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Post 18 Jul 2021, 12:22 • #1 
New Member
Joined: 07/13/21
Posts: 2
I picked up a Browning Silaflex 322980 (8' 7wt) recently for what I feel was a great price. If it has been used, I can't tell other than it looks like a reel was mounted on it at one point. The handle doesn't even have greasy hand prints or holes from jamming a fly in the cork.

I've got 2 options...sell it...or...use it as a bass rig (mostly largemouth), but I'm not opposed to catching trout either. I'm looking for reel recommendations to compliment my shiny new rod that will both have nice balance and enough juice to reel in a largemouth. Thanks in advance!










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Post 18 Jul 2021, 17:05 • #2 
Master Guide
Joined: 12/11/20
Posts: 378
Location: Dallas, TX
Wow. Great looking Silaflex. That label and cork are pristine. I have one that I enjoy fishing quite a bit, even though it’s considerably more “loved” than yours.

I like vintge era reels to match with my older sticks. I bought an LL Bean GQS (Hardy Marquis) 6/7 here on the forum that pairs well with it, although they are not exactly the same era.

My Martin 77WS also is a good match, as is the South Bend Finalist 1133. My newer but still previous generation Ross Cimarron C4 is like a great pair of old blue jeans: it goes well with everything.


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Post 18 Jul 2021, 17:39 • #3 
Guide
Joined: 06/08/18
Posts: 293
Location: Boston , MA
A good Ole 1495 …


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Post 18 Jul 2021, 19:33 • #4 
Master Guide
Joined: 08/03/14
Posts: 945
Location: central AR
I use a Orvis Battenkill IV from the 70’s on mine. It’s a great combo for trout on windy days. Largemouth don’t really run during a fight so a heavy drag is overkill.


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Post 18 Jul 2021, 20:23 • #5 
New Member
Joined: 07/13/21
Posts: 2
Thanks! I was almost disappointed it was so nice as I don't want to be the jerk who scratches it up.


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Post 18 Jul 2021, 20:39 • #6 
Master Guide
Joined: 12/11/20
Posts: 378
Location: Dallas, TX
Agree on the 1495 and old Battenkill ideas too! I’ve never had a largemouth pull line from my reel unless I let him get on to the reel on purpose first.

And I recommend you fish that rod! It’s been waiting it’s whole life for you to come along and finally get to catch some fish!


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Post 19 Jul 2021, 09:22 • #7 
Guide
Joined: 10/19/17
Posts: 127
Location: West of the east and east of the west
Great rod! Can't go wrong with a Medalist; had one on my 8' 7wt for years before I found this...

Image

Image


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Post 19 Jul 2021, 09:32 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/20/07
Posts: 8921
Location: US-ME
Nice one ! I had forgotten all about that fixed-click Browning model, and I had one for a short while. It would have been borderline small for a 7 weight. Do you remember if they came in several sizes? Browning, best I recall, didn't have any super duper "high end" reels under their own label. Just good stuff to go with very serviceable rods. The one shown is the epitome of an all-around rod as thought of by many all-around sportsmen of the time. Browning sourced reels from quality makers, but I can't recall which other than Martin, whose 67 series reels or US Made MC 7/8 would be a good match. The already mentioned 1495 Pflueger would be another no brainer, right there on the shelf ten feet from the rod rack at the sporting goods store where someone splurged a bit on a Browning rod. Browning had its own reels of the same design and sizing as Japanese Pflueger knock-offs became common. JW Young would have been another potential supplier, but I don't recall a Browning-labeled reel of Young design. Any of the 3 1/2' Young reels of the time would be another of the usual suspects to outfit that nice rod. Thanks for showing.


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Post 19 Jul 2021, 10:56 • #9 
Guide
Joined: 10/19/17
Posts: 127
Location: West of the east and east of the west
I like to put the smallest reel on that will balance the rod and this one works very nicely. As I recall it's Japanese made; I've only ever seen the 5230 so I don't know if other sizes were available. It actually seems to work just a tad smoother RHW but not enough to keep me from switching it to LHW. I have a more contemporary Browning Midas reel on my WW Grigg 5wt rod and it's a very nice reel too. I assume it was made overseas as well.


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Post 19 Jul 2021, 11:28 • #10 
Administrator
Joined: 01/10/06
Posts: 7811
Location: Holly Springs, NC
Browning made that reel in two sizes. The 5230 is the larger one (see viewtopic.php?f=4&t=13401&p=82786&hilit=Browning+reel#p82786). Don't mess with the drag spring...


Tom


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Post 19 Jul 2021, 12:30 • #11 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 01/26/07
Posts: 1385
Location: Ada, Oklahoma
I have that rod in excellent condition, picked up for the amazing price of $30. I haven't used it all that much, but when I do, I like the Martin 67A on it when fishing 7 weight, or the Orvis Battenkill when fishing 6 weight.

Larry


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Post 19 Jul 2021, 19:41 • #12 
Sport
Joined: 11/16/20
Posts: 73
I have the 22980 and I like it with the Medalist 1495 as others have mentioned


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Post 20 Jul 2021, 07:53 • #13 
Sport
Joined: 08/13/17
Posts: 30
Location: PA
Cant go wrong with the 1495 as many before me have mentioned. Beautiful rod!


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Post 20 Jul 2021, 09:23 • #14 
Guide
Joined: 10/19/17
Posts: 127
Location: West of the east and east of the west
My Silaflex was $20 at an antique mall with original plastic tube and cloth bag, but no cap for the tube. I've made do with a variety of caps since and have looked for an original but to no avail. It was the 2nd fly rod I purchased. I found the reel for sale on a spey casting site and had to join to be able to log in to buy it. Haven't been back since :lol .


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Post 22 Jul 2021, 06:39 • #15 
Guide
Joined: 06/08/18
Posts: 293
Location: Boston , MA
Another option to look at may be the Orvis Madison/Medalist era reels , a couple different color gray/dk green frame options , along with the silver spool , in maybe the 6/7 wt ?


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Post 31 Jul 2021, 12:05 • #16 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
I know it isn't the same vintage, but a bronze Maryat MR8 in bronze would look gorgeous on it.

It an eagle claw, brown hardy clone.


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Post 31 Jul 2021, 16:21 • #17 
Guide
Joined: 07/14/15
Posts: 113
Location: CA-QC
Here is my 322980 paired with a Browning 2078 reel. They will be throwing poppers to smallies tomorrow morning. Not sure how the uploading procedure works.



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