Redington Reel opinions

[bottleofdog]

I am looking for serious opinions on Redingtons AL series fly reels. I own an AL 9/10. I have landed schoolie stripers on it. But nothing that has really "Tested" the reel. I just bought an AL 7/8 from Orivis (I read the long thread on here from a week ago). The spool on the 7/8 is "out of round" if you know what I mean. It rubs at a certain section when reeling in.

I took it to my fly shop today and the guy there had some VERYstrong things to say about Jim Murphy personally and his products. (Not good comments either).

I know Redington is very well known for their customer service but what about their products? This brand new out of the box reel is already "imperfect". I dont even have line and backing on it yet. I dont have tons of $ and was hoping this reel would serve me well. Doesnt appear as if it will.

Questions
1. Is it worth a call to Orvis or Redington to discuss what to do with the reel? I know they is no garuentee on these anymore. What should I do?

2. Doesnt this say something about a company when a product is made so poorly?

3. What are your experiences with these reels? The guy in the flyshop said he never saw one that wasnt a problem. But form reading last weeks thread...its seems like some of you have had good experiences.

Thanks

[paul66]

I talked with my friend at a local Orvis shop( real straight shooter and very experienced FF) , he didnt have any to sell me but he had a good opion of Reddington reels, he said they are not the "top of the line" but are a good value. I tried to order a 9/10 large arbor but they are all gone !

bummer !

I am getting a Tioga instead, got 2 of em and love em !!!

I am pretty sure Orvis will exchange the damaged goods for you , return it

Good luck !!

[RufThumb]

Sorry to hear you ended up w/ a poor reel out of the box - I agree w/ Paul66 - Orvis should be good about you returning it.

I happen to have several Red. reels, 3 of which are in the AL series. All continue to perform well. The 9/10 and has been stress tested on 10lb+ Blues, Albies, Tarpon and Bone's (I have yet to hook a big bass with it). The drag has held up fine. Like most reels, just keep it away from sand and keep it clean. If I need to get anotehr reel, it will likely be a Redington.

Back to the Orvis return - Because your going back to them and given your price range, I'd consider their large arbored Battenkill reels. Seem like a good design and value. Perhaps other RT'ers have experience with this model.

Good luck

[sterlings]

Have the orvis large arbor reel and love it.

great design, and smart features.

I highly recommend it.

[kirk]

Have a AL 9/10

have had no problems with it, taken many many fish with it, including a 35+lb yellowfin. As ruffthumb said, with some care, they are fine reels, especially for the price right now.

With a product with close tolerances, it is not inconceivable for one to be out of true. Give them a call, it is at least worth that much.

my .02

kirk

[sage fly guy]

I own 3 different sizes up to 11/12. My personal experience has been fantastic. Awesome price point. Have landed 3 40 inch stripers off South Beach, Chatham on 3 consecutive casts from 25-30 feet of water. Never a problem. Minimum care keeps them good as new.

[mojosage]

I had a 7/8 that must have been from the reject pile also -- the drag got stiff after a few days on the water -- couldn't loosen it. I also always soaked and oiled the reel (maybe a Saturday with only a rinse), but some of the stainless started to rust. Redington took it back, replaced most of the stainless components (I guess some of the early models had some problems) and sent it back to me.

Redington was great in trying to fix the problem, they offered a new one, but by that time I had lost confidence in the reel. Shop I bought it from gave me a full refund and I bought a Bauer that I love (never thought they were tough, but they are a great reel, especially for a 7 wt.).

I also own a Redington rod -- Redington was the poor company that had to live through my learning how to flyfish. I busted that rod probably three times in the first two years I owned it -- always got a new one fast.

Give them a chance to fix it -- if it doesn't work out, I know they will make it right somehow.