Fly fishing reel help

[mvolcker]

Guys,
My son is passionate about fly fishing and would love a 10-weight reel. Honestly, I’m completely clueless about fly fishing and can’t differentiate between a good and a bad reel. He’s currently deployed, and I’d like to have one ready for him when he returns home. So, I’m seeking your advice on a reputable brand and a reliable source to purchase it from.

Thanks!

[Carolina Counsel]

Get him an Abel with the American flag print. Bad ass reel and patriotic to boot.

[theoldblackdog]

So does he already have the rod for it? That is the bigger part of the equation.

Tibor, Hatch, Abel, Lamson all make solid reels. Some of Orvis stuff isn’t bad either

[AnythingFeathers]

That’s a question with a wide range of answers. First being how much do you want to spend? Lots of decent options in the 2-250 range. Excellent options above 350, and some pure bad asses above 6-700.
That Abel gonna cost you over 1000-1300.
The Tibor is considered one of the best. Not the most beautiful, not the lightest, but very classic, simple, and reliable. $7-800

[Chessbay]

Buy a Tibor riptide and he will have it the rest of his life. Buy him an extra spool for it and he can catch anything from bones with 9 weight line all the way to fat Florida tarpon with 11.

[Palmetto Bug]

I think the price of fly reels is more about brand name than function. A fly reel is about the simplest designed line handling device possible. The prices are hard to justify otherwise. There are many that will do the job well but the prestige of having one of the fancy brands has driven the costs into the "conspicuous consumption" range.

The functional things to look for are big diameter so it takes up line quicker, completely sealed bearings and drag, so it doesn't fail when wet, and a smooth drag with no discernable startup hump. Most reels nowaday are made so that the line and backing can be rinsed and dried without unspooling. The size and weight need to balance well with the rod. The material it's made of will determine how long it lasts and how much maintenance it will need. Cast aluminum is to be avoided. Many of the better reels are made from billet anodized aluminum but there are some made from composites that are a lot more durable and carefree in salt water. To me, with all the different factors being nearly equal, the drag is the most important. You should not feel any difference in drag when it first lets go than as line is peeling off. No matter what you choose, expect to be surprised at the price.

[Chessbay]

Agree with bug, you are trying to buy the best drag available. Buying an inferior reel and taking it to Cuba on a $10k trip, only to smoke your drag on the first fish is no bueno.

If his mission is redfish in Charleston, get whatever. If he ever intends to travel, buy wisely.

[AnythingFeathers]

At that size you’re talking big, long running fish. Might want to consider anti reverse reel like a Tibor Billy Pate.
What ever you go with make sure it has a good, sealed drag. Salt can be hell on a drag system.

[Sasha and Abby]

Tibor for bigger stuff... used them in Cuba for the last 14 years off and on. Spottails - you can get away with a lot more for less.

[SouthernWake]

What’s the intended use for this reel and what is your budget.

Hard to begin steering without this info.

Also, around here, a 10wt is my least used weight.