3M Selling Sa & Rr To Orvis

[FlyFishinFool]

FYI - The 3M Company has decided to sell Scientific Anglers and Ross Reels to Orvis

http://www.startribune.com/sports/blogs/205597691.html

[jdmidwest]

I saw that earlier this week in an Orvis news blast. I believe SA has produced their fly lines for many years. The Ross purchase may bring some new lines of reels to Orvis.

Amazingly, Orvis does not really manufacture much of their products outside of the rods. Wapsi supplies them with materials, waders and boots are outsourced and labeled Orvis, their hooks are made by several companies, and reels were made in England for a long time. But, no matter where it was made, the Orvis Co has stood behind the products they sell with excellent customer service and warranties.

[Wayne SW/MO]

I think it can only help improve the products. 3M isn't driven by the industry like Orvis is.

[Brian Wise]

I think it can only help improve the products. 3M isn't driven by the industry like Orvis is.

That is a great way to look at it.

I think the irony is in the fact that SA "changed the world of fly lines" and introduced Sharkskin----and that was ultimately their downfall. Seriously, if you think about it they fell off the face of the earth after everyone figured out that Sharkskin was a horrible fly line as a whole. In the meantime Rio and Airflo made leaps and bounds in their manufacturing. I still think GPX is one of the best lines that was ever made, but I haven't bought an SA line in YEARS.

[jdmidwest]

When I think of Sharkskin, I think abrasive. Not a good picture to draw in the mind regarding fly lines.

[Flysmallie]

I've used a sharkskin 5 wt for years. No problems with it but I don't fish it that hard. Bought a SA textured 8 wt line last year that I really like. Not bad stuff.

[fishinwrench]

Anybody have an opinion on the NEW Rio Grand?

As I understand it is now a full size heavy, instead of 1/2 like the original grand. My 7 loves the original grand....but now it's time for a fresh one.

I wish they'd just leave things alone, I hate change!

[Greasy B]

I just put a new Rio Grand on my 3 wt. Even on this light rod being a full size heavy is hardly perceivable, for me anyway. So far I like it.

[Brian Wise]

I've used a sharkskin 5 wt for years. No problems with it but I don't fish it that hard. Bought a SA textured 8 wt line last year that I really like. Not bad stuff.

The main thing SA was touting when Sharkskin first came out was the floatability....they test these lines in the lab on still water. The diameter of SS is so thin that as soon as it hits what I like to call "Sexy Riffle Water" it gets knocked under the surface and can't make it back to the surface. In my opinion it is one of the worst floating nymphing lines I have ever seen. Now, I will defenitely say that it shoots line LIKE CRAZY making it a pretty solid "floating" streamer line--except for the fact that it burns the crap out of your fingers.

I have used the textured line on heavier line-weights and don't have an issue with it at all, I actually think it is pretty good stuff and was pretty happy that they decided to get away from this "floatability" sales pitch and went to a "shootability" for streamer-type fishing and add sink-tips to the options as these textured lines are best at sinking.

I wish they'd just leave things alone, I hate change!

AGREEEEED!! Add new lines now and then but don't change our favorite lines!!

[Flysmallie]

Brian, I agree, it doesn't float any better than anything else. And I never catch anything big enough to burn my fingers.