New 10 WT reel

[gilbertslake]

I am in the market for a new large arbor reel for a 10wt pike set-up. As in my previous posts, this is my first year fishing for pike on the fly.

I am building a 9ft 10-11 wt 4-pc rod on a TFO TiCr blank.

Reels I am considering are:

Okuma Helios 8/9

Lamson Guru 4 for 10-11

Lamson Waterwoks Litespeed 3.5X Hard Alox for 9wt

Cabela's RLS for 10wt

Cabelas WLx for 10wt

(I am working on a $200-300 budget for a reel)

I have not used or tried any of these, but I am hoping to pick up something in Florida when I am there, or may drop into Cabela's when I return

Currently, none of my reels are for 10-11 wt. I have 3 Teton reels and 2 Tiogas plus spare spools, 2 Scientific Anglers System 2, and 2 FlyLogic Premium with spare spools and one Fly Logic Optimum as my main reels (shared with my son and my wife lol). I have a few other reels I hardly use, but they are all for lighter line weights.

So, any recommendations to what may be best from the above list. Cetainly, I would not be fishing with light tippets so start up inertia shouldn't realy be a concern in what reel I get, I guess.

Any recommendations on the list above or any better alternatives?

[ABrocket]

Helios is a good value for performance. I use 8/9 on my single handed salmon setup and another 7/8 on my pike setup. no issues. The only complaint would be the drag adjustment is a little touchy....but you get the feel for it after a while. IMO.

[Albertafisher]

Lamson is the way to go. Great quality and lifetime warranty.

[bloom]

I have an older Loop Evotec 6 9 for sale. Reel was made by Daniellson when he still did reels for Loop. I also have an extra spool for it.

[gilbertslake]

Originally Posted by bloom

I have an older Loop Evotec 6 9 for sale. Reel was made by Daniellson when he still did reels for Loop. I also have an extra spool for it.

How much are you asking? I am on a bit of a restricted budget for this?

You can pm me

[huntin'fool]

Another vote for Lamson. Great product. The guru is good, the Litespeed is lighter and a nice finished aluminum. I have two litespeeds (bought cheap through contacts) and my buddy fishes the guru almost exclusively. Again, Great Product!!

[Albertafisher]

Originally Posted by bloom

I have an older Loop Evotec 6 9 for sale. Reel was made by Daniellson when he still did reels for Loop. I also have an extra spool for it.

Dumb question; do loop reels have reversible bearings? Because I'm right handed for reeling and I might get a loop reel in the future. I notice all the reels in ads are left....

[bloom]

Originally Posted by gilbertslake

How much are you asking? I am on a bit of a restricted budget for this?

You can pm me

Saw your price range...it will be above it. Looking to get $350 for reel, extra spool, backing and neoprene pouches.

[ryanheartssteelhead]

Originally Posted by Albertafisher

Lamson is the way to go. Great quality and lifetime warranty.

2nd that. Hard to beat lamson/ross for that price range

[Dust1n]

Albertafisher dont get a loop i used one for the pike on sylvan (my buddy has one) and its deffinitly not worth the money. Ill give it props for the looks of it though.

[BPman]

It is not on your list but the TFO Large Arbour #375 is a hell of a reel for the money and within your budget, I think. Salt water capable too. I have used the 375 and 425 for salt water fish for several years with excellent results. Just a thought.

[fishpro]

Make sure you get a reel that's fairly heavy, I know that TFO rods are very tip heavy, so you'll need a heavier reel to balance it. I'd recommened waiting until you have the rod built and then find a reel that balances it nicely.