New rod

[Iasgair]

I know collectors always gravitate to the Hardy classics but I wouldn't discount the far more affordable and equally practical reels from JWYoung, Sharpes, Grice&Young etc in the 31/4" to 31/2" narrow sizes (I actually prefer a slightly bigger than generally accepted fly reel diameter as I find the cutesy 'midge' sized reels overly slow on the retrieve and bad for inducing line memory on modern lines). If I can help find you one on this side of the pond just ask Iasgair

That is very kind of you. Thank you very much for the offer.

I have heard of the JW Young reels before but not of the others.
I will certainly keep your offer in mind.

[Silfield]

Another possibility is the 80's/90's made Orvis Battenkill's which I think were made by Hardy's/Youngs. I have a few of these and cant fault them (the drag is good as well!)
A nice traditional looking reel.

[Iasgair]

Another possibility is the 80's/90's made Orvis Battenkill's which I think were made by Hardy's/Youngs. I have a few of these and cant fault them (the drag is good as well!)
A nice traditional looking reel.

I looked at the Battenkill's and I like the looks of them along with their performance.

I did get my Pflueger Medalist the other day and one of the things I like about it is it's a click and pawl, so no drag system except my hand, so I'll be fishing the way it was back in the early 1900's. Just like Brad Pitt in A River Runs Through It.

[Barbellina]

That Sir, is a thing of beauty. You are a lucky man, I hope it fishes as good as it looks

[Martin James]

Have you looked at the small size Ross reel, I have several ross reels and find they are a quality product.

[Iasgair]

That Sir, is a thing of beauty. You are a lucky man, I hope it fishes as good as it looks

Thank you. This is my third split bamboo rod from this maker. I trust his work and every time he has hit the nail on the head for what I want. Plus he's affordable for the common man. But this rod was the most expensive so far.

Have you looked at the small size Ross reel, I have several ross reels and find they are a quality product.

I have a few Ross reels on my other rods. Ross reels and Scott rods, both made in Colorado are a married couple. But like everything, Ross reels have gone up in price. I wanted something other than a large arbor reel because in the USA they just dint look right on a cane rod. The reel I got is a classic and it looks right. This is my first Medalist reel, so if I don't like it I may switch to a Teton reel or a Aspen. I love Ross reels, but to pay over $300 is not what I need.