Pflueger Progress 1535 Fly Reel

[oldsaltnfla]

Does anyone know anything about the 1535? I recently acquired one and I can't find much about it in an on line search. It is Japan made and is kind of a larger reel measuring 3 5/8" across. Seems to be well made and very similar to the Medalist.
Joe

[RAM]

Hey joe! There is a century of history behind the Pflueger Progress fly reel. You could buy a raised pillar version (beautiful little reel in various finishes and sizes) in 1916. In the 50s the Progress was a simple SA model, very inexpensive. I use one on a one ounce tiny fly rod for such as red eyes (rock bass here in Tennessee). The older raised pillar models can be found reasonably frequently on eBay for about $50.00. A bargain. They look great with a bamboo rod.

Collectors shun those versions made generally post 1980, especially those from China-no reflection on quality however. I know nothing about those later models. Sorry! Keep casting and tight lines!

Bad Bob

[RAM]

Joe-Just touting the Progress as one of my favorite fly reels. The Medalist was an oft-copied reel, still is. You can buy a PPflueger-made 1950s version of the Medalist very reasonably as well. Quality is so good two generations from now it could still be fished. As to the Chinese reel not so sure. But if you have a small bamboo fly rod, go for the RP Progress! Even if you don’t catch anything you will still look cool on the creek!

Bad Bob

[Ron Mc]

Bad Bob to the rescue.
The worst thing about the Chinese Medalists (-AK) is the frame was switched from stamped aircraft sheet to die-cast.
You drop one of these reels and it's all over - everything bends.
The new Pure Fishing Medalist was designed by Hardy and uses their click-pawl (Lightweight, etc) rather than the 1938 patent drag.

Many Akron and -DA (Arkansas) Medalists are still out there, and One Pfoot is still making great parts, including reversible ratchet plate for the patent drag.


Shakespeare after 1970 offered their downgraded version of the Medalist, and I believe the Progress 1535 is that reel with a Pflueger trademark.

[oldsaltnfla]

I have some of the Chinese Medalists, some of the Akron Medalists and one of the brand new Medalists with the Hardy type drag. To me, they are all good and I use all of them.

Bad Bob, I think you might be talking about the 1774 Progress. I have one of those and you are correct, it's retro look makes it fit right in with smaller vintage bamboo and glass rods. I also have one of the Pflueger Trump reels that is very similar to the 1774. The reel I am referring to in my original post is the one Ron is referring to (the Progress 1535) and it is very much like the Medalist, but green instead of black, and is made in Japan and not China.

Ron, I have never dropped one of my AK Medalists, but I have a few South Bend 1133's, and one of them I have dropped more than once. The frame did bend on that reel. I bent it back into place with a pair of pliers and it still works fine and the bend is hardly noticeable. But, I have a feeling that if the frame is bent back into shape too many times, the metal would crack or break from the stress.
Joe

[Ron Mc]

There is one redeeming feature on the Chinese-made -AK Medalists - the ratchet plate for the 1938 patent drag.
The -DA reels began a nylon ratchet plate with a different number of clicks between sides - the nylon can wear badly against the metal pawls.
The -AK reels have a graphite-fillet ratchet plate with the same number of clicks on opposite sides - the graphite-filled drag plate wears very well.

[Van Daddie]

Any knowledge on the 1534 or 35? They look great but just wondering what a good price point would be to buy at or pass at? Found some with box in mint condition for $35 and wondering if I should pull the trigger?

[kyreels]

Pull the trigger. I love those Pflueger boxes, and they are pretty scarce in great condition.