Charlton fly reels

I was checking out some fly reels the other day and took a long look at some of these reels. I was intrigued by the enclosed drag system. Does anyone have experience with these reels? Can you tell me how this drag holds up after years of use. Does it really seem to be a life-long, no maintenance deal?

The interchangeable reel system is quite an idea. Who owns one of these and do you find that the reel performs well when sizing up and down? Does anyone actually have these in stock and/or what waiting periods have you encountered?

What, if any problems have you encountered with your reel(s)?

Does anyone have any particular experience with the Signature Series Model 8500 1.2? Could you share your impressions?

Has anyone had occasion to meet the gentleman who builds these reels in Burlington, Washington? Has he stood behind his product, if you've had occasion to return his reels for work?

I understand that Scientific Anglers has purchased Charlton. What are the prospects for continued quality and service?

Thanks for any info you might share. Tad

No experience to report. I saw one of these, reputed to run about $700. Looked and felt like a jewel. I don't wear jewelery, and I don't fish with it either. The Charlton makes even my Bogdan seem simple, if not primitive, by comparison. (However, I purchased the Bogdan when it was still considered fishing tackle, not a collector's item.)

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

I have never fished with a Charelton but I have however fondled them a lot. If i was looking for a big reel such as a spey reel i would definetly consider one. I don't think anyone can make the claim of producing a better quality reel.
they are smooth, and have very tight machining tolerances and a beautiful anodizing. If you can afford it monetarily and are patient i'd say order one. I wouldnt however buy one of his trout reels simply because who needs that kind of quality in a trout reel.
As far as a compromise between function/price and quality I really like the Bauer reels.

Ohhhh Boy! For someone like me who owns the fly reel equivents of Chevys the Charleton is like climbing into a Ferrari. Everything is beautifull and tight on the Charleton. I have a buddy who gets them as a promo deal since he's one of the flyfishing elite (dirty *******...I need to stake out his house and intercept all of his UPS deliveries). Yes, they are all they are cracked up to be. i've had the chance to fish all his Charleton's except his big game model which only gets used for albacore and the occasional halibut. If you've got the expendible bucks go for the signature series. I got to match 6 numbers Wed. night and I'm ordering one on Thurs. morn.!!!