This forum began as Clark's Classic Bamboo Rod Forum, founded by Clark Davis for all who share a passion for classic rods. The forum is now owned by Whitefish Press aka Dr. Todd Larson - banjo.
For those who don't use English as their primary language we now have a translator for your language of choice hosted by Google.
Please Recommend a Reel for an 8' Battenkill 2/2 Rod
Lead
[-]
Posts: 191
12/03/200922:27
Tags : None
I recently received some great advice about Orvis rods and acquired an 8' Battenkill rod in 2/2 version that weighs 4 and 3/8 oz. The rod is
recommended for an HCH (7-weight) line and it casts nicely with a DT-7 Cortland Classic Peach. I also have a DT-6 Cortland Sylk that I hope will work
nicely.
Now I'm looking for a reel to balance out the rod. My rod is from 1963 so I'm looking for an older reel. It will have to be LHW and I think I want
a round line guide (with agate).
Please let me know what reels you think will fit the bill and what they will cost.
I was going to recommend a vintage CFO IV, but that's not going to get you the extra ounces of the agate line guard reels. Someone's got a nice LHW
Perfect on the classifieds board right now.
-CC
I have that rod and use a Hardy Sunbeam 7/8 with either a 6wt or 7wt line. It balances the rod better as the Sunbeams are a bit heavier than the others.
This is one of my favorite rods and I suspect it is going to be one of yours, too.
For a few years I fished mine with a Marquis 5 which was a bit light but was the only good reel I had. I now use a 3" Perfect which I believe is a
perfect match as far as weight, and the older leaded finish does look real nice on the older Bakelite rods. If you will insist on LHW a 3" Perfect is
going to be pricey if one could be found. You might consider a #6 Marquis which will hold a #6 line plus a bit of backing, is easily convertible from L to R
hand winding, and it is an excellent reel as you will see if you check some of the Marquis reel threads on this board. Marquis reel owners love them.
A 3 1/4 or 3 1/2 Bougle would also be an excellent choice. Easily convertible, good capacity, good ballance for this rod, and the Bougle is a sweet reel.
The lines you have should work quite nicely on this rod but the next time you are looking for a new line, you might try an Orvis Superfine in WF 6 ---very
nice!
AgMD
I have found that a Pflueger 1494 or 1494 1/2 did a good job of balancing mine, with the heavier 1494 1/2 and its higher line capacity being the best of the
two.
I have a similar rod: Battenkill 4 1/2 oz. , HDG (6) line. Mine is a 3/2 piece, but I expect they are very much alike. I have used an Orvis Madison IV reel on
the rod since I bought them both new in 1979. It balances well for me about 2 inches past the cork. I don't think the Madison was the top of the Orvis
line, but it was made in England and has held up well. Regards. DR
Pflueger 1495, it will have the needed weight. Affordable American made Pfluegers are available. That and a counter balance from OnePfoot, great for big fish,
stealhead etc.
I have two 8 foot Battenkills... one tosses a 6 weight DT and I use a Hardy Princess - recently acquired used since these are no longer made.... on the other
rod which casts a 5 weight DT, I use an old Hardy LRH I had.... I am very partial to Hardy fly reels, especially on cane rods...
I like this Battenkill reel made for Orvis by Young in the 60s. They turn up on the market from time to time.It's almost identical to a 3 1/4"
Beaudex.
I recommended the 1960's era Perfect partly because Ken was looking for a reel with a round line guard. Lots of other reels from that era that others have
mentioned if that weren't part of his criteria.
searun wrote:
I recommended the 1960's era Perfect partly because Ken was looking for a reel with a round line guard. Lots of other reels from that era that others
have mentioned if that weren't part of his criteria.
You're absolutely right, of course. I was focusing on his desire to have left-hand wind.
I use a 3 1/8 Hardy Perfect, but you'll pay a premium for a left hand wind. By the way, this is an exceptionally good rod. I own a fair number of cane
rods and I must admit I have not paid much attention to Orvis rods. When a dealer handed me one of these made in 1969 I was skeptical until I cast it and I
did not want to put it down. Now it seems to be my most frequently used rod, and it looks and balances great with the Perfect.
DISCLAIMER:The views, and opinions, posted here are the sole responsibility of the poster. Negative comments, when directed at individuals, or other private
concerns, will not be tolerated, posters should treat this media no differently than any other media source, in other words, if you would not submit what you
are going to post in the newspaper, or a magazine, and sign your name as the author, kindly refrain from doing so here. The Classic Fly Rod Forum is not an
open air forum for vendor/maker complaints. If you seek resolution, it is recommended you talk to the vendor/maker. If you seek an audience, it is recommended you go elsewhere. The admin and the Moderators reserve the right to remove any items deemed inappropriate according to the rules of conduct prominently displayed on each forum. If you have any questions or concerns you are free to email us at
send email to the Classic Fly Rod
Forum
Posting to sell Domain names and the like, i.e. SPAM, is against YUKU Policy, if you post these types of posts here you will be banned from this board and YUKU
will more than likely ban you from the site entirely. Thank you..........
