Cheap Fly Fishing Reels vs Mid Priced vs Expensive Fly Fishing Reels

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

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[@alfredeneuman6966]

I have Lamson, Teton, Orvis, Abel fly reels. MId range some Scientific Angler, Reddington, and Martin. I also have some less expensive machined reels from China. Most seem to work fairly well. I have a classic Bill Ballan that works quite well, and another where the tolerances are rather poor. The biggest issue I have run into is with classic fly reels with screws instead of a quick release spool mechanism. If line is stuck in the spool with a classic reel with screws, you're in for a mess on stream. Someone at a fly shop told me many fly reels are made overseas nowadays in China or Korea. So while someone may smirk that you got a lesser name reel from China, they might be using a brand name also made in China. The bigger question might be who is overseeing the manufacturing of the reel and will they stand behind it.

[@ericnortan9012]

all my fly reels are around $50. They all are great. I own a Penn Battle 3 spinning reel that was over $100 and an Okuma Coldwater that was $150, but everything else is in the $50-$100 zone. I have an Okuma Integrity 9wt that I use for Salmon. It does a great job, though one day I caught 9 Atlantics (best day ever) and smoked the little rubber nipples that push on the drag. Okuma sent me replacements for free. I also use their DX's for trolling walleye, salmon, lakers, etc. I live in Alpena, MI. We have about every type of inland fishing there is, plus Lake Huron so I have multiple types of fishing rigs, it helps to keep costs down.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Great bits of kit ahead of their times really!

[@toddr2265]

I just caught a 40 inch tarpon on a $49 Max catch reel in St Thomas a couple months ago and it worked like a charm. It doesn't have a sealed drag so i made sure to clean it well after using it that day. It's still in great shape. If i did that kind of fishing more often I'd invest in a tougher, more expensive sealed drag reel.

[@missiondiscover]

I picked up a 30 dollar reel for my 2wt...thought it would be perfect because of how little I actually use the reel for anything other than holding line, and when I got it I was extremley surprised at how good it was...great casting, good tolerances, actually has a name brand (angler dream), good die casting, great drag and very light.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

That’s great! It is all about getting out and enjoying the water!

[@juanito3821]

@mission you got a link for product?

[@sdriza]

Thanks - I picked up the same one based on your comment (in part) and you're right....

[@niltonc.7333]

I will never understand why someone would pay more than $150 for a fly reel .

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Different strokedss for different folks, but if they want certain aspects, they can expect differences in reels at SOME pricepoints. Thanks for stopping by! Please consider subscribing, and tight lines! 🤙

[@JohnJames.]

I wanted a cartridge style reel, to replace my old dragonfly bfr made in England, got the Grey's 5678 on sale for 129, regular 179, came with four cartridges and a nice case , I'm happy with it for being what it is. Just got a new orvis battenkill 3/4 and fenwick iron feather 4wt

[@nathancottrill1363]

Well I for one love Click Pawl Reels. It’s all I use for Trout and Smallmouth here in Colorado. I have an Orvis CFO Reel (USA) $330 and a Hardy (Made in England) Marquis 5lwt reel at 420$. They are impeccable n design and use. And will last many lifetimes. Comes with a lifetime Warranty and have a timeless quality of greatness. They’ve been made for many many many decades and practically unchanged. I highly recommend them. Precision Quality and a fair price.

[@sdriza]

Heirloom type quality to pass down to future generations.... (assuming they care enough to know the difference between an Abel and a Maxcatch...)

[@gallie319]

@@nathancottrill1363same here

[@randellgribben9772]

i have 5 reels made in s. korea.. they are called ' tail ' reels,, bought them from maxcatch perhaps a update here...4 are tail reels from maxcatch 1 is a TFO nxt reel. i bought in s, korea... i bought all of them from the factory store... my tfo nxtreel.. works great..4 of the tail maxcatch reels work great also,, but one of the tail maxcatch reels,, inside the box... had a warrenty from tfo reels and instuctions from tfo... guess what they are the same reels.. 1 of the tail reels is a 5 weight as is the tfo nxt.. all the part are interchangeable the tfo reel cost between 75 to 99 $ the maxcatch tail reels 35 to 55$

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Quite a few companies still use that factory. Some are switching now. Time will tell

[@Charsept]

All my reels are $16-100 They've served me well (expect for one that was $26. I don't enjoy using that one)

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

You win some you lose some with reels in that cost class. You seem to have been served well so far!

[@SirPraiseSun]

thank u for clearing this up i really couldnt wrap my head around buying a 500 dollar reel or even any over 100 just seems like a waste of money or a rich person thing to do just a brand name

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

NP! Definitely a difference at times, albeit often marginal.

[@rudyruiz9521]

Enjoyed the video, I think the reel is the least important part of the setup for 90% or more of fly fisherman. The only exception (even for larger fish) would be saltwater imo. Maybe splurge for a sealed drag. A pretty blanket statement but unless you are always into the backing on big, big fish I think it is a better investment to spend the money of a few quality lines and extra spools.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Agreed that for 90% of anglers fishing for bass and trout the reel holds line, but for larger gamefish or light tippet applications, a reel matters more than the typical small trout and panfish rods. :) thanks so much for watching!

[@joshuathomas4934]

I just bought a 5wt 8.6 TKO rod for 150 dollars. I want to get back into fly fishing. I’d fish for rainbow trout, brook trout and fall fish in small streams. There are too many options out there for reels. I don’t want a piece of crap but I don’t want to go broke on a reel. No clue what to buy. I’d say I’d be willing to pay 120.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

As long as you get out there happily I’d say!

[@JamesGreenbaum]

What was the 3rd reel that you were handling ? The high end reel ?

[@momo89shine]

For a fly reel I can order one from Amazon for 30 bucks if anything go wrong with my fly reel one day shipping. I put more money into spinning reel or baitcaster reel from Japan

[@thomasgibbons353]

Good Scoop, thanks TT.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

🤙 you bet. Tigjt lines

[@WaschyNumber1]

Every product have to have at least 1 years warranty in the EU, Dosen't matter how cheap the product is. And you will pay always more money for longer warranty time.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

For sure!

[@natetrawick1037]

Hey man! I’m looking for a quality reel with sealed drag I’d prefer machined as opposed to cast. I’d like to keep the price as close to 200 as possible. I’m fishing for striped bass. What would you recommend?

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

I personally am in love with both the Qualifly Razorback and the Carbontech by Qualifly as well. Most companies like Cheeky even will offer a sealed variety as well.

[@1Troutguy]

Have you looked at Teton reels? Machined, large arbor, lifetime warranty, free shipping.

[@MrMick9991]

Hi, I brought a chinnese fly reel that that has a plastic bearing holder in the spool, rollers are mounted in plastic like.Anybody know how long this will last.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Depends on how much use it gets I bet.

[@Hackberryofficer]

That’s a nice reel you have in blue. 500 dollars?

[@winters49670]

Love these guys

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

🤙

[@Matthew_Patterson56]

There is no substitute for a high end reel ($500+). You get on a big fish or really any fish in the tropics and you’ll appreciate it. My first trip to the BVI I had a sub $200 reel and the first fish I hooked the drag was smoked. Some times you have to spend the money. Cheap Chinese made reels are a waste of money if you’re planning on them doing more than holding your line.

[@mcm740]

Finally an honest guy.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

I try! 👍

[@tomwiggins1225]

A Chevy and a BMW will both get you from A to B. But which one would you rather drive?

[@llucq1]

Thanks, that's what I've been drilling into. They're all made in China with different names. probably from the same factory

[@soundbwoikilla764]

IMO and experience, it's stupid to spend more than $100 on a trout reel. There are a few reels $35-$70 (e.g., Maxcatch, Piscifun) that will perform just as well as any $300-$500 reel. Who wants to worry and baby a $500 reel (or $150 reel for that matter) on the water? Expensive reels are for fly fishers who glamp. If you've ever changed or restrung your leader in a rocky stream or if you've ever slipped and had to toss the rod you understand what I mean.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

I agree with most of this!

[@RGJR02]

How’s that razorback reel?

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Im impressed and it is nice to adjust on the fly if need be

[@focodave135]

Where can I buy the budget reel? Can you share the link?

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Here is the one in the video: cookandworshamrodco.com/shop/ols/products/invitation-fly-reel

[@vladimirlopez7840]

That link for the budget reel shows the reel but no information on line size I have no idea if it’s a 5/6 or what it is.

[@cryptocorey8582]

Standard Orvis clearwater reel. American made, not over priced, quality company. $100 reel you can't beat performance for price.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Great reel. Im not sure it is American made however. They are made overseas and imported. Great reel though.

[@cryptocorey8582]

@@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors their website says made in America but this is America so Americans lie. It is great tho. Might get a dirt cheap one for my son to learn and rest it out in ocean surf fishing.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

I say go for it! The website says Designed in Vermont, (Manchester I believe) but imported. Regardless, solid bit of kit! Can’t go wrong.

[@Shawn-ts4jw]

FYI, American made is not a plus, that's a negative.

[@Shawn-ts4jw]

I have only had American made reels fail on me, but not China or Korean made reel, why is that??

[@WaschyNumber1]

Many Companies letting pay many times more money for ther brand name.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

100% sometimes

[@jordanrowe9097]

The poor guy in the video missed a guide when lining his rod. We as "guides" or advocates of the sport must ensure the people we're teaching don't inadvertently/ accidentally destroy their gear due to something so simply overlooked...

[@FigRko]

Hi. What’s the reel being used @2:46. Please, thank you

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

That is the Qualifly Reels Maverick in a 6 wt i believe

[@worthey11]

So where's the reel in the picture

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

That is a Qualifly Razorback! Priced between the most expensive shown and the mid priced shown. Thanks for stopping by!

[@danreid6712]

TFO nxt reel

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Great choice

[@valruscheniko2321]

It’s all brand BS! The fish can’t tell the difference, and that’s what cuts the mustard.

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

There is some nuance w some brands but you are right w most

[@kekoamaunakea4473]

🙏🏽 Mahalo Nui Loa 🤙🏾🤎💪🏾🎣

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

🤙 Mahalo

[@Matthew_Patterson56]

Hatch or nothing…..

[@cobyporschifer221]

HOW SOME BRAND NAMES ? PRICES DON'T TELL ME 💩

[@TwigNTimberFishingOutdoors]

Well, a favorite is Qualifly