I was recently looking for a 'workhorse' type 5wt reel for a Winston DL4 I picked up this winter. I happened to get an advert email from Leland/Red Truck about their new Diesel reels around the same time.
I ordered a 5/6 model which arrived earlier this week. I haven't fished it yet but I am very pleased with it so far. It's like they took the best of the Hardy JLH and Marquis and added a little of their own design and modern manufacturing. It's sort of like a JLH with a palming rim on the spool with nice anodizing and all the rough 90deg angles rounded off. The only plastic in the whole reel is the handle.
I'm still thinking about my 'dream reel' for my 'dream rod' a recently acquired Tom Morgan but for fishing in the in the meantime, I think I'll probably order another Diesel in smaller size.
I have no connection with Leland other than being a satisfied customer. And again, I haven't fished it yet but from my initial inspection, I like this reel better than the Hardy Lightweights, Marquis, Islander IRs, Abel TR/Creek or Redlington CT all of which I have owned & fished in various sizes. It's not a Perfect or a Bougle(my fave) but I don't think it was meant to be.
Switch/spey sizes should be coming soon.
Given a choice, I'll always support my local retailer, Avid Angler, because they are just plain fantastic. However, I'm impressed with Leland as a retailer so far. The hand written thank you note in the box is a classy touch. They seem to be in touch with their core customer base.
I ordered a 5/6 model which arrived earlier this week. I haven't fished it yet but I am very pleased with it so far. It's like they took the best of the Hardy JLH and Marquis and added a little of their own design and modern manufacturing. It's sort of like a JLH with a palming rim on the spool with nice anodizing and all the rough 90deg angles rounded off. The only plastic in the whole reel is the handle.
I'm still thinking about my 'dream reel' for my 'dream rod' a recently acquired Tom Morgan but for fishing in the in the meantime, I think I'll probably order another Diesel in smaller size.
I have no connection with Leland other than being a satisfied customer. And again, I haven't fished it yet but from my initial inspection, I like this reel better than the Hardy Lightweights, Marquis, Islander IRs, Abel TR/Creek or Redlington CT all of which I have owned & fished in various sizes. It's not a Perfect or a Bougle(my fave) but I don't think it was meant to be.
Switch/spey sizes should be coming soon.
Given a choice, I'll always support my local retailer, Avid Angler, because they are just plain fantastic. However, I'm impressed with Leland as a retailer so far. The hand written thank you note in the box is a classy touch. They seem to be in touch with their core customer base.