STORM REELS
by Gerard
Barnardt
Dated: 14 June 2001
Saltwater tackle is not cheap, unless you go with the entry level outfits that will costs you around $100 for a full rig (rod, reel and line). I'm not saying that cheap prices means "cheap" quality, but you usually get what you pay for.
The real test has always been in the using (and abusing) of tackle. If a reel can withstand a few months of (ab)use in the salt then I'm sold on it. If it can't then I normally don't give it a second thought. We all use different methods of caring for our saltwater tackle. Personally I don't want to spend too much time on rinsing and cleaning a reel after each outing - it shortens my socializing time, which is precious on every trip. So, I normally do little more "caring" than holding a reel under a tap for a few seconds. I do clean the line when I get home after a week trip, but that's as far as I go. To date, only a few reels were able to withstand the saltwater environment that I've exposed them too. Unfortunately, they were all quite pricey.
South Africans have to import just about all their flytackle and if you take into account that our currency exchange rate is at an all-time low to the US dollar, you will appreciate the fact that we pay "top dollar" for quality tackle. So, I always feel a sense of relief when I find a South African company that produces flyfishing tackle. I recently came across Storm Reels. Being the brainchild of Michael Georgiadis their main focus is to produce a good quality reel at a modest price. The reels are produced from 6061-T6 aluminum bar stock (100% technical grade) and pure 316 stainless steel. In addition, they are anodized for ultimate corrosion resistance. They currently only produce one model, the F100. The model F100 was made for an 8/9wt outfit and takes 400yds of 30lb dacron backing which is even enough to tackle some offshore species such as smaller tuna and sailfish if you load the reel with one of the new ultra-thin backing materials such as Spectra or Micronite.
IMPROVEMENTS
Although I couldn't find any concrete flaws in this reel, I would like to note two small
improvements that in my mind will be of benefit. The first point of note is that the reel
is currently only produced in standard arbor. I was told that Michael is already working on a large arbor
version. The second point is the reel handle. I find it a bit too small and have asked Michael to consider making it a bit larger
which should aid in line retrieval. He's already working on this modification so I believe
it will be in production shortly.
PRICE
I often receive enquiries from new indoctrinated flyfishermen on what tackle to start out
with. Although I'm a follower of "buying the best you can afford" fraternity it
usually provides little help to somebody that is new to the sport and is not aware of all
the pitfalls out there. I've recently started to advise these guys to look at the Storm Reels, which I believe will provide a
good compromise between quality and price. If you take into account that for R950 (or
about US$145) - price includes delivery - you get a bar stock aluminum reel with a cork
drag, you can't go wrong with starting out on a Storm reel. Another benefit is its
versatility when deciding to go for light offshore species. All you need is more backing!
FINAL COMMENTS
I believe that Michael is on to
something good with his Storm Reels
product. My personal experience with this reel proved very positive and I believe his
product will fill a gap in the market where quality and affordability is of great
importance.
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