A large arbour fly reel, offering a value for money package, for the cash conscious angler.
At under £50 for a reel, offering a good retrieve rate with low cost additional spools. This is certainly one to take a look at. If you're considering a cheaper fly reel, cast your eyes over Airlfo's Classic Cassette.
The idea behind a cassette reel is simple. The reel frame and carrier should be easy to assemble, yet tough enough to cater for most fishers needs. It should also have low cost spare spools, on a one way easyfit, that you can orient in low light and be lightweight.
These are the component parts
In the above picture from top left and going clockwise are: Spool, Spool Carrier, Reel frame and drag mechanism and lastly Spool Retaining "O" ring.
I've been using the Airflo Classic Cassette 7/9 weight for over a year now. I've used it extensively during this time with floating lines through to the heavier sinking Competitor line. It's what I'd call my go to reel and has been a work horse for me. I'm not one of these, "I'll just wipe that down", chaps. I use it for what it is, a functional fly reel. Alse, this reel has won the Tackle Testers Choice in Trout Fisherman too.
They are capable of carrying a host of fly lines and priced at £49.99 for the reel, three spools and a carry bag I wasn't grumbling. The stated capacity is WF8 & 150yds of backing? This would have to be Micropoly, as 150yds of standard backing, would probably be out of the question. The one thing I would suggest is, consider your backing requirements when spooling up a new line. Floaters take up more space on the spool than higher density sinkers. Keep that in mind.
There is a smaller model Classic Cassette at 4/6 weight, which I haven't tried.
The Classic Cassette is die cast and machined for a smooth, sleek look with a black finish. The models sport a spoked back plate, plus a snug fitted cartridge type, Polycarbonate spool which at £7.99 each are good value for money. The drag is centrally located on the back plate with a knurled edge and sealed for low maintenance and is sound.
This pic shows the sealed drag unit
In fairness you should know, that on it's lightest setting it will over run. To overcome this, just click the drag tighter by one or two clicks and this solves the problem.
These two pics show the reel front and back.
The spools for the Classic Cassette being polycarbonate, are light yet tough and ridged at arbour, to prevent distortion whilst under pressure at arbour. These spools have alignment lugs on one side and are flat on the other, ensuring a one way, easyfit. Simple. These spools measure 63mm at arbour and are 31mm wide across the spool, from one flange to the the other and 90mm across the face in diameter.
These pics show the spools and you can see the ridged areas at arbour adding strength to the spool
Spool change is easy. To remove the spool depress the push button on the front of the carrier, in the centre and it can be pulled off. Looking inside, you notice a large "O" type ring retaining the Polycarbonate spool.
This image shows the "O" ring in place, securing the spool
Push with the heel of your hand and turn the "O" ring anti clockwise to undo this, then unscrew it. You'll notice the spool will just lift out. Easy to replace and simple to change over.
This pic shows the "O" ring removed, with the spool located on the carrier
When you've selected your next spool, re-align the lugs with the gaps in the carrier and place on. Replace the "O" ring and tighten up, but don't overtighten it?
The reel foot is 62mm long and 13mm wide so will fit most reel seats and the reel weighs in at 7.35oz. This is the stated weight on the website. Fitted with an Airflo Ridge Impact Mini Tip, mine weighs just over 9oz. To reduce vibration on the retrieve or during a fast run, the reel has a double counter balances and a smooth plastic handle.
To view this and other Airflo Fly reels go to Fishtec. If you'd prefer, you can scan the QR to retain the purchase history info in your smartphone. QR Reader apps are normally free to download, from your appstore.
You can get more of an idea on purchasing this great fly reel here Airflo Classic Cassette
Thanks for taking the time to read this.
Best Regards
Stuart
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