Difference between Langley spinning reels??

Halcyon · Post by **Halcyon** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 12:01 pm

What is the difference between a Langley 870 and an 870B spinning reel?

So many models so hard to pin things down?

Is there a place I can find out more about Langley reels?

Cheers, Rich

Post by **Brian F.** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 2:55 pm

Rich,

There is no book on Langley reels that I know of but you have access to some of the most knowledgable collectors of Langley reels right here in ORCA's membership and a few of them frequent Reel Talk. A search of previous discussions pulled up 58 threads where Langley is mentioned:
Threads on Langley reels

In addition to that, there are nine articles on Langley reels in past issues of the Reel News, ORCA's newsmagazine. All back issues are made available to all ORCA members.

Alan Baracco · Post by **Alan Baracco** » Thu Dec 28, 2006 10:40 pm

Rich,

Langley introduced their Saltwater spinning reel, named the Spinator, in 1955. Initially 4 models were available, the 870 and 870LH (full bail) plus the 871 and 871LH (manual pickup), all in a green crackle finish. The reel was basically unchanged until 1961, when the 870B (right hand) and 874B (left hand) models were introduced, new grey and gold finish and a larger capacity spool. The sale of Langley's fishing tackle business in 1962 to Brunswick Corp. (Zebco) ended the Langley Spinator, however Zebco continued to produce the model (with a black finish) well into the 1960s. I am always glad to talk Langley, my email address is in the ORCA directory if anyone has comments. Cheers, Alan

jimmy z · Post by **jimmy z** » Fri Dec 29, 2006 4:34 pm

I have one of the Zebco Spinators, looks just like the Langly except for the color.