solopaddler Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 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
mike rousseau Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 The black one reminds me of the gears of a clock or something... Very cool reels...
BillM Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 Love the matte finishes to both those reels. How's the handle spacing?
Ralph Field Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 It is easy to see that a lot of work went into making these reels.
solopaddler Posted May 16, 2013 Author Report Posted May 16, 2013 Love the matte finishes to both those reels. How's the handle spacing? It's totally fine, same spacing that's on my DeMarco. Only issue is with the handles themselves and Edwin will fix that.
bobogo Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 those look awesome. It'll forsure get a lot of stares at the river.
lew Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 Never used that type of reel Mike, or even held one in my hand for that matter, but it doesn't take a trained eye to know that's definitely a quality product, infact darned near a piece of art. Beautiful work for sure spinnerdoc !!
esoxansteel Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 Nice looking CP's, and very uniquely ported as well, seems to be some interest in millrights turning out great pins and flyreels of late, match it up with a Speil creation, and your all set for the October rains
Spiel Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 I held the protos pre assembly and anodizing. All I can say is I want one. Nice work Spinnerdoc!
lew Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 All I can say is I want one. I sense a deal in the works Chris LOL
Spiel Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 I sense a deal in the works Chris LOL I'd like to play that card Lew, we'll see how it plays out.
davey buoy Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 He built those reels to a whole new level. I'd love one of those as well!! Nicely done!
Locnar Posted May 16, 2013 Report Posted May 16, 2013 So... newbie question here... What are the differences between float reels and fly reels? And with float fishing, do you line it with regular fishing line or fly line?
Bondar Posted May 17, 2013 Report Posted May 17, 2013 sign me up for a black 2 handle version , awesome work
solopaddler Posted May 17, 2013 Author Report Posted May 17, 2013 sign me up for a black 2 handle version , awesome work Anybody who's interested in a reel can likely pm spinnerdoc for details. Also Jeff, you're welcome to check out the reel I have in my possession. That goes for anyone else who lives in the Hamilton area too. Cheers
cuzza Posted May 17, 2013 Report Posted May 17, 2013 So... newbie question here... What are the differences between float reels and fly reels? And with float fishing, do you line it with regular fishing line or fly line? Float reel - free spooling, designed to pay out line at the pace of the current to give a drag free drift, normally larger diameter than an average freshwater fly reel, narrower and shallower spool. No drag (on most) and just has a clicker to stop it free spooling line all over the place when moving around with a rigged up rod. Designed to carry about 200yds of 8lb mono. Fly reel - no free spool, has a permamnent check mechanism to stop line coming off the spool unless it's pulled by the angler, deeper, wider spool to carry a thick fly line (~90ft long) plus 50-200yds of dacron backing. Many have a adjustable drag especially in larger sizes. Example - float reel on left, fly reel on right, it doesn't look it but the fly reel sppol is quite a bit wider...... Mike, those reels looks great, fantastic pieces of engineering - great job spinnerdoc!
ironstone74 Posted May 17, 2013 Report Posted May 17, 2013 Wow, great looking reels! I'd love to get a look at one in person. Are all 12 spoken for? Paul
blaque Posted May 17, 2013 Report Posted May 17, 2013 That black matte design is purdy! The three handle i might say to just make it a one handle, ya can only use one at a time anyway lol (not sure how that would effect the balance of the reel when peeling line in a slow drift)
misfish Posted May 17, 2013 Report Posted May 17, 2013 Are all 12 spoken for? I hope not. Im waiting for a reply,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
solopaddler Posted May 17, 2013 Author Report Posted May 17, 2013 Wow, great looking reels! I'd love to get a look at one in person. Are all 12 spoken for? Paul No worries Paul I don't think any have been spoken for, beyond the one I'm fishing. I'm in Hamilton if you want to check out mine, Edwin is in Mississauga. Cheers I hope not. Im waiting for a reply,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, Edwin warned me he might not answer pm's or emails right away. Him and his wife just had a new baby boy so they're preoccupied. All in due time my friend.
misfish Posted May 17, 2013 Report Posted May 17, 2013 (edited) Yup I seen that Mike. Family first. No worries. Worth the drive to Miss,to see in person. Edited May 17, 2013 by Misfish
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now