[freestoneangler]

I have a 1961 Orvis Battenkill, 8 ft. 2 pc. HCH (6/7 weight) and I'm thinking about a more classic style reel for it. Medalist immediately comes to mind, perhaps a 1492-1/2 or 1495, but what others would you recommend that won't break the bank?

 

[dead drifting into a th]

I've always liked SA System 2's for their simplistic styling and being tough as nails while heavy enough to balance out my glass rods.

Tough to go wrong with a medalist though.

edit: almost forgot, an old Young Beaudex or Pridex would also be heavy enough (probably something like a 3 1/2" wide) to balance things out, plus they sound sweet, they look classy (personally, I like them more than any Hardy I've come across), won't break the bank and won't ever break.

 

[para_adams]

+1 on the Young Bedeaux. Beautiful, heavy, decent pawl drag. And that model is reversable if you prefer LHW.

 

[Troutcreek]

You’ve gotten good advice so far. I’d also consider the Medalist 1494 or even 1494 &1/2 (the 1492 & 1/2 seems small to me). If you want a little better reel maybe a Hardy Marquis sized for a WF 6 line. These or the Scientific Anglers version can be found reasonably.
Enjoy the rod.

 

[Tom House]

About 80% of the time I use a 5wt. 100% of my 5wt time I am using a 3 1/4" Hardy Marquis #6. They come in other sizes too.

 

[Salmo_g]

A Medalist 1494 or Young will balance the rod better than a Hardy product because the Battenkill is fairly tip heavy compared to fiberglass or graphite counterparts. Still I've seen a lot of bamboo rods in that size range fitted with Hardy models from the Lightweight series to the ancient Uniqua. Actually, a Hardy Perfect will come close to balancing as well as the Medalist or Young. I always forget about Perfects because I don't do right hand wind.

Sg

 

[freestoneangler]

Had not heard of the Young Bedeaux before... will check them out. Thanks for all the suggestions.

 

[BearBio]

Orvis for an Orvis! I have a Battenkill coming for my Battenkill rod in the mail today!

Otherwise, a Hardy! Maybe a JLH, Sovereign or a Perfect, of course.

 

[Jack Devlin]

I have a 1961 Orvis Battenkill, 8 ft. 2 pc. HCH (6/7 weight) and I'm thinking about a more classic style reel for it. Medalist immediately comes to mind, perhaps a 1492-1/2 or 1495, but what others would you recommend that won't break the bank?

Medalist 1492 too small/light. 1494 probably same. 1495 should work. How about looking for an old CFO or Battenkill?

 

[BearBio]

Just got a like new Battenkill Disc for $140. Several click and pawls for less. Hardys are also going fairly cheap now but Medalists seem to be going up in price (?)

However, I also paid about $150 for my perfect a few years ago.