Inland,

Indeed, you don't fit any manufacturer's demographic if you machine your own reels. How was I to know? I responded to your criticism of the Hardys. I agree that they are not built as well as it is humanly possible to make a fly reel. However, most of us don't require one that perfect. From what I know, most Hardys give most owners a lifetime of service. Obviously your mileage has varied. Fortunately, you have a better option.

I recall when Wes Drain decided to machine some reels of his own. While the craftsmanship was impeccable, he basically copied the Hardy design of the St. John, without the spool perforations.

I have a Bogdan steelhead model, but I rarely use it. Aside from some sentimental value, I keep it as an example of precision machining. It's hardly necessary to meet the needs of practical angling. Which is what I began this thread about. How much reel is necessary for our rather simple task? How necessary is a disc drag for the relatively simple effort required to play most freshwater gamefish? The concensus, if any, is that they are handy for playing king salmon, and a fishing guide's day is easier if his clients are equiped with them. If you're machining your own reels, you probably have experience enough that you don't require a disc drag either, altho you may like one nonetheless.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.