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Post 25 Feb 2023, 13:05 • #1 
Sport
Joined: 12/25/22
Posts: 65
Location: Hartford, CT
I've been researching this site for a while now and still can't seem to come up with the correct reel idea to balance my FF755 listed as 3 oz. (which I've owned since I was 14 - I'm now approaching 60 and just got back into fly fishing last year). I had it paired originally with a 1495DA Medalist and it seemed to work fine and currently have that reel spooled with a SA Frequency WF-4-F on one spool, and a spliced together 6W Sinking tip line on the other spool and reel is still RHW as that was how I learned to fish. When I got back into fly fishing last year I bought a new nymph rig which has been getting fair amount of use (Big Y labeled 10' 3wt rod and Big Y nymph reel - Korean built is my guess but decent quality and LHW so I have become comfortable with ambidextrous fly fishing :) The 1495DA weighs 6.25 oz with no line and is perhaps too heavy for the FF755, so I'm thinking of getting a new reel for the 5 wt Fenwick and have been considering a Martin 67 (which I believe is around 5 oz.) or a Martin MG7 (4.4 oz?) or a Martin MC 56 (4.25 oz). I kind of have my heart set on a Martin but I'm very open to other options as well. Also, I have my fathers custom 8' rod built on a Fenwick FL-96-6F which I believe is the same rod as the FF806 and I think the 1495 DA reel will work fine on that. I'm in CT and fish the Farmington River which has nice wild Browns and other smaller rivers. Thanks for any tips or suggestions on best match - I have really enjoyed reading these forums the past month or so - you guys are awesome!!


Last edited by greenteal on 22 Mar 2023, 12:08, edited 2 times in total.

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Post 25 Feb 2023, 14:12 • #2 
Guide
Joined: 04/17/12
Posts: 204
Location: Blacksburg, VA
Welcome to the forum Greenteal. I use a 1494 on my FF756-4 and that makes a really good match so if your interested in a Medalist I'd suggest that size. There is some personal taste involved in reel matching but I would agree that the 1495 is a bit too heavy for an FF755, and maybe even for the FL96. There is an in between size the 1494 1/2.


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Post 25 Feb 2023, 14:26 • #3 
Master Guide
Joined: 08/03/14
Posts: 945
Location: central AR
First, Welcome to the forum. As to the reels you list, the Martin MC 5/6 would be my first choice ( the USA made model). The Martin 67 is a really good reel, but is a bit big for the FF-755 in my opinion. It and the MG-7 are great choices for the FL96-6.
A Martin MG-3 would be a great reel on the FF-755, a very light reel on a light rod, but they aren’t easy to find.
Hope I didn’t muddy the waters for you.
Tim


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Post 25 Feb 2023, 14:37 • #4 
Sport
Joined: 12/25/22
Posts: 65
Location: Hartford, CT
I agree about the MC 56, or if I could find an MC45? And an MG3 would be great as well.


Last edited by greenteal on 07 Mar 2023, 08:10, edited 4 times in total.

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Post 25 Feb 2023, 14:38 • #5 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
The medalist 1494 is a good reel for a wf4 and maybe a wf5. If you can find a 1494.5 like spec mentions, but it might be a bit heavy. I also would look at a Ross RR2 if you want a bit nicer vintage reel (a bit later, but still a good match). I love mine, but they are not for everyone.

I am not the biggest hardy fan. They are very light and very traditional, but not nearly as rugged as the medalists and high end Martin Reels.

The FF755 is a great all around reel and if you don't need to be age appropriate a Ross Gunnison (original series) or Lamson LP 1.5, are top end 1990's reels that work well.


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Post 25 Feb 2023, 15:04 • #6 
Guide
Joined: 11/25/10
Posts: 180
Location: US-NV
I really love the Hardy lightweight series clones. Mine have been durable, and I love the purr of the click pawl. The drag resistance has a fairly large range. For the FF755 you could probably go with the LRH size. Brands include Heddon, Berkley, Daiwa, Garcia, Alford, Compac, Zebco, etc.


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Post 25 Feb 2023, 21:08 • #7 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 03/30/09
Posts: 1525
Location: Hamilton,Ontario,Canada
I have an old Fenwick catalogue with rods and blanks with a cross reference section and your blank is the same one that Fenwick uses for the FF806.So you are right about that.


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Post 26 Feb 2023, 14:20 • #8 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 11/06/17
Posts: 2498
Location: South of Joplin
In those days when the manufacturers talked about "balance" weren't they talking about line match?
If we look at static balance, any reel will balance any any rod if we pick the right point of balance, but then when we start to cast the balance point will move by a foot or two and when the weight of the cast line is hanging from the tiptop, the balance point will move again.
I fish My FF75 with 1494, 1495 and frequently with 1554 Pfluegers. I didn't weigh them but suspect a 3-5oz variation between the lightest and heaviest combos that fish quite well.


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Post 26 Feb 2023, 16:13 • #9 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/20/07
Posts: 8920
Location: US-ME
Yes. "Balanced" was used to mean "well-matched," involving size and line capacity, not mere weight. Trev remembers, but new anglers would have to read enough "old" advertising and fly-fishing articles to see that common usage in context. The 1494 or 1494 1/2 would be the "balanced" size for a 5 and 6 weight respectively, but the 1495 wouldn't be the worst thing in the world. Pick a reel with the needed line and backing capacity and it will work just fine. Pflueger was among the most often pictured reel matched/ balanced with Fenwick 'glass rod advertising in their time. No surprise if you want to dance with the one that brung ya'.


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Post 27 Feb 2023, 14:02 • #10 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/11/14
Posts: 1784
Location: urban Colorado
I built a rod on a FL 96-7 blank, which is the same rod as FF807. I don't always fish a Pflueger on it but when I do it's the old Shakespeare equivalent to the 1495. Then a Hardy Viscount 130, that would be a good match for the FL96-6, light and handsome, not very expensive though might be a bit hard to find. Then for a long time had the Daiwa SF706 while fishing warmwater bass and walleye, currently an Abu Delta oddity.

My vote also goes to the MC-56 for the FF755, for a light reel.
Last year I found a FL90-5 blank built up, which is the same rod as the FF755. So far the only reel I've fished on there is a CFO III and that works great as you would expect.



Martin 67 usually goes on a Browning Silaflex 322975 which is also 7.5' and 5/6wt, so I think that could work too.



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Post 01 Mar 2023, 22:09 • #11 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/14/06
Posts: 720
Location: US-CA
I fish my 755 with a SA system 6 reel and a double taper 5. It is a great combo. I've fished it with a 1494 but I like the lighter system 6 paired with it better.


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Post 02 Mar 2023, 13:07 • #12 
Sport
Joined: 12/25/22
Posts: 65
Location: Hartford, CT
Any thoughts or experiences on the Daiwa Lochmor reels? I have researched these forums and didn't fine a lot of info. They still sell new 200a models and there are earlier Lochmor models available on the used market for about the same price. Dual click pawls following from the 706/708 lineage of reels, they are marketed as Large Arbor spools. New Lochmor 200a reels from the factory are available for $35, less than half the price of a new Pflueger Medalist click pawl which are listed for $84 online. Both include 1 year warranties. Do you think the Lochmors (X's, S's or A's) and new Medalists are as durable as vintage Martin reels? I know Seiko/Daiwa (and comparable Scientific Angler models) are often sited on this forum (cool photo I found on Michael Wardian's Facebook page, and have posted with his permission - he stated he worked 14 years with Daiwa on the Lochmor reel development - showing side by sides of SF/SA/Lochmor) , and I see new Medalists are still touted as very good reels. I think a Martin MC56 or Daiwa Lochmor will suit both the FF755 and the FL-96-6F rods well, capacity is a little less on the Lochmor. I would also consider the new Medalist, but not sure why I would pay double for that when there are plenty of affordable MC's on the market. I don't think a DT line option adds value for either of these rods, for a typical ~40' cast there is effectively no difference between casting a WF or DT line (of equivalent weight and model) they should both do fine with WF lines. I do still think an MG7 might be a good match for the 806 fenwick. Thanks so much everyone for your replies, very much appreciated! Now if I can figure out how to fish dry flies I'll be all set!!!


Last edited by greenteal on 04 Mar 2023, 10:34, edited 27 times in total.

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Post 02 Mar 2023, 14:04 • #13 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 07/05/10
Posts: 5229
Location: Mid Hudson Valley of New York
When it comes to 5 & 6 weights there are so many reels to choose from.

All of the reels you mentioned in your original post would work fine. I use a Martin MG-7, sometimes an Orvis Battenkill 5/6 clicker on my FF756.

Pick the one (or two) that make you happy. If fishing the Farmington River for trout any of the reels mentioned in this thread will do the job. It comes down to budget and personal taste.


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Post 02 Mar 2023, 15:59 • #14 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/04/18
Posts: 397
Location: Belair Maryland/Swanton Maryland
Greenteal
I’m 110% down with the Daiwas and the later Lochmor reels .

A Daiwa 706 Or the Sa 456 would be perfect for your FF
A later s200 would be nice if you want a more stealth look !
Glad to see someone who like those Daiwas like I do .
Tight Lines in 23
Scotto


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Post 02 Mar 2023, 20:05 • #15 
Administrator
Joined: 01/10/06
Posts: 7811
Location: Holly Springs, NC
Do any of the reels you have now, when loaded with backing and line, balance the FF755 the way you like? If so, how much do they weigh - with the line installed?

The listed reels are in the same weight range, but the line capacities are very different. To put a five weight line on a reel that holds a DT8 + 100 yards will need A LOT of additional backing. A DT5 line weighs about an ounce and 100 yards of #30 backing weighs about 1/3 oz. Adding 200-300 yards of dacron just to fill the spool might add 1/2-3/4 of an ounce to the total weight.

For what it's worth, I would rather have a palming rim than not. The rim isn't a deal breaker either way.


Tom


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Post 03 Mar 2023, 00:44 • #16 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
The Lochmore 200a is a "mid arbor" reel. Not truly large arbor, but a good practical reel. The click and pawl is solid and it is a fairly light reel. For the price, I don't think you can go wrong. I have one, but have never put a line on it, but it would be fine reel for the FF-755. Put a line on one and it is cheaper than a spare spool for a lot of other reels.


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Post 03 Mar 2023, 08:37 • #17 
Guide
Joined: 03/21/22
Posts: 172
Location: US-PA
I have a Daiwa Lochmor reel I fish on a Scientific Anglers system 4. I really like the reel, tough to beat for the price. Has a very nice look to it and seems to be of decent quality.


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Post 03 Mar 2023, 08:54 • #18 
Sport
Joined: 12/25/22
Posts: 65
Location: Hartford, CT
here are some photos of my 1495 DA Medalist spooled with a SA Frequency WF4W line with three different rods.
The FF755

The FL96-6F
And another old rod I found that I had since the 70s a Daiwa 2045 7wt


Last edited by greenteal on 24 Mar 2023, 14:11, edited 1 time in total.

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Post 03 Mar 2023, 09:19 • #19 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 04/20/07
Posts: 8920
Location: US-ME
Use the search function to check out the Lochmor reel, and you might decide to get two. viewtopic.php?f=4&t=8488&hilit=Daiwa+Lochmoor


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Post 03 Mar 2023, 12:19 • #20 
Master Guide
Joined: 01/04/18
Posts: 397
Location: Belair Maryland/Swanton Maryland
Just to be clear there are 3 different iterations of the Lochmor reel

“S” 100,200,300 std arbor no counter balance

“X” 100,200,300 same as above but with counterbalance

Both reels come in dark charcoal gray

The Lochmor
“A” 100,200,300 is mid arbor with counter balance and a lighter grey skeleton frame

Another note about Daiwa and the later lochmor reels is the casting flaw that was never rectified ..

The foot is thicker on one side more than the other

In left hand wind the foot facing forward is too thick to fit many Rods …

Trying to file them down is a reel pain in the tookis ..

If you’ve got big reel seat pockets on your rod your good
But if you’ve got a thin/small pocket like on most modern rods you’ll see what I mean ..

In right hand wind the foot is slightly thinner and will fit some rods that LHW won’t .

Love these reels but that’s my biggest beef with them that I’m limited to what rods can use them .

Another is some have weaker check springs than others ..

The mid arbor “A” reels have the weakest , shortest lasting springs of the bunch .

I get about 2 seasons out of an “A” before the click drag check overruns when you pull line off .. even on the highest drag setting .
They have a great Purr to them though .

Cheers


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Post 03 Mar 2023, 12:53 • #21 
Master Guide
Joined: 02/22/07
Posts: 871
Location: Out West
An older Scientific Anglers System One 456 or Daiwa SF 706 (interchangeable) work really well on the FF755 in opinion. At least these are the only reels I have used on my FF755.


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Post 06 Mar 2023, 11:58 • #22 
Sport
Joined: 12/25/22
Posts: 65
Location: Hartford, CT
I read on these forums the following:

If you want a rule of thumb for reel weight, the loaded reel should be up to 50% heavier than the rod.

So I will aim for a lighter weight clicker around 3.5 oz or less for my Fenwicks, allowing an oz +/- for line weight and backing.

Thanks so much and tight lines,

Chris


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Post 07 Mar 2023, 12:52 • #23 
Glass Fanatic
Joined: 09/18/09
Posts: 5561
Location: Relocated to the Drought Stricken West.
And thanks Ottobahn for the nugget about the Lochmore reels.


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Post 07 Mar 2023, 19:22 • #24 
Guide
Joined: 04/26/19
Posts: 179
Location: L'Étoile du Nord
One of the things I do is wind lead core fishing line on a reel that is too light and then the backing. The other thing is that I like the swing feel on a close to balanced rig but really I'm balancing for when I'm standing in the river swinging wet flies, soft hackles or streamers with a bunch of line out, I'm not fighting to keep the tip up fishing. Even on my graphite rods I like heavier reels, new reels are too light, so if I like one, I have to doctor it up. I know lighter the better that's the trend, but it doesn't help me out too much.

I look at line capacity, size and a adequate click and something that is not too big and heavy, the rest I can tailor.

I have a pflueger on my FF75 right now


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Post 09 Mar 2023, 18:31 • #25 
Sport
Joined: 12/25/22
Posts: 65
Location: Hartford, CT
The 1495 had some fun this afternoon on the old 806. Balance was the last thing on my mind - I may never go back to the graphite rod :)


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