My wife has used a Battenkill reel for some ten years, and likes it a lot. It cost GBP100 at that time. The new version is now GBP150+ here in the UK. There are plenty of good alternatives at that price - indeed the Hardy Ultraclick is currently on offer from a major retailer here at GBP155 (not directly comparable I know). I have recently bought a vintage J W Young Pridex reel at auction for GBP20 in near mint condition. Not sure I would go for a new Battenkill at GBP150....
For a machined trout reel, it's a good, reliable click pawl reel. Spending $400 or$500 for a click pawl trout reel is a bit overboard, no matter how nice. I have a few Battenkill reels and the older ones sound almost the same . As for reeling in 100 feet of line; you only have to do it when you put the line on. If you have 100 feet of fly line out on a trout stream; brother, you're not catching that fish. Great review.
Hi Trident. Good review on a simple well built reel. I fished an old model Battenkill from the 1980’s for many years on a #5 Fenwick HMG rod. It lasted for decades before I retired it, and the rod eventually broke, but the reel still works. This one looks absolutely fine as well although I really like the old color better. C u next time.
Thanks for the review Ben, I was holding my breath in hopes you would say Orvis was also making a Spey sized Battenkill. I still have my old V clicker and it works great although it doesn’t get used as often anymore.
The clicker in the old model is actually adjustable. There are 4 settings to adjust tension oh the clicker. Its very slight but enough to keep line from overrunning when you pull it from the reel.
small trout with the capability of that propper one in a lifetime 10lb'er from a water that shouldn't have a 10lb'er , scottish hill loch classic the battenkill or the smaller rainbow fisheries is the home for them in the uK. Lovely reel.
@tridentflyfishing Ben, I’ve been trying to buy two rods from you. I left a message with one of your associates to contact me. I want to support your company and these great reviews you put out. However, it’s now been 2-3 months and I never heard back from you.
I recently bought one and love it. Feels solid, quality build, works perfectly. I did buy a size 2 sizes larger. I love this thing!!
for a growing glass rod market, this is a great reel, dry fly and wet fly anglers, it's an excellent build and quality reel
My wife has used a Battenkill reel for some ten years, and likes it a lot. It cost GBP100 at that time. The new version is now GBP150+ here in the UK. There are plenty of good alternatives at that price - indeed the Hardy Ultraclick is currently on offer from a major retailer here at GBP155 (not directly comparable I know). I have recently bought a vintage J W Young Pridex reel at auction for GBP20 in near mint condition. Not sure I would go for a new Battenkill at GBP150....
For a machined trout reel, it's a good, reliable click pawl reel. Spending $400 or$500 for a click pawl trout reel is a bit overboard, no matter how nice. I have a few Battenkill reels and the older ones sound almost the same .
As for reeling in 100 feet of line; you only have to do it when you put the line on. If you have 100 feet of fly line out on a trout stream; brother, you're not catching that fish. Great review.
I just purchased the 2 model for my ll bean pocket water 4 weight glass rod
Hi Trident. Good review on a simple well built reel. I fished an old model Battenkill from the 1980’s for many years on a #5 Fenwick HMG rod. It lasted for decades before I retired it, and the rod eventually broke, but the reel still works. This one looks absolutely fine as well although I really like the old color better. C u next time.
Thanks for the review Ben, I was holding my breath in hopes you would say Orvis was also making a Spey sized Battenkill. I still have my old V clicker and it works great although it doesn’t get used as often anymore.
Just tried this reel out at my local shop. Will be going on my next 3w small water rod!
I actually just purchased this for an inexpensive glass rod, comes in tomorrow. Hopefully it’s a nice pair.
The clicker in the old model is actually adjustable. There are 4 settings to adjust tension oh the clicker. Its very slight but enough to keep line from overrunning when you pull it from the reel.
I think I’m going to line it with Rio premiere light line 4wt
It’d be nice if it was machined aluminum at that price. Happy with my Ross Colorado. Thanks
It's fully machined aluminum!
@@Tridentflyfishing Nice!
pro tip, 2x speed
small trout with the capability of that propper one in a lifetime 10lb'er from a water that shouldn't have a 10lb'er , scottish hill loch classic the battenkill or the smaller rainbow fisheries is the home for them in the uK. Lovely reel.
i have Abels, Shilton, even a Cubalaya click pawl...and $160 is F$##@ing rediculous for that reel. thats $80 all day and not a dime more
These now start @ $139? Sheesh
made in china?
@tridentflyfishing
Ben, I’ve been trying to buy two rods from you. I left a message with one of your associates to contact me.
I want to support your company and these great reviews you put out.
However, it’s now been 2-3 months and I never heard back from you.