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Post 12 Jan 2018, 11:28 • #26 
Master Guide
Joined: 09/29/08
Posts: 435
Location: US-NJ
The Valentine 375 reel is my go to reel for steelhead (if it is above freezing), bonefish, and stripers. I like that I can still get parts because I've used this reel hard for more than 10 years and have also upgraded to the newer drag washers and knob as well. I will recommend one change that has helped get a smoother drag for me; replace the nylon drag washer with a carbon fiber drag washer.

The simple, open design is great until it gets cold. Then it can freeze up. Once I didn't think when fishing at 14F and put on my standby Valentine 375 reel. When I hooked up on the first steelhead I was soon Tenkara fishing which didn't work out well. Changing to a sealed drag reel in 14F weather wasn't much fun either.


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Post 12 Jan 2018, 12:56 • #27 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
while my 375 planetary photo shows the original gears and handle, I've done those same upgrades, and they're Great.
I especially love the rectangular smooth handle grasp over the sharply-splined round one.

Image


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Post 28 Jan 2018, 12:33 • #28 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 03/30/09
Posts: 1525
Location: Hamilton,Ontario,Canada
I like my Medalists,but I wouldnt mind getting a small single action Valentine reel.I could have bought one 25 or 30 years ago in Pennsylvania for $40 and wished I had.They have "The Drag".


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Post 28 Jan 2018, 12:40 • #29 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
a mint one now is also worth $200


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Post 28 Jan 2018, 15:45 • #30 
Master Guide
Joined: 05/08/06
Posts: 796
Location: RenoNV/FranklinWV
Mostly Trout fishing, my most used reels are CFO's III, IV and V, all English made, that pretty much covers everything for freshwater. I have Akron made Medalists in 14941/2 and 1495 and a 1494DA with the 1 Pfoot reel foot, they are smoothies and fun to fish. All of them have been very dependable for me.


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Post 29 Jan 2018, 22:37 • #31 
Sport
Joined: 05/13/15
Posts: 52
Location: Oar-E-Gun
It depends on what species I'm chasing:
Steelhead - Hardy JLH Salmon
Trout - CFO III, Abel TR2 or Abel TR3
LM Bass - Medalist 1495
Stripers - Abel Super 7
Tarpon - Abel 4N


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Post 31 Jan 2018, 08:51 • #32 
New Member
Joined: 01/30/18
Posts: 3
Location: US-MA
bulldog1935 wrote:
that inspiration-to-end story fits Valentine better than it would any reel machined from bar stock. When Galvan was selling for $240, the Valentine planetary multiplier was selling for $120, and the single-action was selling for $80. Larry Valentine was in the perfect place to produce this reel, contracting aircraft parts from his alloy sheet metal shop. The anodizing quality, fit and finish on this reel is as good as any bar stock reel ever made. And the design is better, balancing function and production.
Image Image

Image Image
Also, Larry is still around to replace those anozidzed gears with his delrin upgrades, because reels are a sideline - he doesn't have to sell them to keep making them.



Hello Bulldog,

Glad to hear that you've been enjoying your Valentine's all these years! Full disclosure, I'm Chuck Valentine, (Larry's brother), and just wanted to thank you for your support of our reels. We have an unbelievable loyal following of Valentine users and many of our original reels are still in service.

Support is still available for our reels, though in some cases replacement parts and spare spools have become scarce. I don't typically post anywhere regarding our reels but was prompted to do so here as I was curious for an opinion and/or current users thoughts on our possibly doing a relaunch of the Single Action reels, or possibly in a limited run scenario. We've thought about this in the past but our reel, like some of the Hardy reels, is more of a classic old style design and I'm not sure how it might be received? It appears that there is growing interest in fiberglass rods based on new entries into the marketplace and wondering if now might be the time to consider this?

If you're inclined to comment I'd love to hear comments, for and against should you have the time.

Thank You.
Chuck Valentine
Valentine Fly Reels


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Post 31 Jan 2018, 09:09 • #33 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
Wow Chuck, thanks for posting.
If you make some more single action reels, you'll find a few people step up from this forum to buy them.
The Original Medalist on Steroids.
Ron Mc


Last edited by bulldog1935 on 31 Jan 2018, 09:21, edited 1 time in total.

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Post 31 Jan 2018, 09:16 • #34 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/12/16
Posts: 4093
Location: USA-CO
Welcome to the board, Hilltop! I would be very interested in one of your reels should you re-introduce them.


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Post 31 Jan 2018, 10:25 • #35 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/20/07
Posts: 8920
Location: US-ME
My Pfluegers and a few Martins always did the trick in their time, so I don't know how many times I almost got a Valentine and then passed, a young guy on a budget being a little bit need-based in such decisions. I don't regret not having one but the Pflueger on Steroids would be hard to pass up today. I have absolutely no need or want for any fly reel on the market today, but if new Valentines came up, well, that just might be the trigger to get rid of (sell) what few large arbor reels I have and rarely use to get a Valentine instead. And use it. I wouldn't dare say, though, whether it is a winning manufacturing/marketing decision to resume production. Thanks for posting about this benchmark product.


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Post 12 Feb 2018, 16:54 • #36 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/27/16
Posts: 2327
Location: US-IL
I too would be interested,an American made reel reissued would truly be something.Many of us are active on other fishing boards.I love the old medalists in their design and mechanics. I just am not going to invest the money in one to convert LHW.


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Post 12 Feb 2018, 17:09 • #37 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/08/08
Posts: 695
Location: US-MA
Hi Chuck, Thanks for posting. I for one, would be thrilled to see the single action reels re-introduced. I have a Planetary 375 and would love to add an 83 or more likely, an 89 model to go with it.


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Post 12 Feb 2018, 17:40 • #38 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 05/19/14
Posts: 3924
Location: USA - Illinois
Gotta count me in here boys and girls! That would be a very cool re-issue. I'm sure a bunch of old farts like me would play.
John


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Post 12 Feb 2018, 18:28 • #39 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/22/11
Posts: 1720
Location: US-TX
I would be very interested. Something to go with brown fiberglass would be very nice.


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Post 12 Feb 2018, 18:54 • #40 
Sport
Joined: 05/26/17
Posts: 74
Location: Ottawa, Canada
If there was a new run of the Valentine single action reels made I would purchase the 76 size without hesitation. I would treasure it and I would fish it.


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Post 13 Feb 2018, 04:02 • #41 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/08/05
Posts: 3570
Location: Western PA
Tomah wrote:
Welcome to the board, Hilltop! I would be very interested in one of your reels should you re-introduce them.

Ditto, I'd be looking to buy one.


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Post 13 Feb 2018, 08:02 • #42 
New Member
Joined: 01/30/18
Posts: 3
Location: US-MA
Thank you all for the kind words and words of encouragement. Larry and I will be reviewing the logistics of doing this in the next couple of months and I'll report back as to our decision.

Chuck, aka HillTop


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Post 13 Feb 2018, 08:06 • #43 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
woo-hoo :hat


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Post 14 Feb 2018, 01:50 • #44 
Master Guide
Joined: 06/28/16
Posts: 930
Location: Northern WI
I alternate between my original Ross R reels and my Hardy Lightweights. But when push comes to shove, I'd grab my LRH or Featherweight.


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Post 20 Feb 2018, 19:55 • #45 
Guide
Joined: 05/02/12
Posts: 100
Location: US-CT
Most of my fishing is done with a 3 weight and I find the CFO 123 is my most used reel. On certain rods I like the Hatch 1, but it's no longer made.

tt


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Post 27 Feb 2018, 13:18 • #46 
Sport
Joined: 10/02/08
Posts: 84
Location: Inver Grove Heights, MN
A little late but I just found this thread. I too would be interested in a Valentine single action reel. I've been watching Ebay for years trying to find a 76 or 83 but haven't had much luck. Did find one once on a vintage and classic fly fishing dealers web site but he wanted to much. I'll be watching. Hope this works out.
Mike


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Post 27 Feb 2018, 13:35 • #47 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
Hopefully Chuck has subscribed to this thread....
Chuck....


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Post 27 Feb 2018, 13:58 • #48 
Guide
Joined: 02/22/16
Posts: 307
Location: Livingston MT
Hi Chuck,

Another vote for the single action Valentine. Had one for years and always liked it.

I just ebayed a bunch of nice reels that I was never going to fish. I hit 66 years old this year and finally realized I can't fish all the reels I have and why am I saving the nice ones if not to fish? So for the Spey rods I use an Ari Hart, a Brusky, and a Hardy Perfect. For trout and such saved my CFOs, Hardy's, and Saraciones and for traveling got my Hatches. The Hatches are absolutely bombproof and 100% reliable under any circumstances. And have some other quirky ones I just couldn't part with like the Mt. Rainiers and Catskill Research reels.

Tom


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Post 27 Feb 2018, 16:34 • #49 
New Member
Joined: 01/30/18
Posts: 3
Location: US-MA
Yes, I'm watching/listening ;)

Thanks all for the kind words. Larry and I are contemplating doing something but there are some logistical issues that need to be reviewed relative to tooling, etc. We're fortunate that we've had such a very loyal following over the years and to say it's appreciated is an understatement. Seems those reels that end up on the big auction site don't last long so it appears they are still coveted. I saw this recent sale and it had me scratching my head !!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/VALENTINE-No-76-Single-Action-Fly-Reel-w-xtra-spool-Excellent-Condition/162897867430?hash=item25ed7832a6:g:NuYAAOSws5BagHIB


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Post 27 Feb 2018, 16:44 • #50 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
that's astounding - I paid $225 for a NIB 76, myself, but that was a few years ago.


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