Reel selection for Allen XA 4wt 10'

[kirtdog]

Hi all. I am new to the forum and was looking for some opinions. I picked up an Allen XA 10' 4wt and need to get a reel for it. I have an older orvis clearwater classic III that I love but I am thinking of getting a reel solely for this rod. I did pick up a spool for the orvis reel and set it up with 4wt fly line but I haven't gotten a chance to try it out yet. Anyway, the reels that I am considering are the Allen trout, Orvis battenkill barstock, or the lamson konic.

I have been in contact with Justin from Allen and he has been a great help. I am leaning towards the allen reel due to the great response from Justin even though I haven't even purchased a reel from him yet.

What are your thoughts on the reels that I have mentioned? Are there any other reels that you would suggest? I am not trying to break the bank on this one but I would like to get something decent for the money. Let me know what you think.

 

[just_jon]

While I cannot provide any spe IFC revommendations re: your rod, I did have to modify my thinking when I purchased a Grey's 11 foot 3 weight. None of my reels balanced the extra tip weight of the rod. Based upon a recommendation on this forum, I purchased 20 pound test lead core line and wrapped it under the backing. Took a little trial and error to get just the right amount of weight.

That worked well until I walked into The Feathered Hook fly shop and fell in love with a Hardy Cascapedia Mk III 2/3/4. Purchased it primarily to match up with my bamboo rods, but found it was the perfect match for the big 11 footer as well.

 

[csoult]

Albatross has that rod, or equivilant, and had to use a larger reel to get it to balance. I don't remember ther exact size though. It's a nice rod, I cast it a few times it really throws line well. Just got the 5wt.

 

[delta_dog]

I'm not familiar with the Allen or the Battenkill but I have used the Konic on the 10' 4wt xa and I will say this.The 1.5 Konic is WAY to light and I'm not sure the Konic 2 is even heavy enough to balance that rod. I'm thinking something in the low to mid 5 oz range should be about right for that rod.

 

[albatross]

I have a Lamson Velocity 3.5 on my 10 ft 4 wt Allen Myth. The reel is 5.9 ounces. Any reel near that weight should work or use the lead core trick under your backing. I think you'll like the rod.

 

[kirtdog]

thanks for the replies..i didnt think about the weight issue for balancing. that will change my options

 

[DaveS]

I just ordered the Myth 10 6wt. I ordered the Alpha II reel. I had cast Alby's rod, liked it and also noted he had a pretty good sized reel on there. I am looking forward to giving this set up a go!

 

[NickR]

I have the 10' 4 Weight Allen Myth rod... I use the Allen Trout Reel and it is perfect for that rod.

 

[kirtdog]

I ended getting the orvis clearwater LA. It is actually a pretty nice reel and works great with the XA. I have been fishing with it the past two days and have been loving the combination.