[Matt Roelofs]

I'm looking to upgrade the reel for my 4wt set-up (Z-Axis) and am interested in opinions from the collective. My current reel is a Ross CLA and I'm interested in stepping up a notch or two in terms of fit and finish. All of this was started when I borrowed a friends 6wt with a Bauer Mackenzie Superlite and I was amazed at how precise and solid the reel felt compared to my CLAs (I have another on my 6wt). So, the Superlite is on my list of possibilities along with the Galvan Torque, Nautilus FW, Ross Evolution LT or Vexsis, and the Lamson-Waterworks Litespeed. Any thoughts? Other choices I should consider in the $250-$350 range? Thanks in advance!

 

[Yak]

Looks like you are headed for disc drag models and the ones you list are great choices. I prefer a simple click on my 4 wt and the Abel TR1 or TR2 is a really nice choice for a click reel. Orvis CFO and Sage Click or 3100/3200 would also be nice choices. I'm sure you will get some other suggestions...

 

[Mumbles]

I am no expert but these are ones I have for holding line and use on my 4wts:
Marryat Baby, Orvis Battenkill Large Arbor II (older version), Galvan Standard 2.75 and Sage 3200.
Those with drags are generally set low to prevent overrun only. The BKLA II and 3200 are very large arbor reels so they pick it up fast. Galvan has the most classic reel appeal and is super compact, yet holds enough backing for trout. The Marryat in unported gold looks killer on light bamboo. I have not had any problem with any of these reels and when I fish for trout it is amost always with a 4wt.

 

[Skysoldier]

This is a funny question Matt because we all have an opinion on what is good or the best. That said I am a big fan of Ross Reels, I have a few that are 10-15 years old and work as well as the day I bought them and for that reason when I added a 5wt Z-Axis rod to my collection I picked up a Ross Vexsis and have been very happy with its performance. Worth the price IMHO.

 

[dogsnfish]

I bought a couple of Abel super 4's on closeout. Around $300 to $330. Found them at a couple of different places.

 

[Brookie_Hunter]

If I was going to spend that kind of change on a reel, I'd be looking at a Hardy reel.....a Bougle MKVI, Lightweight or Marksman

 

[Paul Voelker]

I've always admired the Loop Opti Creek but I would also look at the Sage Click for a 4 wt. I have a Sage 4500 CF and it is a great reel and really light.

 

[jasmillo]

That is a lot of $$ to spend on a reel for a 4 weight. As many have said before, you will not really use the benefits of an expensive reel (advanced drag system, etc.) on a 4 weight set-up. I have always gone midrange on anything 5 weight or lower. I tend to lean towards durability versus bells and whistles, and there are a ton of durable, very functional reels in the $75 - $150 range.

That being said, if you have the cash and it is burning a whole in you pocket, who am I to tell someone how to spend their cash. All the suggestions above are strong ones.

 

[mrpunkin]

Maybe I just don't understand the interest in a 4wt super-reel but I have never felt like I lack anything with my Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock III I have on my 4wt.

 

[Chad Lewis]

I'd second the advice for a click-pawl design on a 4 weight. I have c/p's on two different rods; a Sage Click on a 4 wt and an Hardy LHR Lightweight on a 5wt 'glass rod. At that line weight, there's not much call for a drag system. I also like the sound and "feel" of using c/p reels. Call it nostalgia.

I'd recommend either the Sage or Hardy, based on personal experience. The Sage is scary light, and the Hardy is ultra-classic in appearance. Both solid choices.

 

[Matt Roelofs]

Wow - I'm surprised it took 4 or 5 replies before someone chimed in with the 'I wouldn't spend that much on a reel for a 4 wt.' comment I even thought of preempting that by revealing that I use a Mac, have an iPhone and drive a Volkswagen - all of which would have revealed that I'm willing to pay unreasonable premiums to get something with nice design and only marginal (at best) performance improvements. The problem for me is that with the closest shop (short of crossing the border) over 60 miles away means I need to plan my shopping outings more carefully. So I try to narrow down my choices before I head out and then come up with a plan that lets me see as many choices in as few stops as possible. I was hoping that folks could point me to other brands I should consider in case that effects said plan...

 

[brownheron]

I have a very nice benchmade Ted Godfrey 2.75" in the classifieds...

http://www.washingtonflyfishing.com/board/showthread.php/71113-FS-Godfrey-Classic-275-Reel

 

[Trout Master]

I just bought some (4) Allen reels from our site sponser. They are for my 4wt rods. One for my GLX 4wt and the others for my GL3's . For the price $60.00 each they are just as nice or better than my reels I used before, Lampson and orvis.

 

[Chad Lewis]

I'm sure you'll find the Sage Click and Hardy Lightweight sufficiently well made, over-engineered and spendy. I sure did. (I'm typing this on my Macbook Pro and right after this I'm gonna jump in the M3, go to Starbucks and Facebook on my iPhone).

If you really want a drag, I've a Galvan Standard that's been with me since day one. Great reels. I also have a Torque; it's a little lighter and much better looking, but functionally identical. I think the standard Galvans are one of the best deals going for a quality reel. I also have a Litespeed, but it's a 10 weight and yet to be used, so no first-hand comments on it except that it's really sexy. Planning on puttin' the hurt on some chum with that one.

I know what you mean about the CLA's. I bought one for an 8 weight, and immediately noticed the difference compared to the Galvans. There's nothing wrong with the CLA, but you can tell that the tolerances aren't kept as close and that the drag isn't as good as a more expensive reel. To me (and a lot of others) not a big deal on a smaller setup, but for a salmon rod it's noticeable. Wish I'd bought a better reel for that rod.

Again, IMO you should look at a few c/p reels before deciding. Happy spending- fly shops love guys like us.

 

[Brookie_Hunter]

Wow - I'm surprised it took 4 or 5 replies before someone chimed in with the 'I wouldn't spend that much on a reel for a 4 wt.' comment I even thought of preempting that by revealing that I use a Mac, have an iPhone and drive a Volkswagen - all of which would have revealed that I'm willing to pay unreasonable premiums to get something with nice design and only marginal (at best) performance improvements. The problem for me is that with the closest shop (short of crossing the border) over 60 miles away means I need to plan my shopping outings more carefully. So I try to narrow down my choices before I head out and then come up with a plan that lets me see as many choices in as few stops as possible. I was hoping that folks could point me to other brands I should consider in case that effects said plan...

A less expensive alternative to the Hardy's would be a J. Austin Forbes Avon reel.

http://cgi.ebay.com/J-AUSTIN-FORBES...08546835QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0

http://cgi.ebay.com/3-J-AUSTIN-FORB...477?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item35ac12425d

 

[Stew McLeod]

I interchange my Vosseler RC2L between my 3wt and 4wt. Great little reel that is both gorgeous and functional.

Stew

 

[Mark Walker]

Look into one of these and a spare spool. Even the GPX (less $) spool will fit the GPR reels.
Save yourself some $$. These will gone be soon and will only increase in value down the road. (IMO)
I thinkk they are fine, underated reel.

http://www.albrightflyfish.com/fly-reels/gpx-fly-reels.html

 

[bitterroot]

I'd recommend an Orvis Battenkill 3/4 click drag. I own one but am still waiting for the above poster to send it to me. :rofl:

 

[Mark Walker]

Oh man..I just finished that batch of teriyaki this morning and had to spend some of the measley $100 you gave me for the reel to buy containers for it and the hot-wing sauce. Then I get to spend more of it to ship it to your inept sauce-making ass.
All of this abuse for some guy who's supposedly is gonna BBQ ass whip me?
:rofl::rofl::rofl:

Stew..you want a good deal on a Orvis/Hardy 3/4wt?:thumb:

 

[bitterroot]

Better not spend too much of that $100 until you see if the check clears!!!:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: