The Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock Reels are the best "value for the price" fly reel series on the market today. The five strong, lightweight fly reels in this series are machined of aircraft grade 6262-T6 aluminum to tolerances that are much higher than the older die-cast aluminum fly reels. The drag system is an infinitely adjustable off-set disc drag system that has been an Orvis standard for reliability and strength for decades. Remarkably lightweight, these traditionally-sized fly reels balance beautifully with the new lightweight rods in both fresh and light saltwater sizes and will last a lifetime with little maintenance. Fly fishing reels in black, titanium.
Average Customer Rating:
4.7 out of 5
Rating Snapshot
(54 reviews)
5 stars
42
4 stars
10
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
1 star
0
53 of 54 (98%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Great value,
February 25, 2010
By:
Anonymousfrom Chattanooga, TN
"I bought the BBS IV to go with my new Hydros 9ft 6 wt. I love the drag system on this reel and the look of the titanium color matches perfectly with the hydros. Stop looking and buy this reel now."
Review 2 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
great lightweight reel,
December 10, 2009
By:
nosajfrom VA
"I bought the BBS II to match to a 7'6" 4 weight rod and couldn't be happier. The reel is extremely light and feels great with the lighter rod. The look and finish is impressive - it is hard to find fault with this reel. The only issue I had was with the backing chart. I'm not sure if what is listed applies only to Orvis backing but I could not get anywhere near 100 yards of 20-lb dacron of another brand on the reel with a full 4 weight line. Just be sure to keep an eye on the spool as you're adding line to it and you'll have a fantastic reel."
Review 3 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great for 2wt,
December 10, 2009
By:
Reedofrom Metro Minnesota
"I have a BBS 1 reel in Titanium finish for a 762-4 rod. The ultralight 2wt rod really needs a small reel to match it both aesthetically, as well as to maintain the balance of the rod for casting. The BBS1 reel is perfect for the job! This is by far the smallest reel on the market I could find without spending at least another $100. But don't get me wrong-this reel is no compromise. This reel is the pick of the litter. The light weight maintains balance, but the reel has stood up to some serious abuse and is still as smooth as silk. The titanium finish is slightly bluish, which I find to be very attractive and unique. When using a 2wt, you will be using the reel more often to fight fish, and this reel is perfect. The only downside to the reel is that you do have issues with line coiling. A good line will relax and uncoil after a little bit, though. I wouldn't use this reel for fighting larger fish like steelies or bass, but it's perfect for medium to small trout. Heck-with the 2wt line and light reel, a 9" brownie fights like a steelie!"
Review 4 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Good buy,
November 24, 2009
By:
Scandinaviafishfrom Sweden, Scandinavia
"Good, perhaps the best when you speak moneys worth? Needed a new reel and tried a BBS I during the time I looked for the"right" one. I was surprised. Even though it is cheap it works like a much more expensive reel. Tried it with really big fish and even if I would have been glad for some extra yards of backing it performed excellent and made my fishing day perfect. I will hold on to this budget reel as long as I can but in the future I will use in on a 3wt instead for the traditional 4wt."
Review 5 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Just bought my eighth BBS,
November 18, 2009
By:
Dixiejackfrom SW Georgia
"I own every size and a couple in certain sizes. Like the lightweight and have not had one to fail me. Best value reel on the market."
Review 6 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 50 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
5 years of use and still awesome!,
November 13, 2009
By:
ZFisherfrom Newtown, CT
"This was the first reel that I purchased when I started fly fishing five years ago. I've since added to the collection but the BBS III is still my go-to reel. I've dropped this thing on practically every surface between the driveway and the stream, treated it poorly, and cleaned it with no more than a rinse to get out the sandy grit. It still performs like a champ."
Review 7 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
4
/ 5
Great Reel,
October 22, 2009
By:
Anonymousfrom Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
"I was looking for a lightweight reel to match up with my Sage SLT 7wt rod for fishing Atlantic Salmon. The BBS-V at 5 oz did that for me at an affordable price. I made the purchase during the free spool offer. Other reels in the same weight range are double the price. The reel works really well and holds a ton of backing with my 7wt line just in case I need it. With all the backing it almost retrieves like a mid arbor. The drag is very smooth and will help hold a big fish without any problem. The only draw back that I have found is that the drag adjustment knob is very sensitive when you what to tighten the drag. It seems to go from loose to tight very quickly. Other than that I am very happy with my purchase and the performance of the reel. I can see me adding another BBS to my gear for my 4wt system in the near future. Great Product. Great Customer Service. I will Buy Again."
Review 8 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Awesome!,
October 16, 2009
By:
Hyde2003from Raymond & Greenville, Maine
"I have a couple of the original Battenkill reels and I truly believe that they are the best disc drag reels made for the dollar. Recently I purchased two of the Battenkill BBS reels. The Battenkill BBS takes an excellent reel to the next level with the same high quality drag system on a lighter bar stock frame. When I fish, I usually go non-stop for 6, 8, sometimes even 10 hours. Performance, reliability, and light weight are key elements I look for in a reel. The Battenkill BBS performs awesome and is one of; if not the lightest reel Orvis sells. Awesome!"
Review 9 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Tough, Tough ,Tough,
October 11, 2009
By:
BigSilvers01from Saratoga, NY
"Being an avid fly fisherman for many years, I have purchased many reels of different makers. The Orvis BBS series has out performed them all, even higher priced so called "best of the best" reels. On a recent Salmon River, New York trip I decided to use my BBS lV , 8wt. line, standard arbor reel for a little extra challenge vs. a large arbor big game reel which I normally would use. It didn't take take long before a nice steelhead, and 2 kings would put it to a test. The reel performed outstandingly each time, the drag was smooth and flawless, handling every jump, turn and run these power fish could throw at it. Landing 2 of the 3 fish (15-20+ lbs.)on this reel was awesome. Upon returning home I decided to check the condition of the gears, drag etc. figuring there would be obvious wear as these fish are known to eat tackle and gear for breakfast!. Not a bit!! still looked brand new! If you are looking for Quality and toughness, this series is the absolute tops at any price. Orvis simply has the best reels period with the battenkill series leading the way."
Review 10 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 1000 Contributor
Overall Rating:
4
/ 5
Solid Reel, Good Value,
August 10, 2009
By:
JohnJAfrom California
"I bought my first BBS about two years ago. At that time the price was amazing. I had researched as many small arbor reels as I could find on the internet. All of them were either vastly inferior or extremely expensive. The BBS was offered at an extremely reasonable price.
As I was searching for a reel for my new two weight, my main criterium were weight, spool diameter and price. Nothing else I could find came close to the BBS II (or later on the BBS I). When working with small (less than 14 inch) trout the most important attribute of a reel is that is compliments the rod. For one one through three weight rods that means low mass and small diameters.
These reels meet those criteria like no others I have been able to find. I now use them with my Sage TXL 2 wt, the Superfine 1 wt., and my classic Sage LL three weight. I now own four BBS reels, and I have no regrets.
The reels exhibit quality workmanship, and have performed well on the water. One of the four had a small defect upon purchase, but Orvis quickly and cheerfully replaced it.
It should be noted, that as a small trout fisherman, I rarely (if ever) take advantage of my reels drag feature. So, if smooth drag is important to you, you should read other reviews.
Before last winters price increase, the BBS series was probably the best deal in a reel on the face of the earth. Now that Orvis has increased the price by about 50% the are simply "reasonably priced."
Review 11 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 50 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
One of the Best Freshwater Reels,
August 8, 2009
By:
MrPebblesfrom Roanoke, Va
"I am a proud owner of a titanium colored BBS III. I love this reel! It is simple and does not require much maintenance. Great standard arbor reel for almost any freshwater situation."
Review 12 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Making it easier,
July 29, 2009
By:
gibberfrom S. Illinois
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Thanks Orvis!
"I am new to the fly fishing world but smart enough to know to use good quality products out of the gate ! My Zero Gravity rod and BBS 2 reel sure take the hastle out of beginner mistakes. Using this combo along with the Wonderline 3 line makes the casting and handling the easy part. Now I just have to figure out the rest. Wish me luck."
Review 13 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Exceded Expectations,
July 21, 2009
By:
BigBlueBugfrom Fishkill,NY
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"I purchased the BBS II before Christmas, and I could not wait to hit my favorite small brooks/streams in the spring. I felt the size and weight would be just about right for my 6'6" 4wt, it turns out to be right on for balance. I have also used it on my 7'6" 4wt, again no balance issues. The Titanium finish is sharp, a sturdy small stream reel. I truly enjoy using this reel, more so than the one it replaced. Quality workmanship. I would not hesitate recomending this reel, or purchasing another size."
Review 14 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Perfect 4wt trout reel,
July 14, 2009
By:
LyNcHfrom Upstate, NY
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below the flume
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"I have this reel lined with generation 3, 4 wt wonderline and mounted on my medium action 7'6" 4wt custom LyNcH rod. All three perform wonderful together and have enjoyed landing rainbow and brown trout in the adirondacks and on the Battenkill. The reel has the same classic look and feel of the original battenkill with finish nice finish and weight of aluminum. I have yet to find an Orvis reel I'm on the fence about."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Sweet reel,
July 2, 2009
By:
OhioFlyguyfrom Frm Ohio
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17 in Brown on a 6x tippit
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"This reel works as well as it looks. I have the BBS III. I've recently had the chance to put it thru it's paces. I saw several comments concerning the drag. It does feel tight, but it played out a 17in brown on a 6x, without a problem. So i'm looking forward to using it for steelhead later this year."
Review 16 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
BBS I,
June 26, 2009
By:
phillyphisherfrom Philadelphia, PA
"Great reel. Classic looks, great functionality, and low price for the quality. I have it rigged with an orvis superfine generation 3 2wt and it works beautifully. 7 inch brookies to 20+ inch browns and bows, it handles everything perfectly"
Review 17 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 100 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
A solid reel,
June 19, 2009
By:
zerog
"I purchased the BBSIII and it has been great for an all-around freshwater reel. It is very well constructed and looks great."
Review 18 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
4
/ 5
April 27, 2009
By:
emac
"I recently purchased a new bar stock reel, and I love the way it fishes, the sound and the feel are superb. I just can't understand why such a great reel comes with a cheap plastic handle. Orvis should drop the plastic and add a nice wooden handle. Other than that I love this reel, and would recommend it to anyone."
Review 19 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great Reel!,
April 2, 2009
By:
Brookieaddict09from Frostburg, MD
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"This past Christmas I recieved a BBS II reel and I have used it religiously ever since. This little reel is not only very attractive in the titanium finish, but also very lightweight. I have found this reel to match well with the Orvis 4 wt. Wonderline Gen 3 trout line in olive dun. Overall this is a great reel for the price and would recommend this particular model to anyone looking for a reel to match a small stream rod. This reel has been great for chasing the Brookies in Western Maryland. Included is a picture of one such fish caught with the BBS II."
Review 20 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Top 100 Contributor
Overall Rating:
4
/ 5
Durable performer......,
February 17, 2009
By:
blueridgeanglerfrom South Carolina
"I have been using the II with 5 wt line for quite some time. I also have an extra spool with 3wt line for smaller streams. This is a quality reel for the price. The drag is smooth and the reel is fairly balanced on my St. Croix rods. I would recommend this reel."
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