I'm not sure why, but I think solid spool reels look classy.

Here are a few that cover all sized waters.




I don't think I've posted photos of these before, but they've been accumulating over the past year.

Is that one of the Herman Voss spools on the Medalist? I hope to find one someday, or that somebody starts machining them again. And you're right that these solid spools look classy!

I had an Abel Big Game #2 - awesome looking reel. I sold it because they barely click in either direction, and that bugged me.
Very cool smaller Ross! (I think anyway)

For me, this is one where function has to trump form. I prefer ventilated reels because they help the line and backing to dry more quickly.

I believe the medalist spool to be a Voss, but I don't know that much about them. I should probably search the forum for more info. I would prefer it in a 1494, but it definitely is a nice spool.

I hadn't thought about the drying issue, but the advantage of the solid spool on the Abel is is it provides a bit more heft for balancing a spey rod. That and the old draw bar/cork disk is about as simple and effective as they come. And for the RR1s, it doesn't really matter. It just looks fantastic. If I wanted a care free reel, I would use a Gunnison.

Those are beautiful Carl!

I too love the clean look of a solid spool. Sharing a pic of my favorite trio—the now discontinued Abel Classic, Switch, and Spey reels.