M MAXIMUMCATCH Maxcatch ECO Large Arbor Fly Fishing Reel (3/4wt 5/6wt 7/8wt) and Pre-Loaded Fly Reel with Line Combo

UPDATE: MAXCATCH stands by their product! They replaced the reel. Since I have several of their products I will continue buying their product with confidence!I ordered it January 2017 and in November 2017 the drag system has failed. The past couple of times while out fishing I'm stripping line and the reel starts free-spooling creating a bird's nest. I had to remove the reel, untangle the line and reel it back while standing mid-current.I gave it 3 stars since because it had been a good reel until now.

First, let me say I bought this reel as a saltwater reel I wouldn’t cry over if I damaged it. Last time I fished from the beach, I dropped my spinning set up in the surf and couldn’t ever get the sand completely out of the reel or get the anti reverse to work again. I haven’t fished with this reel yet, so will post an update once I do, but here are my first thoughts.My initial impression is that for under $20, I love the reel. It’s not perfect, but when you factor in the price, it’s nice looking, has an ok drag and seems to work well. The old saying, “Buy cheap, buy twice” definitely seems to fit, but for the purposes and price point I bought it for, I’m thrilled.I wrote to Maxcatch after receiving my reel because there were some rough/slightly sharp edges on the spool. They immediately sent me a replacement reel, which is awesome. The only thing was that there was a huge difference between the quality and strength of the drag of the two reels (both 7/8 wt). The first reel had a solid, smooth drag, and every click of the drag knob made a gradual change in tension. The replacement reel required several clicks before the drag engaged and started increasing, but the intervals were much less gradual and the drag wasn't nearly as smooth. It went from virtually no drag to max drag too quickly, and the max drag was heavier than the first reel’s max drag.Pros:-Maxcatch is very responsive and stands behind their products-pricepoint-looks awesome-has smooth bearingsCons:-quality control isn’t great—drag and fit inconsistencies between the two identical reels I have-fit and finish aren’t perfect—some rough/semi-sharp edges and a tiny bit of spool wobble-numbers on drag dial aren’t in a logical order (0, 3, 9, 6…hmmm), but who cares?-(personal preference) the spool rotates freely to reel in line—there is no click on the retrieve or anything that keeps it from a free spin like a spinning reel

When receiving the reel I noticed that it did not come in a bag, or even bubble wrap. The black plastic drag adjustment knob is pretty scuffed up, but this does not affect the function of the reel. I do think that the reel should be better protected in the box though. The finish on the reel (silver) is acceptable, but it does have its rough spots here or there. For the price I can live with it. I may be sanding it down and painting it in the future anyway.Also when removing the spool I noted that there was no grease on the bearings inside of the spool. This was remedied easily with a dab of reel grease, but I think it would be better done in the factory to protect the parts themselves.The drag knob has a nice subtle click to it when increasing or decreasing the drag. The drag does seem to be adjusting well with every click and does not have a sudden jump from minimal drag to max drag. Overall I'm happy with the adjust-ability of the drag on this reel. There is no clicking when reeling in and you can "wing" the spool around freely when reeling it in.Reel was received left hand retrieve and the line looks to have been spooled taught and level. I don't see anywhere weather the line is 7w or 8w, but it seems to be 7w if I had to guess. The pre-installed leader is nail knotted to the fly line. There is no welded loop on the front of the fly line and I have not unspooled the entire line to see if there is a loop on the back. I will be putting some super glue on the nail knot as it doesn't look to be done already.Overall, I am pleased with my purchase and looking forward to taking it out for a field test. Some of the quality issues are to be expected for a reel that was under $40 with line pre spooled, but for the money it is more than good enough to get you out there fishing.

Let me start by saying this is NOT a Tibor or Hardy, and doesn’t cost $1500, so don’t compare it to one.I paid $16 for this reel, for a 2wt outfit I’ll keep in the truck. It will travel with me to Canada and I won’t have to worry about loosing one of my Loomis, bamboo or custom rods with more expensive reels.Would I use this reel with 7x for steel heads, bonefish or something else requiring a smooth drag? Probably not.But for the price, I was really happy with the quality. You can afford to replace this reel 4 times a year for the price of a regular low end reel and, I personally think this reel could sell for $50/$60 at the local fly shop.If you’re learning, or for fishing bass, panfish, dink trout, or can’t justify $400 on a decent reel, or just want this for a beater rod, this is a good option.Arrived two days after ordering, in perfect condition.Finish is a little flatter than shown, but that wasn’t a deal breaker for me.Tight lines.

When I picked up my new 8 weight fly rod I knew I would need a 7/8 reel also. What I was looking for was a basic, budget reel. I stumbled across this Maxcatch reel and said "F-it, I will give it a shot for $22.00", not expecting much I received the reel today. To be honest I am super happy and super surprised, this is a nice reel! The finish is clean and the tolerances are great, the drag is nice and smooth and the reeling action is excellent. I can't say I will use this reel forever but it is a reel I can see lasting so I can pass it down to a young fly fisherman years down the road. Thanks Maxcatch, I can't wait to try out some of your other products!