Is THIS the Ice Reel Many Have Been Waiting For?!

Wouldn’t a small baitcaster work then?

Very cool design. Looks like someone finally met the needs for the pannie guys/gals. Its crazy how far ice gear has come in just the last few years!

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Wouldn’t a small baitcaster work then?

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I’ve not found a baitcaster that I liked for ice use but that’s personal preference. For me I absolutely do not like having the reel over top of the rod. It just feels horribly awkward to me. Again, personal preference. But using a baitcaster would most definitely eliminate line twist. If you own some small ones… give it a go.

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Wouldn’t a small baitcaster work then?

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I’ve not found a baitcaster that I liked for ice use but that’s personal preference. For me I absolutely do not like having the reel over top of the rod. It just feels horribly awkward to me. Again, personal preference. But using a baitcaster would most definitely eliminate line twist. If you own some small ones… give it a go.

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doesnt the small spool of some bait casters still create the coiling, just not twisting?

Great, they had to come out with this just after I picked up 3 brand new fly reels that are going to work AWESOME for ice fishing

Neat looking reel, a few thoughts though
1. The prototype doesn’t have an elongated reel foot like it does in the schematic. Like you mentioned James, it’s only a sample and not the finished product.
2. I hope they tighten the space between the spool and the frame. Your line can get caught in there and can create a headache when fighting fish.
3. I wonder why they went with a dual handle?

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Patience? No! We expect persistence.

Any word on the number of these reels that they plan to release? I’ve been told a couple/few hundred. Is that what you’ve heard as well?

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I was told the ” initial” production was at 200. I was also informed late November or early December for actual hands on product.Of course,not everything always goes as planned as most of us can relate to!
You will be the first to know however!

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Yikes. That’s what I was told as well.

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James,

I’ll give them a call, my sister in law knows the guys that own the company very well. One of them used to work in sales for Pure Fish, I’ve met Jimmy, he was at the CJS Shop 2 years ago. I used some of their rods and spinning reels last winter.
Not sure I can get any more info then you or Dean , but worth a shot. I like the looks of that reel!!!

Thorne bros has them in the shop. Good amount of them too. Cool looking reel.

To clarify…. Thorne does not have the multiplier. They have the fly reel style black betty shown here >>> http://13fishing.com/products/ice-fishing/rods-and-gear/black-betty

I’d be willing to drop coin for one of those. Sweet reel

Here’s the specs on the multiplier that I’ve been able to verify so far.

Name: Black Betty 6061

Weight: Under 7 oz. For reference a Shimano Sedona 500, which is a very small/light reel, weighs 6.2 Oz. On that point they seem to have nailed the weight issue.

Gearing: 3:1 which equals 17″ line pickup per revolution of the crank handle.

The spool does disengage / free-spool when letting out line.

The drag uses a carbon fiber braking system.

The spool has a bait clicker.

I’ve been told 13 Fishing is also holding some features on this reel tight to the vest until they can release it to the public.

Retail price = $99.00. If the build quality is where it needs to be this seems like a decent price given I’m used to spending $60 – $70 on quality fly reels that don’t have a multiplied rate of retrieve.

I think that’s all the high points short of getting one in the hand to really feel for what this reel is all about. I am excited to see this idea finally come to fruition.

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Here’s the specs on the multiplier that I’ve been able to verify so far.

Name: Black Betty 6061

Weight: Under 7 oz. For reference a Shimano Sedona 500, which is a very small/light reel, weighs 6.2 Oz. On that point they seem to have nailed the weight issue.

Gearing: 3:1 which equals 17″ line pickup per revolution of the crank handle.

The spool does disengage / free-spool when letting out line.

The drag uses a carbon fiber braking system.

The spool has a bait clicker.

I’ve been told 13 Fishing is also holding some features on this reel tight to the vest until they can release it to the public.

Retail price = $99.00. If the build quality is where it needs to be this seems like a decent price given I’m used to spending $60 – $70 on quality fly reels that don’t have a multiplied rate of retrieve.

I think that’s all the high points short of getting one in the hand to really feel for what this reel is all about. I am excited to see this idea finally come to fruition.

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thanks james! is the 200 quantity an initial release amount or is that all they will release this season?

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Here’s the specs on the multiplier that I’ve been able to verify so far.

Name: Black Betty 6061

Weight: Under 7 oz. For reference a Shimano Sedona 500, which is a very small/light reel, weighs 6.2 Oz. On that point they seem to have nailed the weight issue.

Gearing: 3:1 which equals 17″ line pickup per revolution of the crank handle.

The spool does disengage / free-spool when letting out line.

The drag uses a carbon fiber braking system.

The spool has a bait clicker.

I’ve been told 13 Fishing is also holding some features on this reel tight to the vest until they can release it to the public.

Retail price = $99.00. If the build quality is where it needs to be this seems like a decent price given I’m used to spending $60 – $70 on quality fly reels that don’t have a multiplied rate of retrieve.

I think that’s all the high points short of getting one in the hand to really feel for what this reel is all about. I am excited to see this idea finally come to fruition.

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thanks james! is the 200 quantity an initial release amount or is that all they will release this season?

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The initial release will be in the hundreds. Will they order more if the first batch sells well? Yes. How long will it take to bring in that next shipment? Since they’re coming in from overseas it will likely take months to see that next batch move into the retail supply chain.

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Here’s the specs on the multiplier that I’ve been able to verify so far.

Name: Black Betty 6061

Weight: Under 7 oz. For reference a Shimano Sedona 500, which is a very small/light reel, weighs 6.2 Oz. On that point they seem to have nailed the weight issue.

Gearing: 3:1 which equals 17″ line pickup per revolution of the crank handle.

The spool does disengage / free-spool when letting out line.

The drag uses a carbon fiber braking system.

The spool has a bait clicker.

I’ve been told 13 Fishing is also holding some features on this reel tight to the vest until they can release it to the public.

Retail price = $99.00. If the build quality is where it needs to be this seems like a decent price given I’m used to spending $60 – $70 on quality fly reels that don’t have a multiplied rate of retrieve.

I think that’s all the high points short of getting one in the hand to really feel for what this reel is all about. I am excited to see this idea finally come to fruition.

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thanks james! is the 200 quantity an initial release amount or is that all they will release this season?

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The initial release will be in the hundreds. Will they order more if the first batch sells well? Yes. How long will it take to bring in that next shipment? Since they’re coming in from overseas it will likely take months to see that next batch move into the retail supply chain.

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well, i guess i better get on the ball and get my hands on one as well. are they offering a combo with it or just the reel?

I don’t think there will be any combo offered with the reel.

James, Have you heard of a person to contact on where these will be sold first or if you can pre order one with them?

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James, Have you heard of a person to contact on where these will be sold first or if you can pre order one with them?

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I’m still digging around for this info. I’ll share it up ASAP. So far I haven’t heard who will be carrying them or when they’ll arrive.

Frabill does have one that has a geared drive.

http://frabill.com/rods-reels/combos/straight-line/straight-line-241-reel.html

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Frabill does have one that has a geared drive.

http://frabill.com/rods-reels/combos/straight-line/straight-line-241-reel.html

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yep I saw it at the thorne event, unfortunately I didint get a chance to look closely at it.

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Frabill does have one that has a geared drive.

http://frabill.com/rods-reels/combos/straight-line/straight-line-241-reel.html

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Choices are good!

I saw the 241 at thorne’s on Saturday. It seemed to be heavier.

got word the other day that these reels are planned for shipping on dec. 1st. for what its worth, hope that helps!

Does anyone no what the weight specs are on the Frabill 241 Straight Line Reel? If I remember correctly, it seemed a little bulky when I picked it up at the Thorne Portable Modification Get Together..

I asked one of the Frabill reps at the TB event as well and he wasn’t sure either. I do agree that the 241 was noticeably heavier than the other fly reels present.

James, Has there been any update as to who will be selling these reels? Thanks for doing so much digging!

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James, Has there been any update as to who will be selling these reels? Thanks for doing so much digging!

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Actually, yes. I’ve been told that Dean has been working his magic and has been able to secure a fairly sizable quantity of the limited production run available. I don’t know if it is a “done deal” yet or not. I’ll check in with Dean and see if he can throw us an update.

One of my local shops will be getting a few, I get the first one they get….

If you do secure a shipment and one is available , I would love to have one for the upcoming season …

Sweet. I’ll have to see if u can pre purchase!

FYi I indeed have been able to secure a good quanity of the initial production run. Actual hands on ship dates are only an estimate for now in late November or early December. Given the limited availability,we will be selling first come first serve. Anyone interested in putting their name on one can do so by emailing me at [email protected] with your name, shipping address,telephone # and # of reels you would like to pre-book. No deposit required, and payment due at shipment. Free shipping and no sales tax charge on buyers outside of WI

Anyone that wants one should let me know ASAP as I dont expect these reels to be available for very long!