I can't understand why everyone is hung up on "bar stock" reels. I fish 2, 8/9
Orvis Battenkills on 2 Trident rods and I have NEVER had a problem. I have read
about "warped" reels. I say don't drop them on the ground and they won't warp.
I have landed 4 albies over 12 lbs. in one day. The reel is still true. Tons
of bass and blues, and yes it's still not "warped". For $120 and about $35-40
for a spare spool, you can have a very good setup. With spools that inexpensive
I keep 1 for each line. It's makes life easy. Also they require almost no care
just a quick rinse after use. You can spend more on another reel and impress
the guys at the fly shop, but the money you save means less O.T. at work
and more time fishing.