7wt Reel Choices

Since everyone is being so nice, I though I would ask a question. I ended up getting a used Scott X2S 9ft 7wt from the ad I posted in the other forum. Now I need a reel for it. Primary use will be Carp and streamers, but also plan on using it for small Carribbean Bonefish this year, and hopefully some Redfish next year. It seems like a lot of reels are in 5-7wt and 7-9wt sizes. I had a Hatch 4-plus at one point, that was pretty darn large, so will their 7-plus be too big if I went that direction?

I would prefer to not spend a shit ton, so I was looking at reels like the Mirage, Hatch, Nautilus, etc. I do want something though that has the drag needed to stop a Bonefish. I have never fished salt, so I am a complete jong when it comes to reels with strong drags. I have a Ross Evolution LT #3, but I am know that reel doesn't stand a chance against a Bonefish.

Side note, if anyone is interested in the Evolution, let me know.

Sage 4280 is excellent for the price. Hard to beat another Hatch, 7+ would be fine.

I have a 7+ hatch. Great reel. Get one if you don't mind dropping the coin!

the new Nautilus CCFX2 is a great reel for the value. I think its a little more than $400.
Plenty of drag for bones and sealed, which is really nice for the salt...take it from somebody that has killed more than one unsealed reel.

Nice rod gretch, should be a blast!

The Hatch 7+ is outstanding for it's easy pick up and release on the drag, and its low weight.
They come in both Large and Mid Arbor sizes if that makes a difference
-It is my current favorite even over Abel and Tibor if you want to fish all day everyday

I also regularly use a Ross Momentum LT #4 that works great, and have an older Nautilus CCF that now collects dust, fwiw (I was never happy with the heavy hum in the drag, sent it back, they said it was fine...whatever, it's a loaner now)

I know that salmon are not bones but they have all seen plenty of line ripping, spool torquing action.

Oh yeah. Large arbor for sure...I'd say that's more important than super heavy drag.

Granted, the Caribbean bones around here are bigger than the average Bahamian or Belizian ones, but nearly every one takes me into the backing at least twice.

Galvan T-7? I really like the 4280 too, but I've met Mr. Galvan, he'll talk to you on the phone, etc. $80 more and a little heavier. I like the green.

Galvan Torques are no bueno in salt, and even worse below freezing. Sexy reel but pretty meh drag.

Anyone know anything about the Loop Evotec reels?

^^^ I assumed the Galvans were fine in the salt as I fished with Oliver Owens in Hawaii and used his Torque for a day. Did pretty good on stopping those bones, which are not small.

Had my T-10 blow up poon fishing, get rebuilt, then go bonkers winter steelhead fishing. Gorgeous reel, especially in clear, but didn't stand up. Have heard the same from others as well.

Interested to hear how the new Nautilus holds up. My CCF did not, but the NV's were bomber.

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Originally Posted by gretch6364

Anyone know anything about the Loop Evotec reels?

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My buddy used one around here for 3 years and then sold it to another friend. Some cosmetic corrosion from the salt but otherwise still bomber.

Interesting to hear about the Galvans...great price point, but I was wondering about the durability.

I should say that I haven't fished the CCFX2, but it looks like a great value.

I picked up an Allen Alpha III, it is a little heavy but has been stellar so far. It's gone head to head with silvers in Alaska and bones and cuda in Florida. So far I am pretty damn happy.

I was considering an Allen Kraken too

Pretty sure the Kraken is going to be the reelI put on my shiny newTCX 8 weight

I know nothing about the drag or salt capability but have seen the Lamson Velocity and Litespeed hitting SAC for 60+% off the past week or two, could be worth checking out.

Allen has decent priced product but their shipping (at least used to be) hit or miss. Sometimes your order would ship in a reasonable period of time, other times it'd take a month or two, sometimes you wouldn't get everything you ordered and have zero communication back after trying to hit them up, etc. etc. etc. YMMV.

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Originally Posted by teleee

I picked up an Allen Alpha III, it is a little heavy but has been stellar so far. It's gone head to head with silvers in Alaska and bones and cuda in Florida. So far I am pretty damn happy.

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Allen doesn't do a good job on their site explaining their drags and the differences between the Alpha III and the Kraken. It is annoying.

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Originally Posted by gretch6364

Allen doesn't do a good job on their site explaining their drags and the differences between the Alpha III and the Kraken. It is annoying.

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They don't do a good job of explaining anything online. Not with their emails or their website. However, if you call them they will be beyond helpful. They certainly need to step up their game and get in on that new internet thing

I called and talked with them yesterday. They are pretty low on the Kraken 7-9wt reels. They had one that I was able to get, but I have to wait a couple weeks for the spare spools to come in. If you sign up for their news letter, you get 20% off your first order, and they were kind enough to extend that to the spools when they come in.

I went with their emerald blue color, which will match this X2S perfectly, especially in the sun. Also order a 7wt Airflo Streamer Max and Airflo Super-Dri Xceed in 7wt from the local shop. I hope the floating line will be enough to load the rod. The tip doesn't seem overly stiff, so should work fine for thos short line flicks and roll cast. I didn't really want to go to an 8wt line since I am using it for Carp. I will post up a review as soon as I get it spooled up and am able to hook into something. The price is crazy good, and the reviews have been all positive.

They are also releasing a US made reel soon (Michigan), the Omega and I guess have a couple US made rods as well. Seemed like good guys when I talked with them at Fly Show a couple weeks ago and on the phone.

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Originally Posted by snapt

Galvan Torques are no bueno in salt, and even worse below freezing. Sexy reel but pretty meh drag.

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I fished a T-10 in the salt for a couple years, heavy use. The only thing I had an issue with was the drag knob underside wore and corroded. Got a pair of them from bears den for 5 bucks and good as new. Also a few others with me fished Galvan with very good luck with the 14 for GT's. Say what you want but they worked for me. I did say I got my t-10 for free too right????