Looking for opinions on the following two reels: The Barrio Trout Reel and The Hardy Marksman 4/5 wt. Any input welcome.
Cheers

---------- Post added at 09:05 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:01 PM ----------

Just realised I have been a bit vague in my above post. The reel will be paired with my Guideline LxPe #4 and will be used for rivers and small stillwaters. Will the reels be suitable? Does anyone have any experience with either of them?
Thanks again

i dont have personal experience of either but i do know of issues with the clutch on the marksman. I have spoken to at least 6 guys over the close season who have sent theirs back. Grit ingress seems to be the common complaint

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BROWN TROUT:THE RED SPOTS HAND PAINTED BY GOD

I believe tha Barrio reels are made by Vossler in which case they are pretty much bombproof . PJ

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When you can see without being seen,strike without knowing why,and guess correctly where the best fish lie,they have taught you all they can.
(T.C. KINGSMILL MOORE)

i dont know too much about the barrio reel but the marksman has ther issue with the drag also has an issue with the cross bar on the cage at the front is exactly where the line runs and causes the line to rub

The Marksman doesn't have a drag, it is a click and pawl reel, and the problem is with the main bearing, and dirt/grit ingress as PR mentioned.
According to the lads in Norris's, the sizes #5/6 and upwards are the ones to cause trouble, the smaller #3/4 and #4/5 didn't cause any issues.
Also the fly line is meant to be used below the crossbar, not above it,so it isn't a problem.
Looked after, and cleaned regularly, they are a nice reel.
I have no knowledge of the Barrio reels, is this the same as the Barrio lines?
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Duplicate sorry

I had a Vosseler (who make the Barrios) which was exactly like the Barrio and it was made beautifully. The machining was perfect, as you'd expect from the Germans.

It comes with some sort of pressure piece or ball bearing to add to the "drag." It's not really a drag system but this pressure piece does increase resistance when pulling line of the spool. I definitely recommend using this pressure piece, otherwise if you strip line off the rel too quickly, you may get a bit of a tangle. Not the end of the world but the pressure piece will sort you out.

I speak of this reel in the past tense because one day I put the rod down while releasing a trout...the rod and reel were never seen again

my mistake i meant the bearing and it doesnt matter whether the line is above or below the bar it still rubs on the bar or atr least mine did but otherwise a lovely reel

Don't have any expeience with the Barrio reel but own four Marksmen reels.
Never had an issue regarding the line rubbing on the bar. I can see what people mean but the line rubs on the rings on the way through doesn't it .

As for the bearing problem (I have 2x 3/4, 1x 2/3 and 1x 4/5) I read about this before I bought my first one and was wary. Soon as I got it home I stripped the reel and removed the thin straggly smear of grease the manufacturer had applied. Looked like half a job to me! I then applied some fresh grease using a matchstick to force/smooth it down well into the bearing. Finishing off by leveling it on top of the bearing. Next a very light strand on the spool side, don't want it spewing out onto the line .

That took care of that side. Next I did the same to the other side of the bearing smoothing off again. In the knurled nut is a groove/shoulder that mates up with the bearing when tightened-another thin worm of grease and job done. Never had a problem and don't expect one!

Sure, I should not have to address the problem, should have been done properly in the first place but hey-ho a stitch in time eh .

Very pretty little reels, practical and simple. Oh and very cool . I've unintentionally given them a dip before now but I know the seal is good so no worries. Conversely if I dunked it into deep soft mud I would stop fishing rather than risk contamination. Common sense really.

With a little effort/preventative maintenence the smaller sizes in my experience are sound and a delight to use.

Chris.

Glasgow Angling Centre has all Marksman Models reduced to £100.00 and they have plenty of them.

I was through today buying a Swift MKII 900 also Reduced to £100.00 and have plenty.

Cheers

Col

PS: I have never ever had any problems with Marksman Reels and have used and owned all models .

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