It is currently 28 Mar 2024, 16:52


New Topic Add Reply

Which reel for a Lami Honey 7’ 3wt?
Hardy Featherweight Clone 30%  30%  [ 11 ]
Martin MG-3 16%  16%  [ 6 ]
Martin 61 8%  8%  [ 3 ]
Orvis Battenkill 1 (new version) 22%  22%  [ 8 ]
Ross Colorado 1 24%  24%  [ 9 ]
Total votes : 37
Author Message
Post 02 Nov 2021, 16:12 • #1 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Scooter had a fun poll recently in the rods section, so I thought I’d set up a similar poll to help me pick a reel to pair with a Lamiglas Honey 7’ 3wt, 2 piece that I’m expecting in the mail (thanks LeoCreek!). I’m planning to fish it with a WF3 initially and try a DT3 in the future. The rod has a sliding band reel seat.

Your vote doesn’t have to be specific to the Lami 703, as long as it applies to a 7’ 3wt. I’d like to keep the price on the low end because this will be a bushwhacking brookie rod, which also means bonus points for durability.

Hardy Featherweight Clone - I’ve been dredging the FFR archives and found that lots of people are fond of the Japanese made Hardy clones. I think the Eagle Claw EC10 would be a cool color combo for the Lami honey blank, but I also like the looks of the Daiwa 700 and the Heddon 300.

Martin MG-3 - Because everyone needs at least one of these apparently. I think it’s the lightest reel in my list, but it will need about a mile of backing with a WF3 line, which adds approximately 0.5 oz of weight per 100 yards of backing if I remember correctly.

Martin 61 - An easy option because I already own it and it’s a tuna can. Also a boring option because I don’t get to add a new reel to the collection.

Orvis Battenkill 1 - This is the only new reel on my list, but I’ve always liked the modern generation Battenkill clickers and never had a reason to buy one. You don’t hear many complaints about this reel.

Ross Colorado 1 - The second reel on my list that I already own, but also my favorite clicker. My only concern is it will be a bit heavy for the Lami 703 at 4.1 oz. I know I know, the Colorado 0 would be perfect for the Lami, but good luck finding one at a decent price.


Top
  
Quote
Post 02 Nov 2021, 21:36 • #2 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/11/06
Posts: 2516
Location: Nature Coast Florida
I have a new model Battenkill II and with line and backing it only weighs 3.8 ozs. Would you need to go lighter than that on a 7' rod?

Barry


Top
  
Quote
Post 02 Nov 2021, 22:57 • #3 
Administrator
Joined: 01/10/06
Posts: 7811
Location: Holly Springs, NC
None of the above. I use a BassPro White River UL Classic. It is a click/pawl reel and the price is nice. The short Lami rods don't usually need a heavy reel to balance. Much depends on the reelseat on your rod. The Hardy would be my second choice, but the BassPro and Martins are easier on the wallet if they get lost on the trail.


Tom


Top
  
Quote
Post 03 Nov 2021, 06:49 • #4 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
The Hardy clone that's winning the vote is too heavy.
Can't believe MG-3 isn't winning the poll.
I would go with Martin LM45 (Strada MZ34) - Tom's Tiemco-made choice is also a good one.


Top
  
Quote
Post 03 Nov 2021, 12:29 • #5 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/05/10
Posts: 5229
Location: Mid Hudson Valley of New York
I use a Hardy Featherweight on my 2 piece 703 honey lami. balances very nicely. Have also used shakespeare russell 1894. Slightly heavier but ok. Favorite was meisselbach rainbow 627 until the spindle crapped out.


Last edited by picketpin52 on 03 Nov 2021, 13:31, edited 1 time in total.

Top
  
Quote
Post 03 Nov 2021, 12:47 • #6 
Master Guide
Joined: 05/20/12
Posts: 980
Location: Eugene, OR
MG3, and since you didn’t ask, why not try a Ryobi 255MG?


Top
  
Quote
Post 03 Nov 2021, 14:31 • #7 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Thanks for the thoughtful feedback. The rod arrived yesterday, and I have ruled out the Colorado 1 and Martin 61. The Colorado is too heavy, and the Martin 61 will not stay secure in the sliding band reel seat due to the reel foot design.

Barry, good point on the Battenkills. I looked up the specs, and somehow the weight difference between the Battenkill 1 and 2 is only 0.1 oz (2.8 and 2.9). I think I’d prefer the 3” Battenkill 2 over the 2.75” Battenkill 1.

Tom, thanks for the tip on the Bass Pro reel - it looks solid for the price, so I’m going to consider it.

Ron, I’m also surprised that the MG-3 isn’t closer to the top in the poll. The Martin LM45 looks nice, but they’re selling a little above my price range lately on eBay.

Picket, if my research is correct, the Hardy Featherweight is about 0.5 oz lighter than the Japanese Featherweight clones. I think the clones are pretty close in weight to the Martin 61 at about 3.5 oz. The Martin 61 didn’t feel too heavy to me, but I wouldn’t want to go any heavier.

Lunker, I hadn’t seen the Ryobi 255MG yet - that’s an interesting option I need to explore.


Top
  
Quote
Post 03 Nov 2021, 15:06 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/05/10
Posts: 5229
Location: Mid Hudson Valley of New York
+1 for ryobi 255mg. Dont see them often but nice light reel with plenty of capacity.


Top
  
Quote
Post 12 Nov 2021, 10:26 • #9 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
I expected the Featherweight clone or MG-3 to come out on top, but the Battenkill was the surprise winner. The Battenkill option grew on me when Barry pointed out that the Battenkill 2 was practically the same weight as the tiny Battenkill 1.

It’s convenient that my local Orvis is about 15 minutes away in case I ever run into any issues with my Orvis gear. I found a deal on a Battenkill 2 that I couldn’t refuse, so here it is on the Lami 703. The gunmetal color of the reel matches the reel seat hardware nicely. The weight of the reel provides the perfect balance right at the upper end of the cork.



Top
  
Quote
Post 13 Nov 2021, 09:53 • #10 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
sharp-looking choice


Top
  
Quote
Post 13 Nov 2021, 13:27 • #11 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 02/26/14
Posts: 3578
Location: US-MN
Very nice! I have the earlier Battenkill II (Barstock) reels on both my Lami 703 and 764. Good choice!


Top
  
Quote
Post 14 Nov 2021, 21:46 • #12 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/02/16
Posts: 515
Location: Georgia
Thanks guys! And thanks to everyone who participated in the poll. I have a few new eBay alerts saved as a result of reel suggestions in this thread. I’m planning to do a full rod review and trip report as soon as I get the new combo out on the water.

After some lawn casting, I can see why the Lamiglas Honey rods are so highly regarded. Lanny (Little Kern Golden) did an amazing job on the rod build - more to come soon in the fishing with fiberglass rods section.


Top
  
Quote
Post 15 Nov 2021, 07:40 • #13 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
I would open you search up to the small JAF reels (I am partial to the solid spool "sandstone"). If you're going to pay top price for an MG3 or Ryobi MG255, you might as well spend a bit more for one of these reels.


Top
  
Quote
Post 16 Nov 2021, 08:37 • #14 
Piscator
Joined: 08/10/05
Posts: 19078
Location: downtown Bulverde, Texas
I'll agree with Carl, there's not a Hardy reel as nice as the final JW Young reels.
Interesting story about JAF - he brought all those reels back in his suitcase on many trips to Redditch, to control import duties.

Image Image


Top
  
Quote
Post 12 Dec 2021, 14:52 • #15 
Guide
Joined: 04/18/20
Posts: 169
Location: Far Western 'burbs of Chicago
I have had several of the new Battenkill reels, they have been very reliable and perform great. My only complaint is sometimes some spools aren't 100% interchangeable across all the reels of the same size and vintage. Strange...so I just have to make sure to keep certain spools and reels together.


Top
  
Quote
Post 13 Dec 2021, 09:29 • #16 
Guide
Joined: 05/02/12
Posts: 100
Location: US-CT
CFO-123. Might be above price point though.
tt


Top
  
Quote
Post 18 Dec 2021, 18:29 • #17 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 06/09/05
Posts: 2524
Location: US-CO
Great choice. I fish my Lamiglas 7 ft, 3 wt (fished with a 4 wt line) using 1) the smallest Teton, 2) Orvis Access, 3) Ryobi 255 Magnesium. I have a mint Martin MG-3 but have decided not to fish it, although it too would be a good match.


Top
  
Quote
Post 31 Mar 2023, 21:58 • #18 
New Member
Joined: 12/20/22
Posts: 17
Location: Ontario, Canada
Just came across this and thought I'd chip in with my two cents, even though it's over a year old.

I use a Hardy Featherweight clone on my Lamiglas 7' two piece rod, and the balance point is perfect. I checked out some other reels as an option, notably the Battenkill (which is beautiful), Echo Ion and some others, but the Hardy clone worked better for me.

Cheers, and tight lines.


Top
  
Quote
Post 31 Mar 2023, 22:28 • #19 
Sport
Joined: 12/24/22
Posts: 69
Location: Columbia River Gorge
I’m building this rod as well and I’m torn between reel seat choices because I can go black with my Abel TR1 or silver/gunmetal with my Hardy Featherweight. I’m leaning toward the silver so I can get one of Ray’s seats.


Top
  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  

New Topic Add Reply



Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 21 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Jump to:  
Google
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group