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Post by ShadowCaster on Feb 6, 2007 6:39:04 GMT 8
If you point a gun to me head and ask me to name a classic fly reel design that will stand the test of time, I would quote the Leonard Bi-Metal. It first appeared in the market in the late 1800s and its function and form remains relavant till today. Its Bronze and Nickel Silver construction eludes a timeless beauty but yet, possess incredible toughness and durability.
An original Leonard Bi-Metal in good condition usually comes with a high 4-figure (US$) price tag. In the interest of marital accord, I decided to acquire a re-production instead ;D ;D. This Bronze and Nickel Silver work of art was re-produced by a Japanese maker copying the original design down to the teeth with 1 exception : micro ball bearings were used instead of the bushing used in the original design. Although it still came at a "premium" price, it was well worth it!
If you thing the photo looks good, wait till you hear the sound of the clicker!     
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Post by Chee Yung on Feb 6, 2007 9:20:03 GMT 8
Hi TY, You've got an absolutely BEEAUUUTiFULL reel   ! From here? www.alchemy-tackle.jp/e_home.html  Premium price indeed! Certainly more classical looking than the Godfrey I was pondering. I have often wondered what was the difference between your reel, the Kineya bimetal ( Reed 45) and Ron Kusse's Leonard ( Fairy) not the Mills... some say its the same maker  Great photos! Even better than from the maker ;D Cheers CY |
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Post by fisho on Feb 6, 2007 9:38:20 GMT 8
Hi Shadowcaster,
KaWaii...Its beautiful..!! Athough it a re-production, the fine craftsmanship from all angles shows.
The word "passion" hits me to describe this maker's work. the detailing, mirror polish finish plus the lightly rounded edges radiates.
Thank You for sharing!
..quick.. post pics of the clicker & insides.. we'll faint... ;D
=========
CY..!!
i dunno to thank U or to hit-your-head for directing the web-link to me.. ;D ;D.. my minds is now debating...
reSiST.. resist..!! .. or.. resistance is futile..
cheers!
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Post by ShadowCaster on Feb 6, 2007 23:13:20 GMT 8
Certainly more classical looking than the Godfrey I was pondering. I have often wondered what was the difference between your reel, the Kineya bimetal ( Reed 45) and Ron Kusse's Leonard ( Fairy) not the Mills... some say its the same maker Hi CY, Incidentally, when I was on the quest for a Bi-Metal to match the GF7633, I had considered and evaluated all the reels that you had mentioned above. Firstly, on the Godfrey; I think we discussed that briefly some time back. It is certainly a beautiful reel in its own right but I passed on it for 3 main reasons : 1. It is not a true Leonard Bi-Metal design as it does not have a half handle and it also has a Westminster adjustable drag design instead of the original bronze caliper ratchet on the Leonard Bi-Metal. 2. I've had feedback from 3 seperate Westminster users citing issues on the Westminster drag design being inconsistent and a bit on the and "anemic" side. 3. The Nickle Silver on the Godfrey comes only in a dull matt finish instead of a polished high gloss surface. Next on Kusse's Leonard re-pro. Ron Kusse would probably know how a real Leonard reel should be made as he was with the legendary rod shop for some time and had in his possession some original Leonard Mills reels from Tom Bailey. But availability of Kusse's Bi-Metal reel is an issue and its difficult to find one in the market in better than good condition. One of the several within reasonable price range I could find seems like it had seen better days. So I passed on that as well. www.classicflyfisherman.com/images/reel94.jpgThe Alchemy and the Reed45 are both of identical design as they are both OEM at Kineya. Kineya followed the William Mills design (actually the design originated from Edward F Payne who then sold the patent to William Mills Co who used to own the Leonard Rod Co at that time) except that the 2 bronze bushings that support the spool are replaced by micro ball bearings for smoother operations and durability. But the Alchemy is a tad bigger in size with a diameter if 61.5mm vs a diameter of 56.5mm for the Reed45. Since I need a 4/5 wt reel for the GF7633, I choose the Alchemy over the Reed45 which will be challenged to hold a full length of 5wt line. I'm sure there are other Bi-Metal re-producers out there some where. We just have not had the time to look harder. Now after you and Uncle Wong master bamboo planing in your rod shop, how about getting a CNC machine to start a reel shop?? ;D ;D |
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Post by Chee Yung on Feb 7, 2007 10:11:04 GMT 8
Hi TY, You attention to detail and thorough research is always amazing!  Many thanks for the explanations. The Alchemy is indeed ideal for the GG7633. Do post more wonderful information about your latest findings. Hmm... CNC ... We need investors for that! Thinking about making our own ferrules n seats tho but Uncle is the expert... I'll let him explain ;D Cheers CY |
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cdmoore
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Posts: 2
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Post by cdmoore on Feb 9, 2007 4:44:34 GMT 8
The Alchemy is a beaut! For those who don't know, you can save some bucks and have some fun by purchasing the kit version and assembling yourself. Cool!
It is indeed OEM by Kineya and a bit bigger than the Reed 45. It's closer to the Reed 48 in size.
Of course, Ted G. never intended his BiMetal to replicate the Leonards. He obviously took some design cues and used them to good effect. I have found that the drag is not anemic or troublesome, especially in comparison to the static-drag Leonard copies. From a fishing perspective, what's nice is that it can be adjusted both externally within range, or internally the range itself. Also, the crank is counter-balanced so no wobble if a fish runs...which might be a problem if you've got a fish on that would make the drag seem anemic. It's also easy to take down for cleaning: one screw! I've had mine--a custom black, perforated version 254--for several years now and never had a problem. (Shameless plug: if anyone wants one, I have a brand new GBI 255 with the solid NS plates for sale). To go off-topic for a minute, the drag on the Paradigms is even better. I'm talking to Ted about a raised-pillar using the Paradigm drag.
Take it easy!
Chris
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Post by TarponCraz on Feb 9, 2007 9:44:02 GMT 8
CNC Love to have it  but can't afford to own it  . CY and I are already sustaining the bruises all over to acquired a manual lathe! In the sense of machinery, we are in bad location. There is limited choice to select from and the few that are in the market are either too heavy (bulky) for home use or too expensive. For those beauties, it is better leave them to those experts and we just acquire them whenever we can afford and caress it whenever someone have one in possession, that is if he doesn't mind! ;D ;D ;D |
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!
Premium price indeed!
but can't afford to own it 
. CY and I are already sustaining the bruises all over to acquired a manual lathe! In the sense of machinery, we are in bad location. There is limited choice to select from and the few that are in the market are either too heavy (bulky) for home use or too expensive.