Product Reviews

Product Review:  Venture Fly Reels

Made by:  G Loomis

These days, everyone is trying to maximize their dollar.  As I've mentioned in other articles, it has been a hard life lesson to learn "You Get What You Pay For."  Now, I still look for a deal, but  the quality of the product is just as important as the bottom line purchase price.  In fly fishing, faulty equipment equals lost fish.  The larger the fish, the more critical your fly reel is for the task.  At $100, the Venture fly reel by G. Loomis is the perfect reel for the budget minded angler.  It is inexpensive, but not cheap. 

I have been on a never ending search for quality at a reasonable price.  I get many people writing in and asking my recommendations on "cheap" and "budget" equipment.  I think the Venture reel is really worth looking at.

Here is what G. Loomis says about this reel series on their sight:  In the old days, even the finest fly anglers thought of their reels as little more than a line holder. Not to say they didn't appreciate the craftsmanship of a finely machined fly reel, they just felt the skills for fighting fish on a fly rod were with the fisherman, not the workings of a reel. Their main requirement of a reel was simplicity. They would appreciate our new Venture reels. A quality reel at a bewildering price, each Venture reel is a sturdy, cast aluminum vision of beauty and simplicity. Featuring a wide-range adjustable disc drag, quick release spool, and a rich, champagne gold anodized finish, the Venture reels are available in three sizes: #3, #5 and #7. They all come with a padded case because, even though they don't cost a king salmon's ransom, you'd hate for them to get treated poorly.

Yes, it's true, you can have a quality reel for $100.  I still use mine and it is over ten years old.  As a matter of fact, mine is one of the first, back when it was the "Adventure" reel (see the picture)  made to match the "Adventure" rods that G. Loomis was putting out.  It is scratched and dinged, but the drag (the most vital component of any reel) is as smooth as the day I first used it.  Now, I really have put this sucker to the test.  I've even used it in Salt Water.  I don't recommend buying this for saltwater if that is going to be its primary function, but know that with a thorough cleaning it is up to the task.  Extra spools are about $60 dollars so you really can't go wrong.  As I researched what other people thought of this reel, the feedback was overwhelmingly consistent.  This is a quality reel that costs at least half than anything comparable.

Model: _____ Venture 3 ____ Venture 5 ____ Venture 7
Diameter: ____ 2.8" __________ 3.0" __________ 3.4"
Fly Line: _____ 3,4,5 _________ 5,6,7 ________ 7,8,9
Wt.: _________ 3.5 oz. _______ 4.8 oz. _______ 5.2 oz.
Capacity: _ WF3-100 yds. _ WF5-125 yds. _ WF7-150 yds.
Backing: _____ 20 lbs. _______ 20 lbs. _______ 30 lbs.

I really believe that this is a great bargain reel where you wont be sacrificing quality. 

You can purchase one here.

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