Our completely new large arbor fly fishing reel series is built off the wildly popular Battenkill Mid Arbor fly reel design, and machined from 6061 aircraft barstock. This is the best value, high-performance large arbor fly reel anywhere. Your fly reel of choice when fishing any hard-fighting gamefish—from bones and reds on the flats, snook under the lights, and stripers in the surf to steelhead and salmon in the harshest freshwater fly fishing conditions. Plus, with backing capacities to handle any spey-fishing situation, this fly reel's smooth, strong, proven drag and fast retrieve rates help control and land big fish more quickly and effectively. The Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Fly Fishing Reel is available in black, titanium.
Average Customer Rating:
4.9 out of 5
Rating Snapshot
(33 reviews)
5 stars
29
4 stars
4
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
32 of 33 (97%) customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Review 1 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great Customer Care,
January 30, 2010
By:
shor
"Bought a IV and V for Christmas. Monogram was overlooked on the IV. I called to discuss a solution with Orvis and told them NOT TO WORRY ABOUT IT. I blew it off only to learn that ORVIS CREDITED THE ENTIRE COST OF THE REEL TO MY ACCOUNT!!!
UNREAL CUSTOMER CARE AND TOTALLY UNNECESSARY.
WE LOVE BOTH OF THE REELS. EVERYTHING I EXPECTED WITH ULTRA SMOOTH DRAG AND SERIOUS QUALITY, JUST WHAT I ALWAYS WANTED.
THANKS ORVIS, I AM HOOKED!!!"
Review 2 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Overall Rating:
4
/ 5
Great Reel, But Not As Pictured,
January 23, 2010
By:
FlyFisher105
"I bought the gold color of this reel to match the gold colored hardware on my new Helios rod. Both arrived and they are great apart from one another, but they do not match. They are two completely different colors of gold. I will keep and use both, but I am a little disappointed with this oversight."
Review 3 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
The best,
January 2, 2010
By:
gardarola
"I bougth this reel when my friends had all bougth new reels of all sorts, Loop, Sage etc....
They were all recomending the brand they bougth - but I said - I will stick to Battenkill and I am more than happy."
Review 4 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
December 28, 2009
By:
marcusw
"I bought this to go on a bamboo 9'6" 3 piece that I had just made for chasing Atlantic Salmon in Eastern Canada. I have 5 other Orvis reels all of which have proved to be rugged and reliable at what I think is a very fair price given other offerings on the market. So far I have not had any issues with any of them and this one has not disappointed. It too is tough and reliable, (I am not very kind to my gear) and landed more than its fair share of fish without missing a beat in a tough fishing season. I can't see any reason to pay more unless you want glitz or exclusivity. Me, I want functionality."
Review 5 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 25 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Smooth as silk,
November 21, 2009
By:
Otchfrom Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
"I received this reel free with the purchase of a rod this past spring. I was so pleased with the reel and the offer, and went back and bought 2 more rods. In all, I have 2 Large Arbors - one on a 7 weight for steelhead, and one on a 9 weight for salmon. They both function flawlessly. Ultra smooth drag. I initially purchased one in black and one in titanium color, and ended up taking the black one back to exchange it for platinum. Not only does it give me the option of purchasing and extra spool and using the spool interchangably between the same colored rules, but the titanium is absolutely beautiful."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 6 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Outstanding reel,
November 11, 2009
By:
IdahoFishermanfrom Boise/Moscow, ID
"Just a fantastic all around reel. Looks great, has amazing drag, and can hold loads of line. I primarily use it for Steelies in ID but this spring and summer i will try and find some bigger bass and give it a go. So far it has performed to the highest standards with steelhead. Couldn't ask for more from this reel."
Review 7 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Battenkill large arbor IV,
November 4, 2009
By:
justflyfishing
"I used the Battenkill large arbor IV on a recent salmon trip was impressed with both the amount of backing that it can hold and just how well it matched up with my helios 10ft 7wt rod. The reel balances the rod perfectly and held up to several large salmon with no signs of slowing down. My only complaint is I would like alittle more drag at the high end to help slow down big kings or other salt water fish. Overall I am very pleased with this reel."
Review 8 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great Performance,
October 23, 2009
By:
Abdullahfrom Muscat, Oman
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Dorado on the Fly in Oman waters
"Took this reel to do some Mahi Mahi (Dorado) fishing as well as Skip Jack Tuna and Barracuda and it was wonderful. This was off Oman waters. We hit a good number of fish and the reel gave all indications that it could take more and more. We got one decent size skip jack Tuna then had a large fish take a bite at it and sent the Orvis reel screaming with wonderful sounds. The fish finally got out and the skip jack Tuna had bite marks all over it. Must have been a Sail fish or some huge fish that could swallow it in full. The same thing repeated again and this time it was a huge Dorado but instead of swallowing the skip Jack Tuna on my line, it took a slice of it then another and I ended up with only the head left on my fly hook. I have it all on video. Here is a picture of one of the Dorado's of the day. .... Hey Marcos, enjoy this one."
Review 9 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Sweet Reel,
September 13, 2009
By:
Reio
"I have 4 of the Barkill V large arbor reels that I use for steel heading with my different spey rods. I love this model. It has a very easy to adjust drag, it a beautiful reel. I have all three colors and I prefer the black except with my 13 foot shooting star where the gold looks good. It has a good weight to it and it is strudy surviving lots of drops and bangs against rock. I really like the feel of the handle when fighting a big one, it is extremely easy to grip and crank on when reeling the fish in. It also has a great sound when you get a runner. I expecially like the price when compared with other competing brands."
Review 10 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
The LA IV Lands the Big Ones,
August 4, 2009
By:
fshnl8
"I researched a lot of large arbor reels before buying the LA IV reel by Orvis. In my opinion, this is by far the best large arbor reel for the money. It is a work horse that can pick up the line fast and handle a 13 lb coho as it screams down stream. I have the I, III and IV... that says a lot."
Review 11 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Light and Sturdy with a great drag,
June 3, 2009
By:
Matu
"Very light reel. it has a super smooth drag and perfect balance on a helios 10 wt not just that it also looks as nice or better as reels costing 500 dollars"
Review 12 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
STAFF REVIEW
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Unbelievably Great Reel,
June 3, 2009
By:
SmallStreamerfrom Southern Vermont
"I fished this reel for 3 days in some pretty bad conditions and couldn't be happier with its performance. I think the most amazing thing was after soaking it in saltwater for hours fishing stripers I dropped it in the sand and was able to quickly clear it continue fishing it without sand getting inside and grinding or reducing the performance of the drag. Drag settings are easy to find and adjust at night with cold and wet fingers. This reel is totally bomber and I know I can trust it when conditions get tough."
Review 13 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 250 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great steelhead reel,
May 24, 2009
By:
LyNcHfrom Upstate, NY
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Caught and released 3-09
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Caught and released 1-09
"I used this reel all winter of the 08/09 steelhead season in Upstate, NY. We're talking tempuratures in the morning at 10 degrees where the guides were instanty freezing. The reel performed flawlessly all season long without a single problem....while my buddies twice as expensive reel lost it's "momentum" when his drag froze on him. It balanced out my LyNcH custom switch rod perfectly. Money well spent."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 14 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 500 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Finally, Lightweight, Excellent L-A Reels,
April 22, 2009
By:
flyman333from Palm Harbor, FL
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Bluefish of 10 lbs in shallow water are great, jumping, pulling popper fish on the Helios 9 and LA IV.
"I bought the Orvis Large Arbor IV, to use on my Helios #9, after I studied its' specs. Using it for several months, I then bought the Large Arbor V for my #10 Helios.
The first thing you realize about these reels is their very light weight. I did not like many of the Large Arbor reels when they first came out. They were heavy and over priced. The Battenkill LA IV weighs 7.3 oz with 250 yards of 30 lb Power Pro backing and a WF 9 F Triangle Taper line with plenty of room. The V with 300 yds of the same backing and a #10 WF 10 F line weighs 3 oz more. It balances the Helios 10 superbly.
I like the handle design on these reels, large with wide, flat surfaces. Also, the quick - change slide bar release, is excellent. I own Ross Gunnison reels with this feature and never had a problem.
I have the LA V in black with a spare spool in gold. The black reel, gold spool makes a striking, good looking combination, and helps to keep track of the fly lines I have rigged - Black spool, floating line, gold spool sinking line. The fit is perfect.
As to drag smoothness - it is superb. I've taken some big fish on these reels in the last year, including Stripers, Blues, Albies, Golden Dorado and Roosterfish and the drags have performed fine, with one exception. The total dogged down drag force should be increased. For the IV 2 to 2 1/2 lbs of straight force yields drag slippage. On the V, 3 to 3 1/2 lbs causes slippage. Of course, on a bent rod that is increased. But on big, strong fish [say a 35 lb Dorado or Roosterfish] close to the boat, you have to supply extra drag by palming to keep those never-give- brutes from pulling out line, when you need both hands on the grip.
Over-all these reels are great for the money invested. I don't see a reson to spend more. Add a little more maximum drag and you have an A+ fly reel - good anywhere."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 15 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 100 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Great Performer on the Saltwater Flats,
January 23, 2009
By:
zerog
"I just picked up the LA IV for a bone fishing trip. It performed flawlessly. The adjustable drag was smooth when the Bones were tearing away, and the large arbor was spectacular at picking up line quickly when the fish were charging the boat. It exceeded all of my expectations."
Review 16 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 10 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Steelheaders Dream Rod & Reel,
December 3, 2008
By:
Bilbofrom Steelhead Alley NW Pennsylvania
"A PERFECT COMBO >>> . What a wonderful combination. A ZG Helios 107-4 Fly Rod and a LA IV Fly Reel. match it with gen 3 steelhead line.and its absolutely deadly for Steelhead. Love this reel it can handle 10 - 15 # steelies without missing a beat. Strong smooth drag. Sweet looking design. Only wish they'd had it in gold like its smaller brothers"
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 17 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 25 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Rivals the Best,
October 11, 2008
By:
Thomfrom Buffalo
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Hot fish from fast water
"I have the LA IV and use it on a 7 wt, 10 ft Zero G. This is the perfect steelhead reel. When you get a hot fish, the drag is convenient to adjust with the thumb and every "click" evenly increases the tension. Pick up with the reel is excellent and it is incredibly smooth. I did not appreciate the quality until I went to wipe it off after a days fishing. When you see the frame and spool separately, the manufacturing quality that makes this reel so great to fish becomes more evident. I have a reel that I paid over twice as much forl, and the LA IV Battenkill Large Arbor is it's equal. This is just an outstanding reel and a "reel value" for the money."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 18 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
lifetime companion!,
September 25, 2008
By:
fly1onfrom Vernon, VT
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"This reel handles all situations with a mix of brute force and graceful smoothness. Fishing great lakes tributaries requires constant changes, from drifting small nymphs on light tippet in pocket water to swinging streamers for large salmon and steelhead. The numbered drag system puts you right where you need to be instantly, and the quick line pickup when fighting acrobatic steelhead will improve your catch ratio. I wont fish without it!"
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 19 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Top 25 Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
PHENOMINAL BIG GAME REEL,
September 25, 2008
By:
ALLABOUTTROUTfrom EVERETT, WASHINGTON
"I HAVE THE BKLA IV REEL AND IT IS LIKE A WELL-OILED MACHINE. I HAVE IT ON MY 9' 8 WT. MID-FLEX HELIOS FLY ROD. IT IS A PERFECT COMPANION AND EVERY ASPECT OF THIS REEL WORKS FLAWLESSLY. GREAT LINE CAPACITY AND PERFECT INDEXABLE DRAG SYSTEM. TOUGH AND HANDSOME REEL. I BOUGHT THE BLACK VERSION AND IT LOOKS GREAT ON MY HELIOS."
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Review 20 for Battenkill Large Arbor Big Game Reel
Number One Contributor
Overall Rating:
5
/ 5
Smooth drag,
September 10, 2008
By:
Muskratfrom Oakville, ON
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BC Bull Trout
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Nipigon salmon
"As another reviewer has mentioned, why go from the previous generation of Battenkill LA reels, which remain terrific? Because these balance the ZG Helios rods perfectly, and that numbered drag system ensures that you reset it just where you like it to be. They hold lots of backing, especially if you use gel-spun, but even dacron. They look great, although I'd like a gold option in these sizes, not only in the freshwater reels. I also use a black spool to hold sinking tip line."
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