Post your favorite reel design

[Mike N]

It doesn't have to be an expensive reel, just one with unique features, color, etc.

Here is one of my all-time favorites:


http://www.ebay.com/itm/381223487296?rm ... 4842810664

[Midway Tommy D]

That's one of the prettier ones, Mike.

One of the first reels other than an ABU or Zebco Cardinal added to my collection, which I picked up for practically nothing at an antique store.

Johnson Sure Spin 640 from the early/mid 50's:


Odd and interesting design, as the spool just spins and the bar with a manual line pickup reciprocates in and out to lay the line on the spool uniformly. It's light, actually works pretty darn well and is fun to fish with. I shake my head and grin every time I look at one, and then have to force myself not to buy it.

Tom

[RAM]

The classic Pflueger Supreme design was so good it was changed only in minor details in over 40 years.

Bad Bob

[stidog]

Wow, hard question. The Bronson reels with the art deco design are gorgeous. Alas, I am not lucky enough to own one of those. YET I kinda like Ted Williams reels, only because being a Yankee fan, he is one of the few Red Sox that you have to admire. Shiny reels always catch my eyes, especially those old KY reels all shined up... but the favorite I have is probably a Take-A-Part/Tri-Parts by Meisselbach or he and his brothers. I think they are just a cool concept.

[Ron Mc]

Hardy Altex - owned the bail spring patent (until 1950) and when it went into production in 1932 it was the space shuttle of fishing reels



and only just today - 80 years later - are spinning reels with comparable balance and smoothness being built (that part is my opinion).
yes, I like many other reels, but you only asked for one...

[reelsmith.]

I'm partial to this one ...



Dean.

[Robin Sayler]

My favorite reel design is the raised pillar kentucky style summit.

[John Savu]

I acquired the Redifor Model X pictured, this week. I like the bi metal design, aluminum and German Silver, and also the planetary disc handle. John

[Wayne B.]

This reel just sticks out from all my others. It just sits on the shelf and yells to me..."Look at me. I am beautiful!" Shakespeare 1971 Sportcast Presidential

[Ron Mc]

Hi John, I think I got to clean that Redifor when it was found.
http://fiberglassflyrodders.com/forum/v ... f=4&t=5344
Way to pretty up a thread, guys - all great examples.

[John Savu]

Hello Ron, Not the same reel. This one has what I believe to be an earlier click slide. John

[Steve]

I've always liked the simplicity, color, and graceful lines of the maroon Shakespeare 2062.

Everything--rotor cup, gear box--seems perfectly proportioned.
The serpentine post of the similar President II 2860 ruins that reel for me.

As far as baitcasters go, I can't argue with Wayne.

In contrast:

[stidog]

Wayne, dad said the same thing about the Presidential, and conned me out of it for cheap labor cleaning other reels.

[Wayne B.]

Steve:

What is that thing???

[wrong99]

It's one of those old clamp-on meat grinders. Except plated.
Mark

[Steve]

Wayne, according to the owner, it's an "Automatic wire wheel cable wheel wonnd wheel fly fishing reel former metal fishing reels fish wheel small fishing reel." You can check it out here. I probably would have called it something else.

[Wayne B.]

That clears it up.

[Ben]

Mine is definitely this "Masterpiece", an Illingworth No 1:

This one is the 2nd version circa 1907 and marked "The Illingworth Casting Reel patent 9338 1905" and "oil me please". The spool is Ebony.

[stidog]

"Automatic wire wheel cable wheel wonnd wheel fly fishing reel former metal fishing reels fish wheel small fishing reel."

That's quite catchy, but I bet it comes in a big ole box to fit that name on it.

[john elder]

I've been watching this thread and have changed my mind about 10 times! All of the above reels are fantastic and if they were in my collection, it would make this even harder! I settled on this little 2 1/2 " brass faced Perfect...I love cute reels!

[John Savu]

Hello John, Great Hardy reel. I always liked the Hardy Rod in Hand trademark. John

[Steve]

Hardy Rod in Hand trademark

If the trademark was used on the reel in the trademark, it would become infinitely small, presenting a challenge to the die maker.

[Jonathan P. Kring]

So many reels, so hard to decide. Maybe Wayne B.'s post influenced me. Shakespeare President 2- 1984 Casting Reel. Bought this before I started collecting a bunch. Indianapolis used to have a locally owned sporting goods store, Galyan's. Every spring they would have a tent sale in their parking lot. Probably bought this for half price. When Dick's took over, those days were gone. Fished with it once or twice. Not the easiest to use. Nice looking reel. (Fayetteville, Ak.)

[jimbofish]

I like these for their simplification of the spinning reel, along with the closed face versions, aka 1810.


Shakespeare 1780 and 1785

[Reel Geezer]

The simplicity of this reel proved to be the inspiration for my collection:



The Meisselbach Takapart.