2wt Fly reel search

[Highsticker9]

I've got a great 2wt rod that needs a reel. I'm looking at getting something decent, but not something to expensive! I need it to be light as well, under 3.5 oz for sure! I've been looking a lot lately, but thought maybe some input from you guys may help. Any suggestions would be great, thanks! Don't want to spend over $200. I have found several in this price range, just hard to make a decision!

 

[gfen]

Because you need a drag that'll stop a tank on a 2wt, the Abel Big Game #0. On sale for just $240.

 

[ezpickins]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Orvis Battenkill Barstock I. It comes in at 3.2 oz and $119.

I've been very pleased with Orvis reels that I've owned.

Here's a link

 

[gemiller]

The orvis reel that ezpickens has recommended I use personally and it works really well, i didn't care about the weight though, so I have no input on that, but it's been used hard and has had no issues.

 

[Raven456]

I also have the BBS I on my 2wt and have no complaints.

 

[MKern]

If it's a brookie rod go with the Scientific Anglers one at walmart. It's $35 and will take a beating.
It' weighs 3.5, but balances my 2 wt. wonderfully; but I also don't pack a ton of backing on it, maybe 10 yards.

They sell it at cabelas so you can check it out online. However it's $5 more and you have to pay for shipping.

Orvise has a really nice reel for $100 and weighs around 3 oz. Too me that's a lot for a brookie real which is going to get dropped, dented and dinged hundreds of times.

 

[bogrouse]

I have built two 6 1/2 foot flyrods, on one I have Orvis Battenkill, the other Barstock. Not really much difference between the 2 reels and both feel nice on the rod.

 

[Highsticker9]

Thanks for the input. Just need a nice reel that does the job!!!

 

[albatross]

If lightweight and inexpensive are your priorities you might like this reel.
http://www.dennisonspecialtyflyreels.com/servlet/Detail?no=18

I use it on my 6 foot 2 weight. It is a sturdy machined reel that comes in at 2.4 ounces and sells for $50. It is not a "full sized" reel. The small arbor means you may have some residual coiling in your line when you first pull line out.

 

[khoferer]

It may be a bit past your weight requirements but the Okuma SLV in the 2/3 size is a good reel and can be found for under $60.

 

[jayL]

I can't see why you'd spend more than $35 on a reel for a 2wt, unless you're buying for aesthetics. I like mkern's suggestion.

 

[stevehalupka]

I'm with Jay here...

i recently had a 2 wt built, and was looking for something raw for it. You do not need drag for a 2wt.

I found this for 25 dollars on ebay, and ordered immediately. Works just fine for me.
http://cgi.ebay.com/Rip-Tide-Fly-Reel-Classic-Solid-2-3-WT-For-Small-Rods_W0QQitemZ400076190620QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5d2666339c

the slv, btw, is a nice reel, but is soo heavy.

 

[ezpickins]

There's something to be said for aesthetics too. Sometimes it's nice to have a nice looking reel.

 

[afishinado]

I agree that nothing fancy is needed, but a cast aluminum or plastic reel is just one drop away from ending up in the junk pile. Alby gave a link to a machined alum. reel for around $50. If you are looking for something spartan but sturdy, and a reel would likely last for decades, maybe look at a Loomis Venture or an Orvis Battenkill

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/pod/standard-pod.jsp?_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/catalog/pod-link.jsp_A&_DAV=null-cat20487-cat20487&rid=&indexId=cat20487&navAction=push&masterpathid=&navCount=3&parentType=index&parentId=cat20487&id=0011208

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=44KY&dir_id=758&cat_id=7627&Group_ID=768

 

[Highsticker9]

I understand you don't need a drag on a 2 wt, but would like something durable! Still looking, but appreciate all the help guys!

 

[k-bob]

I own a bunch of these 2.5 inch, 2.2 oz forbes magnesium reels on ebay for $80 and am very happy with them:

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Forbes-Magnesium-Reel-2-5in-WF4F-ULTRALITE-WEIGHT_W0QQitemZ290411320485QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item439ddd14a5

one issue: at 2.2 oz, these reels can actually be too light for many rods. if the reel is too light, even a light rod can have a balance point above the end of the grip, and feel tip heavy in your hand. I have had this happen even with a 1 oz orvis superfine 4-weight 7 ft rod; I had to have the grip lengthened to balance the 2.2 oz reel because the factory grip is only 8 inches long. so these super light reels are better for rods with grips longer than the short cigar grips on some lightweight rods. for example, I have some dorber rods with 9 1/2 inch cigar grips and the balance is great even with a 2.2 oz reel.

 

[MKern]

I've had my $35 S-A from walmart for 7 years and it has been dropped a handful of times and only shows a couple scratches. It does have a drag, click dial, but I've never needed it.
Come to think of it the only thing I use me drag for on my trout rod/reels to not cause a bird's nest when peeling off line.

So my entire brookies set-up: rod, reel, line, backing cost me between $105 and $110.

 

[jayL]

I have used the same okuma sierra on my 3wt for almost 10 years. It's half beaten to death, and still fishes fine. I think it looks better with age.

$35 in a brick and mortar shop.