Xplorer Guide 111 fly reel

[GrahamS]

Ja jis those 3tands are nice for the price. They are slightly more expensive than the guide, but I think if you have the cash available its a good buy

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For around the R2k mark you can bring in a Taylor. Much nicer product IMO.

[karoo]

Dont know that reel will google!

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[redhumpy]

For around the R2k mark you can bring in a Taylor. Much nicer product IMO.

Which Taylor do you own or tested?

[Barbus13]

For around the R2k mark you can bring in a Taylor. Much nicer product IMO.

Hi GrahamS.

Taylor's are nice, but who is servicing them in South Africa? Or will you have to spend $50-100 (R700-1300) just on postage to get reel to the States and back again?

[Barbus13]

The Taylor Type one costs $144 (1800) in 5/6wt and weights 4.7oz! It's a full 1.0 oz heavier than the 3-tand's 5/6wt that weights 3.8oz. The Taylor Array 5/6 costs $189(R2400) and weights a whopping 5.55oz!

The import duties are anything between 14-23% added to that amount, I got the prices from the Taylor Reels website and also the weights, which is heavier than the comparing 3-Tand reels. Also what about the Taylor backup service? 3-Tand is backed by David Levene (previous Stealth/ Featherlite rods and reels).
If the Taylors are serviced locally they might be a option, not gonna spend R700-1200 on postage to the States to get it fixed/ serviced, IMHO.

[Andre]

How would you test a reel in this class, and what would you be looking for in a reel test?

Which Taylor do you own or tested?

[Barbus13]

I would look at the price and what you get for it. Die-casf vs CNC machined aluminium. Type of drag and the start-up inertia. Backing capacity and the weight of the reel. Also the durability. Back up service a plus. Word of mouth reviews from other anglers because these days an honest review is hard to find. And then take reel on a 6 months test yourself.....that should give you a reasonable idee what are the pro and cons. No reel is perfect, question is can you enjoy your fishing with those specific cons?

[smallstreams.co.za]

Afaik 3-Tand has a Van Staal connection ... so I would DEF choose a 3-Tand above an Xplorer.

[Andre]

Ok, sounds good. What type of drag would you want, and how would startup inertia be a factor? Is there a way of measuring startup inertia to get a reel with an ideal in this area? Would you be able to elaborate for me please? I have never really "tested a reel before, so i'm interested to know.

I would look at the price and what you get for it. Die-casf vs CNC machined aluminium. Type of drag and the start-up inertia. Backing capacity and the weight of the reel. Also the durability. Back up service a plus. Word of mouth reviews from other anglers because these days an honest review is hard to find. And then take reel on a 6 months test yourself.....that should give you a reasonable idee what are the pro and cons. No reel is perfect, question is can you enjoy your fishing with those specific cons?

[Barbus13]

Ok, sounds good. What type of drag would you want, and how would startup inertia be a factor? Is there a way of measuring startup inertia to get a reel with an ideal in this area? Would you be able to elaborate for me please? I have never really "tested a reel before, so i'm interested to know.

I think these guys are doing it the best. 2014 Reel Shootout - Yellowstone Angler - http://www.yellowstoneangler.com/gea...ge-lamsonreels