Orvis CFO reel ID

[Brian K. Shaffer]

British Fly Reels - BFR.

http://therustyspinner.blogspot.com/p/h ... cfo_5.html

[Mike1227]

British Fly Reels - BFR.

http://therustyspinner.blogspot.com/p/h ... cfo_5.html

Did you read the reply by Caneghost?
I have read through the rusty spinner history article, and cannot determine in what shop they were made.
Mike

[PYochim]

Why is there so little information on the Chinese made CFO's?

[Mike1227]

Why is there so little information on the Chinese made CFO's?

That is a good question. I have not seen anything.

[Caneghost]

Rusty Spinner's blog included info, from a former Orvis employee if I recall, that Hardy made all CFO reels through 1994. If that is true, then the 2oth Anniversary reels are Hardy made as are the initial Bar Stock CFO's cataloged in 1992. Again, to my best recollection when I was a dealer, Orvis did not start talking about BFR until after that time. As to the gray bar stock's, there were no visible changes that I recall after 1994 when BFR took over production under Orvis' ownership. I don't think you can tell about the gray bar stock reels unless you bought it new prior to 1994. I have a well worn III that I bought in 1993 so I feel certain it is a Hardy reel. I also have a IV I bought second hand and have no idea of that reel's parentage. It has had an issue with the drag plate loosening - an early BFR issue? Who knows. Never had that happen with either my gray III or Silver Ann. III.

Anyone on the forum have an association with one of the long time Orvis icons such as Jim Lepage or Tom Rosenbauer? I would think that one or both of them could verify the Rusty Spinner "facts".

We crusty old guys won't fish with any Chinese CFO's so I expect that is why there's no info.

[Mike1227]

We crusty old guys won't fish with any Chinese CFO's so I expect that is why there's no info.

I'm extremely crusty, and I certainly would not!
Disclaimer:I might, if I had one and did not know it!

[G-ManBart]

We crusty old guys won't fish with any Chinese CFO's so I expect that is why there's no info.

I suspect the company would rather forget there were Chinese CFOs!

[Short Tip]

Anyone on the forum have an association with one of the long time Orvis icons such as Jim Lepage or Tom Rosenbauer? I would think that one or both of them could verify the Rusty Spinner "facts".

Jim would be the most likely to know, but even he has little interest in that kind of minutiae. At least in my experience. I think he may have retired from SA, but if I see him I'll check.

[Mike1227]

Dang, I love those CFOs IIIs. I now own 4 of them, 2 screw backs, a 20th anniversary, and a Abel made, plus a new one on order. I'm going to need a 3wt, and/or a 5wt rod or two. By the way, one of my screw back units has two spools. Interestingly, not all spools will work on all reels.

[Brian K. Shaffer]

The correct spools will fit - but some must be massaged into place.

Tip - Always best to sand / polish on the spool - not the reels frame.