Have You Ever Bought A Reel You Just Didnt Like ?

[FlyFishinFool]

Many years ago I bought a White River (Bass Pro) Hobbs Creek reel as a backup for an extended trip.

Basically the entire reel was cheaper than buying a spare spool for the Orvis reel I already had.

I just did not like the way the reel balanced/handled or how it looked - bought it because it was cheap!

Lesson learned, if you don't love it when you buy it,it does not get any better with time!

[Brian K. Shaffer]

I only had one reel I bought on the cheap and was never all that impressed by it.

It actually had a plastic clutch that would burn / melt up when salmon would make screaming runs.

They are still sold under many names. eBay sellers still get $40-50-60 for them.

If you want to know what it is - shoot me a message.

[vanven]

I hated my Orvis Battenkill reel. It constantly required oil and would allow grit into the drag. The slightest dunk or pebble would cause it to seize.

[Greasy B]

I had a Battenkill reel. It came brand new with no lubricant on the spindle, froze up the first couple of times I used it. Never again Orvis. I have an Abel reel that doesn’t allow me the full range of drag settings. When it’s set in its lightest position it’s about two clicks too tight for fighting a fish and another two clicks from over running. It’s as though the clown who designed it figured he knew more setting drag than me. Never again Able. I have two Lamson reels. These reels are the perfect example of form follows function, flawless.

[BackCastingGolfer]

I hated my Orvis Battenkill on my little 4wy at first, it was too loud...clipped the click pin...problem solved! I love it now never had a problem...but then again it is my little creek rod...but I have laded a couple of fish over 10 lbs on it.

[drew03cmc]

Greasy B, if it is a click pawl drag Abel, tweak the spring. Tune the resistance on your lightest setting to suit yourself, or send me the reel and I will put it to work

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think it often depends on the fish. A fresh steelhead can put any reel to the test.

I've got some AT Harts that have smooth drags out of the gate and an original Ross that doesn't like to hurry.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

You're talking The Ross Reel.... the original first ones.. like this :

[gramps50]

Back in Nov, I bought a Diwa Sliver spin cast with #8 or #10 line don't remeber which. After about 2 weeks if fishing it had worn a groove by the pickup pin. It would then either hang when casting or actually cut the line.

I emailed Diwa and the did send me a new cap with the take up pin but in the mean time I decided to return for a refund.