I was hell bent on getting a Tibor Riptide for my 10 wt. I ordered one through my local fly shop. (Sorry Trident) The delivery wait was several months out. I checked out the Shilton and got the SL7. Love it! It’s very similar to the Tibor with one notable exception- the center spindle is one piece instead of three like the Tibor. Feet things to lose. The drag is crazy strong. I recommend.
I use an SL5 for redfish. Solid drag, lite weight and simple. Because it’s not sealed, I only use it for boat trips though. My sealed reels are reserved for beach and wading days.
Best reels ever, own 3, but bearings aren't sealed, will rust if you don't get the saltwater out after every use, so just dunk it in freshwater after use, dry it and that's it. But that's the norm for every reel
The patent on the original Abel super series/big game must have expired, or they bought the rights to make it. All those parts look very similar to my older super series reels.
I have two Shiltons but am I the only one who would rather just spend 20-30% more for a sealed drag reel? I'd rather not have to service anything, assuming you even have the service kit on hand to replace what's needed anyway..
"sealed" drag reels also have their bearings exposed, those are not sealed. This drag is fine, no need for a sealed drag. Rather have a exposed drag that you can wash than one that is seal that will give issues at some point.
I brought one of these about 10 years ago and still going strong on my 7wt sea trout rod
I believe the majority of guides in Seychelles and surrounds use the Shilton.They say there is little to go wrong.
I was hell bent on getting a Tibor Riptide for my 10 wt. I ordered one through my local fly shop. (Sorry Trident) The delivery wait was several months out. I checked out the Shilton and got the SL7. Love it! It’s very similar to the Tibor with one notable exception- the center spindle is one piece instead of three like the Tibor. Feet things to lose. The drag is crazy strong. I recommend.
I have a comprehensive Shilton collection - fantastic reels!
I use an SL5 for redfish. Solid drag, lite weight and simple. Because it’s not sealed, I only use it for boat trips though. My sealed reels are reserved for beach and wading days.
Best reels ever, own 3, but bearings aren't sealed, will rust if you don't get the saltwater out after every use, so just dunk it in freshwater after use, dry it and that's it. But that's the norm for every reel
The patent on the original Abel super series/big game must have expired, or they bought the rights to make it. All those parts look very similar to my older super series reels.
These are fantastic reels. Never had an issue. Looking forward to the SR review!
I have two Shiltons but am I the only one who would rather just spend 20-30% more for a sealed drag reel? I'd rather not have to service anything, assuming you even have the service kit on hand to replace what's needed anyway..
"sealed" drag reels also have their bearings exposed, those are not sealed. This drag is fine, no need for a sealed drag. Rather have a exposed drag that you can wash than one that is seal that will give issues at some point.
Love my SL and SR Shiltons …….🤙🏼
Buy right the first time, buy a Shilton. The African sharptooth cat in my profile picture was caught on a Shilton.
That you can catch on a click and prawl lol, no need for drag on cats, biggest on click and prawl is about 20Kg that I know of.
Its rounds & expenses
As always...great review. 👋🏼🙂
Thank you! Cheers!