8 Wt. Fly Reels

[txspecks04]

I am looking to pick up an 8 weight reel that could double for saltwater and fresh; it will be used primarily in freshwater for various types of bass fishing (striper, white bass, largemouth, etc), but it may see inshore saltwater fishing 1-2 times a year for speckled trout, redfish, flounder and other inshore species. Really don't want to spend more than $250.

I have been looking at the Hardy/Greys GRXi (which comes standard with THREE spare spools) and it looks like it might be a good deal. Anyone have any experience with these? I would love to hear of any reels that you all might recommend for the conditions given above.

Thanks,

tx

[tippet7]

I have a 5/6 reel and Love it! I also have a 7wt rod from them, soon as next spring rolls around and i have some more $$$ i am going to pick up the matching reel.

https://www.wildwaterflyfishing.com/XGD_Series_Fly_Reels.html

[Randall]

I don't have any experience with the Hardy reels but I have a Lamson Konic on my 7-weight (Konic 3.5 7-8 weight) that I absolutely love. I have used it in both fresh and saltwater so I doubt you'll have a need it won't satisfy. They don't come with spare spools but you can pick them up for something like $70. The reel itself is around $130.

I will advise you to find a demo model and get it wet. I liked my Orvis Battenkill Mid-Arbor until I got it wet and the drag loosened terribly then tightened back up when it dried.

[fishgypsy]

I agree with the Lamson Konic- it has an excellent drag system which will really help with the bigger species, like redfish and stripers. And it's pretty affordable too, compared to many of your other options for saltwater reels.

[Geoff]

I just finished shopping for an 8 weight reel. I had boiled it down to the Konic and the Sage 1680. The konic is nice because it has a really nice, very expensive drag in it, however the price is not reflecting n that at all. I went with the Sage 1680 because of two things, one it was 50 bucks cheaper , which fit my current budget at the time ( i.e. the not angry wife budget )and it is lighter. Plus another advantage is it will accept ALL sage spools, and a 1680 spool is only 40 bucks for another one. the drag is pretty nice, smooth and easy to adjust.

http://www.allenflyfishing.com/xl.html

There is another option, i will be picking up a 3weight reel from them after the first of the year when they come out. They have a nice drag, and they are made in America buy that guy. Plus if you befriend that company on facebookyou get a nice discount on stuff.

[trout fanatic]

Add me to the Konic fan club. Presently own the 3.5 for my 8 wt and will be getting a smaller one for my 6 wt reel soon. I really like the cone drag. I set it and it stays where I put it (as opposed to my Battenkill that seems to wander at will)

[OKFlyFisher44]

If you don't want to spend a load of $$$, check out the Albright GPX fly reel. Albright has all of their stuff on closeout right now. I have the GPX reel on my 4 weight and I love it. I'm a Ross fan myself, but this reel was a great buy. I'm thinking about buying one of their spey rods and another GPX reel to put on it to have as a toy to play around with while chasing stripers this spring on the Lower Illinois...

Just a thought if you want to save some serious $$$...

[txspecks04]

Thanks for the tips guys! Ended up checking out the link that tippet7 put up and they had 7/8 weight reels that looked to be pretty good (only downside was that they were a bit heavier than the Konic). The real kicker was that they had the reel on clearance for $50 so with shipping and everything I got the reel for about half the cost of the Konic. So I decided to take the chance based on tippet7's recommendation. I will let you all know how it works out.

Thanks again,

tx

[tippet7]

I think you will be more than pleased with the reel! they are just a tad heavier, but you will be impressed with the drag and how the reel feels on the rod.

[strangercreek]

You can find the Lamson Radius reels all over ebay brand new for around $130. I just bought one for my 8wt, and I am very impressed by the fit and finish/feel/weight/drag etc. This reel is fully machined (to me that doesn't really matter though). The Konic would be good to, but you can get a radius for the same price right now (they are discontinued).