Kosmic Reel

[rickv]

Hi All , new member. I’m looking at a mint Kosmic reel that is 1 7/8 not counting raised pillars and 1” wide spool for a 4wt line max. It comes with original leather case. Any idea of current value? It seems that this would be very collectible.

[john elder]

They are, indeed! Does the case say Kosmic? Can you please post pics? Our board hosts or you can use your own host. I can post for you if you have difficulty ...just pm or email me and i’ll Send you my email address.

[reelsmith.]

By your description, it sounds like the one on Bob Summers website, which he describes in the same words.

Yes ?

Dean.

[rickv]

Yes it is. Do you think it’s fairly priced?

[rickv]

BTW, just getting into the vintage reels. My only other old reel is a Dingley LHW caged spool in excellent condition that I bought from the late Gary Siemer.
Looking forward to learning more about what to collect and values through this forum. I appreciate all your input.

[reelsmith.]

This is just one man's opinion ...

I think there is a reason the reel has sat on the site for a long time.

If I was going to to pay up for a "Kosmic" reel, I'd want "Kosmic" to be legible without magnification.

That's just me. Your mileage may vary.

The Dingley is a nice reel. Is it 3" ?

Dean.

[rickv]

The Dingley is smaller, maybe 2 7/8. I use it on my PHY Midge. I think what you said about the Kosmic makes a lot of sense. The other thing I struggle with is the fact that all my tackle I buy I want to use. With collecting vintage reels it would be hard just to stare at them in a case but they may be to valuable to fish. BTW , I fish all my cane even if it’s original or restored so maybe I answered my own concern. Your thoughts?

[john elder]

Rick, Dean is “Mr Kosmic” around here, so he’s the one to tell you about those reels and the history behind them. It’s quite a leap from a Dingley to the Kosmic...lots more great collector/fishable reels between these two. MHO is that Hardy reels are a “best” direction to go for some great historical and interesting reels to collect that are 100 years old or older and still ready to catch fish (thinking fly tackle). There are a lot more neat Dingleys out there to chase as well. Do you go after trout exclusively?

John

[rickv]

No, I like to fish the warm water species including carp . I have a few Hardy’s and just sold a St Aiden. It was too light and no drag for an 8wt reel. Have a couple of Perfects and Signature Charlton 8500 for 7 and 8 wts. and just acquired a near mint CFO 111 Screwback.

[john elder]

Do you go after carp on a fly? That must be a kick, if so. If not, there are many other classic Reel Worlds that await you outside of fly reels!

If you’re not the snooty type, you can’t hardly beat the Pflueger Medalists for an all-around good family of reels. They are not budget-busters, even if you step up for the older models and the range from the 1492- 1498 gives you a wide range of reels to handle about anything short of tarpon. I have several I Fish...particularly like the early round line guard models.

This one and others in that age group can be had for around $60 in new condition:



Or this one, with more collector value for $150-250:




Or this one...well, it's priceless...my favorite Rat Reel:

[rickv]

Those are beautiful. I acquired a 1494 that was completely redone by one foot?

Anyways the reel is very attractive, but when I wind there is a very grinding intermittent grinding click. I have never heard this before and it completely ruins the reel in my opinion. I don’t know if anybody else experienced this after a complete redo by one foot. The line tensioner acts as a good drag which is great.
I really likes the looks of the Bulldog and Gem.

[john elder]

Spool is probably tweeked...I don’t believe the one-pfoot upgrades should cause it. If you want me to look at it, pm me and I can give you my address.

[john elder]

Got your PM, Rick and sent one back...you will see a “new messages” clickable at upper left of the board.

J