If you could design a fly reel, what would you want?

[pcray1231]

what people want to see in a fly reel, if anything, that would make the "ideal" fly reel.

For regular fishing: Must hold line, drag (whatever type) has to stay put where you set it (too many reels I'll tighten it down and it will work loose on me). Biggest thing is weight, a reel has to balance a rod correctly. For a given line weight, people use everything from super lightweight superfines to heavy bamboo, so this isn't an easy task. A light "base" reel, with some sort of balanced weight adding system IMO would be neat. Price has to be right. Must look nice, like a classic fly reel.

As you get into bigger fish (large trout, salmon, steelies, bass, etc.): Large arbor becomes a much larger advantage, and more demand is placed on a silky smooth drag system. But, we're also willing to pay a little more.

 

[gulfgreyhound]

Large arbor,why not wide arbor,lower profile yet holds lots of backing and line? Larger easy to reach drag knob? Tough finish to resist dings and scratches.Made in the USA.!!

 

[midnightangler]

No cork drag systems. In sub-freezing temperatures they cease to function. They are basically useless when the cork is frozen.

 

[jayL]

An okuma sierra, but machined instead of cast. Keep it under $85.

Make it so.