bulldog1935 wrote:
My initial approach posting on this thread was postwar, just because my brain wants to associate postwar reels with glass and prewar reels with cane. But the thread has its own life, and I'm not in control, nor do I want to be, so I'm OK contributing prewar stuff.
Young couldn't compete with offshore manufacturing by Ross et.al. with their late 90s/naughties line, and unfortunately, their fine inexpensive composite reels never caught on. So they sold the machined parts to JAF and made the decision to close the fly reel line (I believe Garry Mills was the last foreman of the fly reel line). They continue to make benchmade centrepins.
Well since this thread has a life of its own, following through on the Forbes and Mills connection - It's hard not to see the Young heritage (just think Jubilee and Revolution - even early aerials) in these new reels, manufactured by Garry Mills at Mill Tackle Company. The Wallace is 3 3/16", has a fixed check and is designed for 3-5 wt. lines. The Wizard is 3 5/8" with an adjustable drag and designed for 5-7 wt. lines. I know, I know, not Young reels but still interesting to see in the context of this thread.
Garry Mills has been making more flyreels too. He recently made me these "Tribute" reels, sold through my "Wm. Salter & Grandson" website.
It's got a 3 3/16" spool and is suitable for 4/5 weights.
If you look at the later Young's reels and Garry's output you can see the connection. And some of Jim Young's old machinery was used it their manufacture.