Far be it from me to bring the horrors of Bill Ruger’s ghost upon these pages, but suffice it to say that while we all know objectively that castings can produce tools of excellent finish and durability most fishermen prefer the piece of mind that comes from having our gear carved from a single piece of metal. It averaged 4.3 lbs, and had a mere .12lbs of startup inertia. GET IT?) But in return for these sacrifices we get a machined reel with beautiful looks and silky drag at a price that wont crush your marriage. Rating. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Orvis Clearwater Fly Fishing Spey Rod & Battenkill Reel Gear Review. Finish. Pre-Owned. My Battenkill II feels the perfect match for my Orvis Superfine Touch 8' 4 weight rod. 3 bids +$8.40 shipping. Simple and expensive. It boasts an affordable price tag and an eye-catching black nickel finish. Unfortunately this perfect lens costs more than your car and your partner deeply resents it’s purchase. Write a review . Ported Jewel Finish - The Battenkill’s ported jewel finish harkens back to the Battenkill reels of old. People looking for top of the line features at reasonable prices, people who like classic looks with modern conveniences, WHO SHOULDN’T BUYT IT? ... Battenkill Disc IV Spey Fly Fishing Reel. I fish Sierra streams and I have it on a St. Croix 2wt that I purchased used. The reel is built of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum with an ergonomic Delrin handle and changing from left to right hand retrieve is simple. For one, very very good products are what we people of limited time, income, and experience actually buy. This finish gives the reel a retro aesthetic while keeping it structurally strong and soundly durable. Change ). Most modern reels, with their giant arbors and euro-trash angles, have always made me feel a little like Brian Nosackpo, wandering the sidelines, muttering the most important line in sports history: “C’mon, man. The deep spool is surprisingly capacious. Extra-super-duper-low-dispersion glass doesn’t grow on trees and Germans don’t work on the cheap. Instead, a click pawl system is designed to let you control the speed of the fish by "palming" the reel. Positive click drag is simple and easy to adjust. Take a look at the price of good camera lenses. For trout anglers, the drag isn't especially important so it's not a particularly crucial thing to consider when choosing a fly reel, it's really just personal preference as far as trout are concerned. 4075850001. Buy It Now. Go figure. Yes, great reels and a timeless design, Paul. This version features a new sealed multi-stacked drag system. Or, you could click the links below to share with your friends directly. The Battenkill uses a click pawl system so there's little too go wrong or wear out. Simple, trouble free, and easily accessible in price-the ultimate in function and simplicity throughout the years. Very nice condition. Mid-arbor design with a classic look having a modern clutch and technically superior sealed-drag system based on the Hydros SL. The Orvis Access is a mid arbour reel, while the Battenkill is an old style small arbour reel. We need to get that out of the way at the beginning. The larger arbour of the Access means that line comes off in wider coils when you get closer to the spool, though at the outer edges there's very little difference. Orvis Tippet Bar. Sure, some compromises had to be made to get here. Great rod, like Dad’s more – maybe a 4wt Ateos in 8ft will be the next one. That's not bad for a mid range reel of this quality. Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email. DetailsThe Orvis Battenkill Disc fly fishing reel has gone through many changes over the years. This latest Battenkill Disc version is true to its heritage in … Iain Barr World Champion's Choice fly selection review, Orvis Clearwater Sink Tip Type III fly line review, Fulling Mill World Class V2 Fluorocarbon review, Fulling Mill Masterclass Tapered Leaders review, Orvis Hydros HD Bank Shot fly line review. Between $149-$200, depending on size, PROS? Posted on August 6, 2018 August 6, 2018 by Max Wilson. Privacy policy | orvis battenkill iv disc spey fly reel : 7-9wt The Orvis Battenkill IV Disc Spey Reel has been designed to meet the needs of novice to expert spey casters. In black nickel. The Battenkill Disc isn’t a perfect reel. 2 watchers. I've owned my Battenkill I for three years. It is designed to work in tandem with the palm of your hand. The Battenkill I, II and III cost £89 in the UK, while the larger IV model is £129 and the biggest V model is £139. Orvis Clearwater Fly Fishing Spey Rod & Battenkill Reel Gear Review. Ranging between $149-200 this is a reel you can actually buy. He writes here at Lesser Places, occasionally for Backpacker.com, and even more occasionally for scientific journals. I would replace the battenkill in a heartbeat if they were available. There's very little to go wrong, so they last for years and are very hard wearing. Orvis Frequent Flyer 7' 2 Rods Battenkill Mid Arbor III Fly Reel Bundle 3#1650 Description Orvis Frequent Flyer 7' Rod Battenkill Mid Arbor III Fly Reel Bundle Rod Features: Length: 7' Weight: 2 3/4 oz 5 wt. It features a significantly more powerful drag. Orvis BATTENKILL DISC 3/4 FLY Fishing REEL Made In England w/ WF4F Line Up for sale is this used Orvis Battenkill 3/4 Disc fly reel. orvis battenkill v disc spey fly reel : 9-11wt The Orvis Battenkill V Disc Spey Reel has been designed to meet the needs of novice to expert spey casters. Simple. It’s not easy, but it is simple– just spend time and money until perfection is attained, problem solved. Imported. The black nickel anodizing, … Disclaimer: This post, and all posts on LesserPlaces, may contain affiliate links– links that allow me to receive a small kickback at no additional cost to you when you shop through them. While I understand the allure of space-age designs in a vacuum (EDITOR’S NOTE: Hahaha, space-age designs in a vacuum, get it? In fact, I rarely see anyone at any fishery I visit playing a trout off the reel, unless it happens to take their fly at range and then runs. DID SOMEONE GIVE IT TO YOU FOR FREE? It goes something like this: First you bring in the experts to tell you what they want. Despite what you may have heard perfection isn’t all that difficult to attain. WHAT IS IT? Battenkill Disc IV Spey for line weights 5-7 (Switch or Spey), 8.9 oz., 3¾" diameter Line This Reel - When you purchase a fly line along with this reel, upon checkout simply pair the two together and choose your backing color. Orvis Battenkill Disc Fly Reel, HOW MUCH DOES IT COST? Watch; Orvis Fly Reel Battenkill 10/11 with line . Orvis Battenkill Disc Review Date: 11/26/2018. This real is incredibly durable and has the same “no start-up inertia”, fully sealed, drag system that is found on the Hydros SL. They're not designed to put the anchors on a fish like a modern day disc drag. Orvis Battenkill 3/4 Reel New Condition/ Rarely(if ever) fished Includes original reel case. Most of us learned to fish on click-and-pawl set ups, and this has given us a deep and abiding love for the click-click-click endemic to traditional reels. Watch; Orvis Battenkill 8/9 disc fly reel. He's a fly fishing addict and fishes at least once a week on both stillwaters and rivers. 00. Buy It Now +$10.00 shipping. Most of the fish I catch on it are a pound or so. Pre-Owned. Qty. This is how we keep the lights on. Compared the the traditional click-and-pawl Battenkills that Orvis has been selling since humans finished off the last woolly mammoth, these models use a disc drag system. Liked the reel so much picked the same battenkill for a Scott f583 matched up nice. I’ve fished the Battenkill mostly on an Orvis superfine 7′ 4 wt with a little bit of use on a Cabela’s Prime 6′ 3 wt, Orvis clearwater 7′ 4wt, and Cortland Brook 8.5′ 5 wt. Or, that instead of buying something that is perfect, but expensive, you’d rather have something that is only very very good, but doesn’t break the bank. Since posting, we’ve since written a long term update that focuses on durability. $130.00. There has been a long and historically successful line of Battenkill reels through Orvis history. I've had nine months of use out of mine and its coped very well and still looks pristine. Orvis Battenkill Disc Long Term Review. We also like the click and pawl sound you get with the Orvis Bettenkill. Imported. New generation of Orvis Battenkill Disc Reel. Humanity has come a long way over the past 200,000 years, so this is a pretty tall order. There is just a hint of paint wear from previous use as seen in the photos. I'm using my Battenkill on my Orvis Superfine Touch 8' 4 weight rod, and the chances of me catching something that needs a hefty drag on this outfit are pretty rare. The fully machined frame and spool offer the durability and performance expected in the Battenkill series while the mid-arbor and fully caged structure are perfectly suited for managing your line. They're both equally as lovely, but if you don't need a disc drag and don't mind the slightly noisy high pitched click as you pull off line, the Battenkill's probably ideal. Orvis Battenkill Disc IV & V Fly Fishing Spey Reel & Spool (Reel IV, 7-9) in Reels. Perfect for the light rod and small brookiess and 'bows I target. The Battenkill I, II and III all look like the Battenkill II that I own, but the Battenkill IV and V feature a different design with a solid side plate rather than one that's drilled out to keep the weight down. The Orvis Access fly reels also use a carbon and stainless steel disc drag rather than a click pawl, so they've got way more stopping power than the Battenkills. The latest version of the Orvis Battenkill Disc Reel is true to its heritage in looks and performance. We matched this rod with an Orvis battenkill V reel, which is light, durable, and proven to last the test of time. Perfection just isn’t all that interesting. In black nickel. In particular this system is based on Orvis’ top of the end model, the Hydros SL, and the result is silky perfection. Reviews Line This Reel; Shipping There has been a long and historically successful line of Battenkill reels through Orvis history. Your Rating. We need to get that out of the way at the beginning. Free Shipping when ordered from CrossCurrents Fly Shop. Orvis battenkill IV Spey Reel With Backing And Floating 7wt Line. With zippered case. 4.0 out of 5 stars 1. Last, the looks are phenomenal. Yes, with many many clicks between heavy and light you can dial in the perfect level of drag before casting, but trying to turn through all those clicks is going to be darn near impossible if you actually have a fish on that necessitates using the drag. Nice and light too, so ideal for smaller rods. Maybe instead of buying something that is perfect, but specialized, you decide that you’d rather have something that is only very very good, but more versatile. Don’t believe me? $189.00 $ 189. hey Max, liked your review, I love these reels too, a computerized cnc machine in china works just as well as one in north america, as Dad used to tell me, you can’t buy a golf game but I do like well made stuff (finally got a fancy reel (Battenkill disk 3) after having a no brand one come apart on the river). The fully machined frame and spool offer the durability and performance expected in the Battenkill series while the mid-arbor and fully caged structure are perfectly suited for managing your line. Though it may seem counterintuitive, that these very very good products are exercises in compromise is actually a positive. I’ve heard the Aetos is a sweet little rod. I own three other Orvis Clearwater fly rods that I’ve used for years, so it seems like a no brainer to come back to the Orvis Clearwater series as my entry into Spey Cast Rods. Title. Orvis Battenkill Disc IV Spey Reel RIO Skagit Max Versitip Line System (425 grain, 20′ Skagit Short Head, .035 ConnectCore Shooting Line , 3 Skagit MOW Tips (10′ Floating, MOW 5′ I/5′ T-11, 10′ T-11), RIO Small Shooting Head/Tips Wallet .) No, I bought this reel with my own money. Smooth drag, classic looks, machined construction, excellent fit and finish, absurd value, CONS? I'd definitely buy another, in fact, I'm pondering getting the Battenkill III to use on my Helios... Matt is a former fish biologist and magazine editor. Simple, trouble free, and easily accessible in price-the ultimate in function and simplicity throughout the years. 00. Change ), You are commenting using your Facebook account. You may unsubscribe at any time. It fishes really well on the shorter, lighter rods. People who like large arbors, cheap people, people who prefer click and pawl over disc set ups. Last one. What would probably make the combos a little better would be an abel or hardy made cfo iii reintroduction. Since that time I have fished the beejesus out of it, And it has yielded many fish, ranging from tiny. Change ), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Free 4 day shipping Free 4 day shipping. At 12 feet long, the Clearwater is long enough to make big mends and manipulate the line better than shorter trout spey rods, yet does not feel brutally heavy. Here are nine... Boobies are one of the main fly patterns favoured by the reservoir fly fisher. Quick adjust>precisely adjustable. Battenkill II for line weights 3-5, 2.9 oz., 3″ diameter The four-position click-and-pawl drag system is adjusted internally. $119.00 $ 119. Click pawl drag systems are as simple as they get. The Battenkill Disc isn’t a perfect reel. $189.00. Orvis Battenkill Reel/Extra Spool. $69.00 $ 69. The Battenkill comes in five sizes: the Battenkill I is for 1-3 weight lines; the Battenkill II is for 3-5 weight lines; the Battenkill III is for 5-7 weight lines; the Battenkill IV is for 7-9 weight lines, while the big Battenkill V is for 9-11 weight lines. They also come with an unconditional guarantee against defects in workmanship or materials and if you can get them serviced for just a few pounds by sending them back to Orvis. Now available in well-balanced sizes IV and V for Spey rods. Terms and conditions | ... 11 product ratings - NEW ORVIS BATTENKILL II CLICK PAWL FLY REEL FOR 3, 4 OR 5 WT ROD - FREE US SHIP. NEW mid-arbor design Technically superior sealed-drag based on the Hydros SL Ported jewel finish Battle-tested performance, remarkably accessible price In sizes I through V. There has been a long and historically successful line of Battenkill reels through Orvis history. ( Log Out /  The 9’5wt Orvis Clearwater deserves an article’s worth of accolades, but if nothing else this rod proves a surprising truth: Orvis has, for the moment, lept to the front of the pack in the arms race that is manufacturing fly fishing tackle. $229.99. 8 watchers. Orvis is America’s oldest mail order outfitter and longest continually-operating fly fishing business. Fit and finish are very nice 2. Unfortunately the clicks, though distinct, are muted. Battenkill Disc IV Spey Fly Fishing Reel. Hey there, thanks for coming to our Orvis Battenkill Disc review. We know that we can’t have it all so we compromise. However, the Access fly reels are also more expensive. About a year and a half ago I wrote my review of the Orvis Battenkill Disc reel. The Orvis Battenkill II is a very lightweight reel. Lowest drag setting too heavy for smaller models (1-3), not quite “clicky” enough, WHO SHOULD BUY IT? Here are my observations related to the Battenkill V--1. And box(and fly line on reel WF4F and 100 yard 20 lb backing) Simple design and flawless construction make this the perfect click-and-pawl fly reel for nearly any freshwater fishing situation. Orvis Battenkill Spool. Most fish are usually played by hand by pulling in the line and it's fairly unusual to get one onto the reel, so the type of drag doesn't really make much difference to me. The Orvis Access fly reels also use a carbon and stainless steel disc drag rather than a click pawl, so they've got way more stopping power than the Battenkills. vintage Orvis Battenkill 5/6 fly reel and spare spool- made in ENGLAND The high bidder will win a vintage Orvis Battenkill 5/6 fly reel and spare spool. What we doin’ out here, man?” The Battenkill Disc looks enough like the reel I learned to fish on to make me nostalgic while still being shiny enough to be alluring, a very difficult balance indeed. What we doin’ out here, man?”, What to do when your doctor has banned you from hiking, fishing, and generally having fun: A complete list | lesser places, The 24 Best Posts From the First 24 Months of Lesser Places | lesser places, How much fly rod can you get for $50? Cancel Submit Review With its traditional appearance, great value, and proven disc drag system, the Battenkill Disc continues to enjoy great popularity, despite the series being discontinued by Orvis. This is due to the nature of their construction and it makes fishermen very sad. See our privacy policy for details. Although there are four different settings for the click pawl on the Battenkill, none of them provides very much resistance, which is partially the point. The Access, despite its smaller arbor (smaller = more drag), has less drag strength than the rest of the Orvis lineup. 1 star 2 stars 3 stars 4 stars 5 stars. The Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel is classically styled, yet technically enhanced. Basically we support any way you want to share. This post does contain affiliate links, however, which do provide a small kickback to us if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. It does click. Unfortunately disc reels, despite their many advantages, just can’t click the same way. The Battenkill 5 Spey is no exception. Materials Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Or, that instead of buying something that is perfect, but complicated, you’d rather have something that is only very very good, but simpler. Much fun! FREE Shipping. ( Log Out /  It's never failed me and looks pretty much like it did the day I bought it. Free shipping. That's caused it to bare a couple of tiny chips on either side (and to scuff the reel seat of my rod). NEW generation of Orvis Battenkill Disc Fly Reel for sale in Canada. Or it did until I dropped it on some rocks last week. Since the writing of this review one I’ve found one additional nit to pick with the Battenkill Disc: the number of turns required to move from light to heavy drag is absurd, requiring multiple complete rotations– well more than my preferred 180-270 degrees. The Orvis Battenkill Disc is a very nice reel that I feel is commonly overlooked. The sealed, carbon and stainless stacked drag system promotes excellent tension when battling hard-fighting fish. The Orvis Hydros HD Bank Shot fly line lets you cast good distances with less effort... Orvis Encounter Waders may be the cheapest in the Orvis range, but they're superb... Orvis Hy-Flote Gel is a silicone-based dry fly floatant similar to Gehrke's Gink. Max Wilson is a graduate student studying ecology at Arizona State University. 10 watchers. Milled from aircraft aluminum, this fly reel offers the best in structural durability. To make sure your widget is up to snuff you set off combing the planet for an incredibly rare material that is somehow ticks all these boxes. ( Log Out /  Mine was a Christmas present and I've been really pleased with it. The only variable is the amount of backing on the two reels and the Marquis may have 50 yards more so the weight difference may be null. Nickname. And while we’re talking about construction, it is probably worth noting that the Battenkill Disc is somehow lighter than the much more ported Hydros SL. 5.0 out of 5 stars 2. A minimalist's dream. A minimalist's dream, the all-new Battenkill features a classically styled, yet technically enhanced, four-position click-and-pawl drag system that is adjusted internally and is designed … 2 product ratings - NEW ORVIS BATTENKILL DISC IV SPEY FLY REEL FOR 7, 8 OR 9 WT ROD - FREE US SHIP. From sizes I for tiny trout to V Spey for Steelhead. However, the Access fly reels are also more expensive. After all, it is only through the crucible of compromise that we figure out what it is we really want. ( Log Out /  Battenkill I for line weights 1-3, 2.8 oz., 2¾” diameter. We won't spam you. ... FREE Shipping. Learn how your comment data is processed. It's just the right size and weight for this tiny and featherlight fly rod, and I think it looks great too. Reset your password, Get the latest tips and advice to improve your fly fishing. ORVIS. Just got myself a 9 ft, 5wt Fenwick Ateos as well since I am afraid to break Dad’s old ?wt graphite Wright and McGill (can’t read the writing on it anymore). SKU. What is interesting is the very very good. For starters, that slightly-too-heavy drag is extraordinarily smooth. It's a perfect match for the brilliant Orvis Superfine Touch fly rod. Welcome to the powerful, technologically advanced, and yet still accessible new generation of Battenkill reels. $18.50. Orvis Clearwater Fly Fishing Spey Rod & Battenkill Reel Gear Review. Or, print the story, place it in a nice envelope, and send it to one of your friends. The reel is built of 6061-T6 aircraft aluminum with an ergonomic Delrin handle and changing from left to right hand retrieve is simple. Not really. No, we aren’t above begging. Like any reel, it seems to be the black ones that tend to show scratches more than others. Orvis Battenkill Disc IV & V Fly Fishing Spey Reel & Spool. Take a look at the price of good camera lenses, you’d rather have something that is only very very good, but more versatile, you’d rather have something that is only very very good, but simpler, “C’mon, man. Also made from 6061-T6 aircraft grade aluminum, the Orvis Battenkill Fly Fishing Spey Reel & Spool is specifically intended for spey casting in settings with insufficient space for a true back cast. The diawl bach fly, or little devil, is a great nymph pattern for trout. Finally, you pay a craftsmen with a lifetime of experience to take this raw material and convert it into your perfect widget by hand. Orvis has totally redesigned the Battenkill but kept the price low to make this a great choice for any angler. We'll put the correct amount of backing on the reel and load it up properly for FREE. Like most trout fishermen, I don't really use the drag on my reel that often. With the same line, the reel is .8 of an ounce lighter than the Hardy Marquis 2. But then again, what’s better: a very very good reel you can afford or a perfect one you can’t? You can follow Lesser Places by email, or on Twitter, Tumblr, and Instagram using the menu at the top of the page. Simple design and flawless construction make this the perfect click-and-pawl fly reel for nearly any freshwater fishing situation. Time left 4d 22h left. Welcome to the powerful, technologically advanced, and yet still accessible new generation of Battenkill reels. Line Mid Flex 6.0 Reels: Orvis Battenkill Mid Arbor III Tsunami TSCS-10 6 Ball Bearing Reel Gear Ratio 5.2:1 Condition: Very good used. There's so little to go wrong with these robust reels that one could easily last you a lifetime if you look after it. 127 were here. The lowest drag settings are too heavy for the smaller sizes, the “mid-arbor” design is closer to small than large, and detents on the drag wheel are, while distinct, a … Basically, the click pawl provides a little bit of resistance, but you do most of the work by putting the brakes on the fish by resting your palm against the spinning spool as the fish runs. Most annoyingly, the size two is just a little on the small side for a 5 weight line while the size three is just a little too large. Fly and Lure provides the details on over 1350 fly fishing waters, fly fishing clubs, fly fishing instructors, guides and fly shops across the UK. The most important part of any fly reel review: How clicky is the reel? Post was not sent - check your email addresses! The lowest drag settings are too heavy for the smaller sizes, the “mid-arbor” design is closer to small than large, and detents on the drag wheel are, while distinct, a little on the mushy end. This fly reel is marked made in ENGLAND The reel has ben lightly used but remains in very. My guess, and this truly is a guess, is that the reason the drag is a little on the heavy side for the lighter models is that it costs more to produce many different drag set ups rather than just a few. No, this isn’t a perfect reel. Review. Thanks for reading, Ed! Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. FREE Shipping. The Battenkill Disc is satisfying in this area. The Orvis Battenkill Disc Reel has been updated with the latest in design improvements. Battenkill Disc IV Spey for line weights 7-9, 8.9 oz., 3¾" diameter; Battenkill Disc V Spey for line weights 9-11, 9.9 oz., 4" diameter If, after many meetings in many far away places, you can’t find such a thing in the earth, you call in the chemists and engineers and have them make it for you from scratch. Simple, trouble free, and easily accessible in price-the ultimate in function and simplicity throughout the years. Yes, in the end you do get a perfect lens. What it is, however, is a very very good reel at an absurdly reasonable price. Disc drags are cool, and you do need them sometimes, but in most cases a click pawl drag system will do just fine. Cabela’s Prime Fiberglass Rod Edition | lesser places, Orvis Battenkill Disc Long Term Review | lesser places. 3. $119.00. The disc drag of the Access is also much quieter. Hope you get a chance to fish your dad’s Wright and McGill soon — nothing better than using a rod with memories behind it. 00. You can follow him on twitter @maxomillions. A click pawl system consists of a little clicking ratchet mechanism inside the reel which provides a little bit of resistance when the line is being pulled out. Second, the entire bodies of the reel and spool are machined, rather than cast like many of the other reels in this price range. Change ), You are commenting using your Google account. Which brings us to the best part: the price. The disc drag of the Access is also much quieter. Not to get too deep into the mumbo-jumbo– we’ve all seen that movie after all— but fly fishing is an art and aesthetics matter when art is concerned. Buy It Now. part of fly fishing’s appeal is its heritage. The main difference with the Battenkill is that it uses an old fashioned click pawl drag system, instead of the usual more modern disc drag system found on most other fly reels. Copyright, Sign up here | There has been a long and historically successful line of Battenkill reels through Orvis history. Because everyone likes improvement, they will tell you to make whatever it is you are designing lighter, stronger, better functioning, and better looking than what they already have. As well as fly fishing gear reviews, fly fishing tips and advice to get you started or help you improve your catch rate. Or, copy and paste the URL someplace you think people will find it useful. Curious, what kind of rod are you wielding? And yes, given and infinite R&D budget I’m sure Orvis could have made it clickier. If that is your cup of tea you can read it by CLICKING HERE. The search for the clicky disc reel continues….