'Tis the current theme of the board: Chris Barclay rods. I am fortunate to now have in my possession a 7'10" 5 wt rod. It is a beauty. One of my first observations, however, is that the rod is more tip-heavy than other glass 5wts I own (the shorter Fenwicks like the FF70). I am therefore looking for a reel to balance. I have a Hardy LRH but it seems a bit light, leaving the balance point beyond the handle. Perhaps a Young? (I notice that his Kineya reels that Chris sells weigh in at about 5 ounces whereas the Young weighs in at 6...)

I would appreciate your thoughts on balance (noting the earlier threads on this topic) and on the Barclay 5wt in particular.

Thank you all!

Expensive options: Hardy St George, Hardy Perfect 3 1/8

More affordable: Orvis Battenkill, Medalist 1494

WIxthus,

How important are the looks? Also, what's your feeling about more modern (disk drag reels)? Oh, how much are you willing to spend? I don't normally worry about reel weight until I've fished a rod with the reel. You add quite a bit of weight when you add the line and backing. I would fish it with what you have for a while and then think about it.

That is a beautiful rod and if you want to match the rod, I feel a lighter colored reel would look the best (not black and not silver). Antiqued brass looks great with it. For a modern look, I might try a Marryat Bronze MR8 the MR8 can handle a lot more line, but it allows you to play with the weight by adding backing or even an oz of lead tape under the backing.

Here's an MR8 on a Proof build (not as pretty as the Barclay, but the colors are at least similar).



Here is a medalist on a the same rod (with less dramatic lighting)


If you are willing to go to black reels
If you can find a solid spool Ross R2, that would be a fantastic looking reel.
The Gunnison G2 is a workhorse, but real beauty would be a San Miguel Two (though a 3 might be better if you want a DT line)

I also have been fishing Abel pt.5 in the 5/6wt. A pt.0 might also work out well.

Good luck and don't worry about it too much.

Agree about the Hardy Perfect 3 1/8. It balances the rod at the top of the grip, exactly at the point where I grip the rod with my index finger and thumb. To me, that is perfect balance. And also, it looks nice:


The reel foot on the Hardy also matches perfectly with the cap and ring on the Barclay rods.

The Bougle also looks nice on a Barclay rod (though some find the finish a bit bright):


I use a 3" Bougle on my Barcaly 784 which has lower swing weight. A 3 1/2" Bougle is 4.70 oz, a full once lighter than the Perfect 3 1/8", and I would figure a bit too light to balance the 7105 you got.

I have a Leland Classic Series Spring Creek (3/4) that when loaded with backing and line weighs 5.7 oz. and balances my 710 5 wt. great. Don't let the 3/4 deceive you - more than adequate for bunch of backing and a wf5. It has the close to the same color as a Hardy Golden Lightweight series reel. Check their website for a look.

I'd like to see a pic of your reel on a rod sometime. I've thought about getting that model in the next size up.

Here is the Leland 3/4 photos on the 7'9" 4 wt. Lemon Drop Classic and the Barclay 7'10" 5 wt.

They definitely have a similar style. The Ross has a larger diameter spool lock in the center, which makes the teardrop porting a little smaller. Otherwise, the brass hardware is about the only aesthetic difference.

Thanks for the photos, jhuskey! That's a very nice looking reel. And from what you said, I probably wouldn't want the larger one.

The Lelands are beautiful reels.

Withux , you're saying that your rig is tip heavy with a Beaudex? I'm getting a great balance with a 1500 Series Beaudex. I have to ask if you are using the older Beaudex with the wire line guard or if your rod has a wood spacer.
A few of us have found that you can easily add weight to your reel using lead core running line or stick on golf club weights. I have used both and prefer the golf club weights.
Another Young made reel that's a good match is the Shakespeare Worcestershire 2627. It's a beautiful reel too.

Abel is owned by Mayfly, which also owns Ross, among other brands.

Thanks scud

I don't blame you! Very beautiful Young "red hooker lipstick" reel! Looks right at home melodious_thunk!

Arch is a great treasure! Fish it well Sir!