wrapped aounrd such a small arbor.

May I ask how much the Old Florida Costs?

AND

Why the Old FLorida?

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

At that price point, our best selling reel is the Teton 'Tioga' #6 at $129.

The new Redington mid-arbor 'CD' which is fully machined, anodized with a needle bearing clutch and a "cork disc drag". I think they are in that $120 range too.

G.Loomis has their Adventure fly reel at $99.

Ross has a new reel in the $100 range.

The Orvis 'Battenkill Bar Stock' 5/6 is a good valeue at about $129.

Lots of good fly reels just over $100 today.

We don't really like anything under $100 right now but are always looking for that good sub-$100 price point reel.

[Hairstacker]

John, I have to wholeheartedly agree with Adam and Bill -- given a choice, I definitely would NOT go with a 2-3-4 reel on your 5 wt. rod. I can think of several disadvantages and no advantages in going with the smaller reel.

[john]

The 456 goes for $125. I like OF reels and this a true large arbor. Interesting in that it doesn't have drag system, just a spool overrun. To convert hand retrieves, you just turn it around! ps. don't know if you saw it but Orvis has CFOs at 40% off through the month.

[Hairstacker]

John, I know you said backing is not an issue, but if you're looking at a "true large arbor" reel, I imagine you would be able to fit very little if any backing on a 2-3-4 reel loaded with a WF6F line.

[john]

Well, the 456 holds 100yds of 20# dacron with a 5wt. The 234 holds 50yds of 4wt. If the capacities are right I've got more than enough room for a 5wt. on the 234, That, and the trout and panfish it's intended for, is why I said capacity is not an issue.

[David Lee]

Hi John . The Teton 6 LA sounds like the ticket for your rod . I own 3 Tetons and I think they are one of the best reels around at ANY price .
There are so many good fly reels out there now that the choice is yours . David

John
You will be much happier with the larger reel. The 3/4 on a 9' rod seems to make the rod tip heavy. Plus you have the ability to do much more with it. I have both the Teton and the Tioga they both work great. The cost to go up to a 6 is very little. Good fishing
Sturm

[Gregg]

Like Bill said earlier, the Tioga is phenominal for the price. I'm not too careful with my equipment and it has withstood the abuse. Although backing capacity isn't much of an issue to you, it's good to be prepared, especially with a reel with no drag like you said was the case with the OF. I'd hate to hook into an 20" rainbow by mistake and be forced to hand-line it in!