Orvis Ratings and Reviews

Top Rated Product

Battenkill Bar Stock Reels

The Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock Fly Fishing Reels are the best "value for the price" fly fishing reel series on the market today. The five strong, lightweight fly fishing 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. Imported.
Average Customer Rating:
4.741 out of 5
4.7
 out of 
5
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (147 reviews)
5 stars
121
4 stars
19
3 stars
2
2 stars
5
1 star
0
143 of 147(97%)reviewers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Stories:
Customer Reviews for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Review 1 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Enjoy fishing without spending big bucks,
May 1, 2013
By: IcelandicMD
from Iceland
"I began fly fishing few years back with old equipment from my father, about 30 years old! Abu Garcia fly fishing reel and bambus rod. When I became a bit better I began to look around for reasonably prized reel and rod without having to depart with a "hand or a leg" price vice. I read and asked around and when I found a Clearwater rod #5 and Battenkill BBS #3 combo at the Orvis dealer here in Iceland, I was quick to buy it. Since then I have bought me rods # 3 and 8 as well and two more BBS to go with the rods. I have never felt the need to change to some fancier equipment as I seem to do just as well as those with big bucks rods and reels. But guess I like my wallet even more ;)"
Review 2 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Great Price,
May 1, 2013
By: TNBud
from Smoky Mountains, TN
"I picked up the Battenkill III a few months ago at the discounted price and was that ever a great deal. This is a very reliable reel for the money. I'm now using this as my backup to an Access III but find myself using it more and more because it's so good. I paired this reel with Access WF Trout 5-weight line."
Review 3 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Quality At An Affordable Price,
April 13, 2013
By: fishstick
from Blacksburg, VA
"I recently purchased the Battenkill Bar Stock III reel. Its an awesome reel for the price. Very high quality and lightweight. I think this will be a reel that will serve me well for many fishing trips - a very durable product."
Review 4 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Battenkill Bar Stock Reel,
April 11, 2013
By: BambooLuver
from Grand Blanc, MI
"Great reel for the money. Solid reliable and well worth the money. I have a few now. :-)"
Review 5 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Very Nice Reel,
April 10, 2013
By: Anonymous
"This reel was purchased as a backup - covers a variety of needs. Though it hasn't been thoroughly tested yet, the initial signs are quite positive. Very nice reel. It was recommended to me, and I will pass along the recommendation."
Review 6 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
very nice reel,
April 10, 2013
By: steelheaddude
"very nice reel with a classic look to it. I like the smooth drag system, nicer than a lot of reels that cost a $100 more. just received it and cannot wait for the opening day of trout."
Review 7 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Battenkill BBS Reels,
April 10, 2013
By: DrFAS
from 7Springs, PA
"Just recently purchased a BBS II to replace the one I lost and add to my BBS I and BBS III collection.. I will not rest until I have the entire series,
I thru V...
DrFAS"
Review 8 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Battenkill Bar Stock,
April 9, 2013
By: drpc
"This item was delivered very quickly. Reviews of this reel are excellent and it was a very good price. I have the backing and line on and ready to go for Spring NE fishing on the Ellis river!"
Review 9 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
great product,
April 8, 2013
By: wetflycrazy
from Sout Windsor Ct.
"Battenkill bar stock reel is perfect for my needs its offered in different sizes depending on line size I am using a d DT 5W line. t is light, operates smoothly and drag works well. I am sure it will perform as well as my battenkill light weight 70 did for years!"
Review 10 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Big trout capable,
April 8, 2013
By: hikerted1
from Grand Rapids, MI
"I love the classic look of this, my 3rd Battenkill."
Review 11 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Not surprised.,
April 8, 2013
By: HLS90rodman
from Northern Minnesota
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User submitted photo
"I was not surprised by the quality of this reel since I own two others like it. The only difference is this one is black and the others silver. I now have them on 3wt, 4wt, and 5wt rods.
The drag is smooth and the weight in perfect for the rods I have them on. Great Balance.
"
Review 12 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
great value,
April 8, 2013
By: stlhdr
from California
"The BBS series reels (I have 3) have been a workhorse for me. While they are light and classic looking, the drag is bullet proof and they never fail to do what they were designed for."
Review 13 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Pure.,
April 7, 2013
By: Storerab
from Wilmington, NC
"Smooth. Classic. Pure. I truly enjoyed this reel. The drag was flawless and easy to tune. Truly fine equipment."
Review 14 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Perfect Reels,
March 28, 2013
By: TXflynutter
from Houston, TX
"The BBBS reels are wonderful. A perfect blend of traditional and modern design is what makes them my favorite reels. Great fit and finish, ultra-lightweight, worthy drag system, and an excellent warranty...need more? I own AT LEAST one of each size and multiple spare spools for each of my frames. I can only hope Orvis is not discontinuing my favorite reels.
TO ORVIS: Don't even "update" them guys, THEY'RE PERFECT. Marketing and sales are not as important as having great products. KEEP THE BATTENKILL BBS REELS IN PRODUCTION!!! Don't let todays sales and marketing a.d.d. ruin a perfect reel.
"
Review 15 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Lovely Reel,
March 21, 2013
By: SkyeSalmo
from Isle of Skye, Scotland
"This is a thing of beauty!
It's very light weight, a superb compliment to a Frequent Flyer Rod.
The drag adjustment seems fine, on the lightest setting the reel won't over run when stripping line out, and the ratchet makes a sweet sound. I'm very happy with this reel.
"
Review 16 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Well pleased,
March 14, 2013
By: fife404
"A well finished reel and originally bought with spare spool to use on my #5 & #7 weight rod but am now looking at the IV just for the #7 rod."
Review 17 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
4 / 5
4 / 5
Interesting & Traditional,
March 11, 2013
By: Bennachie
from Aberdeen Scotland
"Very light but strong.Suitable for up to #4 but a bit light for #5 rods and above.Has an attractive traditional look ,pity it is not available in gold colour to compliment the gold fittings of many of the Orvis range of rods."
Review 18 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Excellent Reel,
March 8, 2013
By: Agiclone
from Derbyshire, England
"Although this reel is a recent purchase I have had one for several years. They are hard to beat for the price and I haven't noticed any problems. Why do Orvis seem to have stopped making them?"
Review 19 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
What a Lovely Little Reel,
February 10, 2013
By: ShootingStar
from Salisbury UK
"I bought this reel to complement an 8'4" 3wt Helios rod. My first instinct was to buy another CFO, however financial prudence prevailed.
Light yet sturdy the Battenkill is the perfect partner for my new rod. It balances the Helios perfectly and the drag adjustment is precise and sturdy. I cannot wait to get out onto smaller streams and feeders come Spring!
"
Review 20 for Battenkill Bar Stock Reels
Overall Rating: 
5 / 5
5 / 5
Solid value,
February 5, 2013
By: cob145
from Boulder CO
"This a higher quality reel than the price reflects. The click drag is smooth and easily adjustable, and it looks great on traditional fly rods."