solopaddler

This post is a big shout out and pat on the back to a VERY talented fellow board member! Back in mid April Edwin Aquino (spinnerdoc is his handle on the board), contacted me about a series of new float reels he was building. The idea was to get one of his reels into my hands so I could fish it and provide some feedback. The unfortunate part was I aquired the reel with very little time left in the spring season, however I did get to fish the reel several times and I'm honestly blown away! He has made a total of 12 reels, and has decided to call them the "Razorback". There are 4 different porting patterns, 3 reels built for each pattern, so they're all quite unique and rare. First off each reel is 51/4" in diameter and each one is right around 8oz in weight. They're heavily ported works of art with each back plate mirroring the front. There is no clicker on these reels, instead there's a tiny knob on the backplate that when turned locks the reel. For those of you guys who are familiar with Al Taylors wonderful handmade creations, Edwin's reels are VERY similar. Al's reels are the only other ones I've ever seen made with a locking mechanism rather than a clicker. He has two different finishes on these reels. Both of them are matte hardcoat finishes. One is flat black, the other can only be described as matte platinum. These reels have the most flawless finish I've ever seen on a float reel. That is a direct result of the hours Edwin spent buffing and polishing each reel before they were sent off for annodizing. The tolerances on these reels are also incredibly fine, it's obvious that an enormous amount of precision went into their construction. As you'll also see in the pic's each reel foot is one piece, fully integrated into the backplate. There are no screws. He put abec 7 bearings in them, and at least the one I have spins like a dream. All in all I couldn't be more impressed. The 51/4" diameter is great to fish and reel is just so featherlight it's incredible. About the ONLY thing I can complain about is the handles. They're kind of thick and chunky. I much prefer something slimmer and more tapered. That however is a minor point as handles can be changed. I know Edwin will be selling these reels, but I'll let him handle that. Price wise they'll be in the same range as a Milner or Angspec (I'm sure he can confirm that) and worth every single penny imo. He's in the process of getting boxes made for the reels as well as neoprene pouches and will be ready very soon. I know he's been preoccupied with other more important things as he and his wife had a new baby boy arrive last week (congrat's again bud!) With that said, here's some pic's of two of his creations. I'm currently fishing the black two handled reel: Also for those that are interested here's a link to Edwin's photobucket album showing the other porting patterns he's created: http://s1088.photobucket.com/user/spinnerdoc/library/RAZORBACK%20Series?sort=6&page=1#/user/spinnerdoc/library/RAZORBACK%20Series?sort=6&page=1&_suid=136870489595305273469894447952 Well done my friend! Cheers

That's incredible. Equal parts amazing and a bit scary for your mom. On a related note I managed to snap this pic of two cougars mauling an unsuspecting geek recently. It was chilling. (sorry I had to go there. )

Lookin' good!

Oh yeah, it's fast alright!

Right on, I'm still hoping I can make it up there in July to see how it runs myself. Ironically I just came back from water testing our boat with the brand spankin' new 90 e-tec on it. Runs like a dream, the guy from the marina was right, no trim tabs were needed.

Great story and even better fish! You paid your dues for that one.

Heck of a fish, well done!

Holy cow Brad, that's awesome! (I'm available anytime btw LOL!)

Nice job Chris, and some of those pictures are great!

That's great news, congrat's!

WTG Miro!

Fantastic report, thanks!

Awesome, was wondering how your trip went.

I agree Spiel's work is good he's built several for me and is currently working on another at the moment. Some of you may know this, many of you don't. Spiel has more or less taken over the reins of the custom steelhead rods from this guy: http://www.jccustomtackle.com/ JC was always the best imo and if he's passing work along to Spiel as he slows down building himself that speaks volumes to me. I know Spiel now gets most of his hand turned wood reel seats and butt caps from JC (he's still churning those out). That's another huge plus as JC has always turned the finest wood, at least imo...

That's what I have an issue with. Not losing any sleep over it either. However, if it allows anyone to sleep better at night I'll happily concede the fact that I'm a know nothing rube who's been spooling his mono all wrong and fishing with twisted line for over 40 years LOL!

The reason I find this thread so interesting is because of Dan's insistence that there's only one way to put line on a spinning reel correctly. There are two correct ways at least imo.

Not comparable at all, try it on a spinning reel.

I find this to be totally nitpicky topic, and really who cares?? But still it's an interesting conversation. If one takes the spinning reel out of the equation and simply looks at line coming off the filler spool, if one was to pull it straight off the spool with a pencil through the middle is that line not perfectly straight with no twists? (yes of course it is!) Spinning reel out of the equation again, simply pulling the line off a filler spool laying flat the line is also twist free (although you may have more memory involved pulling it off that way). Mono is round, it's not flat. No one can deny that pulling the line off a filler spool in either manner it comes off straight and true with no twist. That is undeniable. Now what happens after that point when it's pulled off the spool straight and twist free and spool it onto your spinning reel is out of your hands. I can only assume that line manufacturers have always insisted on laying the spool flat with the line spooled on your reel in the same direction it's going on your reel because if you turn the spool the wrong way and reel it on that's the only scenario where you are going to get twist!! That's the way most people spool their line so it behooves them to explain how to do it properly when laying flat.

Thanks for explaining I guess I've been doing it all wrong for 45 years.

It's not simple physics Dan, there is no twist when you spool it on that way. It's coming straight off the spool, think about it. Anyhow In all my years I've never had any line twist and that's good enough for me. As for why the line manufacturers suggest spooling it on in the way you describe I have no idea. It's always been one of lifes greatest mysteries to me, not unlike the Caramilk secret LOL! I'd suggest to anyone who doesn't agree to try it first before you denounce it.

I can definitely see how your line would be twisted if you lay the spool flat and reel it on in the wrong direction, that's obvious. But spooling it on with a pencil through the spool, it's coming straight off the spool, there is no twist. I've spooled thousands of spinning reels that way over the last few decades with zero issues.

Never in my life have I spooled up any of my spinning reels by laying them flat. I put a pencil through the spool and reel it on that way, same as a baitcaster. If anyone can explain to me logically how that method will twist your line I'm all ears. I'd love to hear what I've been doing wrong for over 40 years LOL!

Obviously

I ordered two of those reels myself today. Last years model, but for back up reels and for the kids to use it's a no brainer at that price. I've ordered from them before with absolutely zero issues, they're great to deal with. Apparantly they've had a zillion orders. The first batch of Symetres sold out instantly. They're ordering another whackload from Shimano and the reels I ordered this morning are in that shipment and will be delivered on Wed.

Ottawa vs Montreal...unfortunatly one of those piss poor teams has to win. Not too thrilled about Leafs vs Bruins. No illusions here, Reimer will have to play out of his mind for them to have a chance.