Charlton reels

[spkldtrout]

I'm looking for an 8450C 3/4 or 5/6 spool. These are practically impossible to find now that 3M has decided to let this product line die. I ordered spools twice from shops that said they have one only to find they didn't have them after waiting several weeks for the order to show up :mad: . I prefer new or mint condition. I'm also looking for an 8550C bonefish spool but these appear to be non-existent. I waited too long on both counts. :eek:

[JimC]

try these guys www.just-reels.com

[Mary Islet]

I'm looking for an 8450C 3/4 or 5/6 spool.

Spkldtrout,

First try Jim Willaims at Just-Reels.com. If he doesn't have anything then check Ebay flyfishing using Charlton as a search word. I believe there are a couple of 8450C spools up for bid, but you may have to pay a good price for them. By the way, if you are looking for 8450C/8550C spools, I assume you are very happy with Charlton reels. Could you share some comments on this reel? I would be most interested!

Best ...... Mary

[deano]

These are the only reels that I have used and can comment on. I have several of the 8550C's and 8500 1.2 and .8's and I have never seen a better reel. The repeatable drag settings are the most useful feature IMO. Being able to drop the drag to minimum and strip off line very quickly w/ no backlash and then go to exactly 3.5lbs of drag (and up to 12lbs w/ the 8500's or 16lbs w/ the 8550C's) is handy. There is also the easy cleaning at the end of the day. Pop apart the spool and frame and there are no other parts - rinse and dry. The only exposed screws are on the reel foot. Did I mention the extremely smooth carbon fiber drag? I would like to know what my reels are worth though I doubt I'd part with any of them. I see someone is inquiring about Charltons above. I paid $899.00 for my last 8550C about 5 years ago and, I believe, $600.00 for all the 8500's. The last 8550C I saw went for about $1650.00. It would be nice to know that my hobby ended up being a decent investment. I have never had a single problem with these reels and I believe they will last a few lifetimes. I know where 2 8500 1.2 reels are available but I am not sure about the price. I think it was $800.00. If I needed another 8500, I'd buy one of these even at that price.

[RIRed]

Check out ebay, four for sale right now. --127-3-

[JoeJ]

Try Streams of Dreams in Upper Saddle River,NJ

[PeteV]

Have any of you tried a Seamaster Mark II....how do you think that would compare to a Charlton?

[formula1]

I don't know about fit and finish of Seamaster versus Charlton but in terms of drag design a simple fact and you can be the judge - Abel reels essentially copied the drag from Seamaster since it is not a patented design. Abel reels use this cork drag to good effect but it is still based on a decades old design while the Charlton's is the product of current technology and from all I can find out the Charlton's is superior...you be the judge.

[FlyFishMich]

Great Lakes Flyfishing Company (http://www.troutmoor.net)

They have a pretty good inventory of Charlton, last I checked.