Voss Medalist Conversions

[GRASSNGLASS]

I've picked up a 1498 Medalist with a Voss conversion. I've also seen these in sizes 1495 and 1495 1/2.

Does anyone know if they came in any other sizes?

Thanks,
Barry

[Mike N]

Barry, can you educate me about the Voss conversion?

Thanks

Mike

[GRASSNGLASS]

Mike,

From what I understand Herman Voss was a machinest from southern Florida.

He made parts for the Medalist Fly reels to make them better suited to deal with fishing the Florida Salt. He made a solid spool and a beefed up drag plate from what I understand.

Mr Voss was also involved with development of the System 3 reel. To what degree I don't know, but supposedly a very high quality Saltwater Reel.

I'll include a picture of the beefed up drag plate.

Also, note his spools included a counterbalance to deal with fast running fish.

[Mike N]

Thanks, Barry. Very interesting.

Mike

[RonG]

That's a great looking reel. I'll keep my eye out for you to find one.

[Paul Roberts]

Interesting. The Medalist was/is a great, and popular, reel. But from what I've read, they had their limitations for SW species. Not a surprise that someone stepped up to modify them. Kudos to Herman Voss.

[Richard Lodge]

A really interesting thread, Barry. Thanks for sharing and for the photos. I would love one of these in LHW. Do you know how many reels he might have modified and what Medalist models he worked with? This is great info. Thanks!
Richard

[GRASSNGLASS]

Richard,

I'm trying to get more information at this point myself.

I know in addition to the 1498 I have, I've heard of 1495 and 1495 1/2 models.

I have had feelers out looking for more information, but not much luck so far.

Barry

[john elder]

Neat! I wonder what he tried re beefing up the brake. The mechanism is identical to the original medalist but maybe that spring is considerably stronger? Would be nice to see a comparison with a normal 1498 spring.

John

[Paul Roberts]

I am wondering about the brake too.