I have been using this combo for a couple of years now. The rod which I bought at Big 5 was labeled UL Fishing Rod at (2.2oz). I don't think I want to get any lighter then this rod-it expand to a even 6ft. The reel which I purchased on Go Fast & Light.com comes in at (4.9oz). Are there any reels out there worth a look at that are lighter?

I have the same rod, I believe it was branded under the "protech" brand at target, anywho, I'm also looking for a good lightweight reel, so ill be watching this one for some tips...

Bump---I have been to many fishing sites with no luck finding something lighter then 4.9oz-----Anybody? Thanks

I haven't found much that is lighter, Jay. I've looked for years. I've actually swung the other way now because the performance is so much better that an ounce or two is well worth it. I've been playing with Tenkara this summer and it's been a lot of fun. Very intimate on lakes. Alpine lakes are a dream for fly and bubble, though, and I really believe it's the best alpine setup around. For me, finding the smoothest casting, most distance-capable reel led me to 5 and 6 ounce reels that just can't be duplicated with tiny spool ultralights.

I put a good quality 4.Xoz. reel and a huge spool 6.5oz. reel on identical rods and the casting performance was stark. It left me looking for the largest spool UL reel I could find. I settled on a US Reel - whatever their lightest one is. I think they have the biggest spools out there. Bigger overall for sure, but it can toss a bubble an unbelievable distance. If the lake I'm at is circumnavigable I can hit almost any spot on the lake it seems.

This is one of those cases where 2 ounces is worth it. Shave it somewhere else. Besides, I'd bet the increase in fish caught would let you leave more than 2oz. of food at home to make up for it :)

Good insight Curt--Thanks. I have thought along those lines/ideas too----Meaning a little heavier is better in the long run when it comes to fishing. But I am still searching for the ultimate reel. Does any body make a all Titanium Reel?

Jay

Hi Jay I saw your post also but no help here either my Quantum XR reel is my lightest and guess what 4.9 oz but the small diameter spool makes for tight curled line and cuts casting distance. I also have went up in weight to a pflueger trion at 8.9 oz and it sure casts nicer and comes with a extra spool so I have lots of 4 and 8 lbs test line. Now flyfishing is becoming the current addiction. Im with Curt on this one and think its worth the weight to have the tools to do the job. Im looking forward to hearing what you find, Id just like to find something 5-6 oz with a good sized spool diameter.

Edited by mtmnmark on 09/27/2011 10:09:49 MDT.

I guess I should have clarified on the "big spool" comment. I meant big diameter. This is much harder to find. I don't simply want a bigger overall reel. Basically I was looking for the smallest, lightest reel with the WIDEST spool. That's what I found with the US Reel. I don't believe there is a wider reel on the market.

This is the current one - a tad heavier than mine at 6.8oz, although still in that "worth it for 2 ounces" range in my opinion: http://www.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/us-reel-supercaster-xl-180-spinning-reel.aspx?a=755261

Looks they're on huge clearance at Cabelas right now - $39 down from $109. Typically $100+. http://www.cabelas.com/spinning-reels-reel-supercaster-spinning-reels-3.shtml

Curious what others find!

This reel comes in at about 5oz, and is a great reel! its very small, so great for high alpine fish, and is good quality. I have a few of them, and have never had any problems.

Got bad marks from one reviewer on Amazon. Sounds like fit etc. are not good. Just checking prices, one left on eVilbay, free shipping.
Duane

I bought a US Reel XL180 based on the claims for casting distance. At first I was delighted with the reel (I fish for mountain trout of six to 10 inches, primarily in ponds), but I've since soured. Yes, the reel can cast a long way, but not significantly further than a good quality reel (Pflueger President) with a normal diameter spool. After use, the problems that occurred with my reel: bail wouldn't catch the line at the roller (which by the way is not a roller, but just a grooved spot in the bail) and would wrap line around the outside of the spool; the bail would not automatically close on retrieve; the gear train became noisy and rough.

For the $35 that I paid for the reel, these problems are more or less acceptable. At full price, run away from this reel.

If you want to try a large diameter spooled spinning reel, Bass Pro Shop has several that I think I would trust more than US Reel.

That info helps along with the spool diameter on the President, since that was one I had narrowed down to last night. I want the larger diameter to ease up on memory of the line. This seems to be the accepted norm on some fronts now. I fish lakes in the Sierra with a fly and bubble.
Duane

Interesting. I haven't had any problems with mine, but I've been focusing a little more on Tenkara for the last year or so. Still, I have used it dozens of times with no issues so far.

That said, I'm always looking for a lighter wide-spool reel. If your searches come up with anything good, please post it. I'm still convinced that a 4 oz. reel with a wider spool could be done quite easily. I just don't think there's much of a market for it at all.

I'd say I've put about 25-30 hours of casting on the US Reel, but I have yet to take it apart to clean. I believe that the durability problems are related to the quality of construction: there are only four bearings when other reels below $100 in cost may have as many as 10; one of the drive gears is said to be plastic instead of metal; and the line pickup on the bail does not use a roller. As for the problems with the bail return, that's probably related to the quality of the spring used.

On my vacation to the JM Wilderness here in CA in the Mono Creek drainage and lateral canyons, instead of trying to get a new reel and work my way thru reviews and should I/shouldn't I, I stuck with my old long travel reel and older drug store telescopic pole with duct tape on the end to keep the extensions from coming out the wrong end. :) As usual, it was the night before my trip that I replaced the line, seems like a annual thing to do this at the last minute. One key thing I did this time, I trimmed with my knife, the sharp angles off of the ends of my medium size clear bubble so the line would not catch there, had a big drop off of the line catching on the bubble and messing my cast up. I also thought fishing after a full moon would effect things too. I did great, caught trout everynight where I camped, even a few small Goldens up the Second Recess. I also used a technique I was told about a few years ago or more, before the bubble and fly reach their max distance when casting, grab the line so the fly will travel past the bubble and be clear of it. Unfortunately, the fishing did not pick up until after I had eaten everynight, due to wind alot I believe, so I did c&r.
Duane

All this talk of fishing is getting me excited. I'm picking up a spin setup soon for a trip I have planned to the Sierras in mid Sept. I'm thinking of picking up an eagle claw telescopic rod, and pairing it with either the Okuma UL Reel (4.9 oz.) gofastandlight.com sells or getting the more substantial Pflueger President Reel (5.9 oz. [7BB] or 7.1 oz [9BB]).

Also, anyone have experience with the Master telescoping rod? It looks similar to the one posted above (maybe rebranded?). It looks similar in features and price to the eagle claw pack-it version, and it would be nice to be able to pick up the rod locally - I can't find an eagle claw telescoping rod locally anywhere.

Edited by catalyst81 on 08/13/2012 21:04:03 MDT.

Check out psfishing.com they have really high quality telescoping rods and reals design for our uses.
I am putting this on the list for santa.