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#Post#: 109--------------------------------------------------
3 Tand Reels
By: Sean-NOLA Date: October 22, 2017, 11:26 am
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I'm looking into upgrading some of my fly reels, and I'm curious
about 3Tand, specifically the TF series. I have seen positive
reviews for the most part. I haven't handled them or seen them
first hand. Just curious if anyone here has looked at, handled,
or fished these reels.
#Post#: 110--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: Catchcoma Date: October 22, 2017, 1:33 pm
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Sean, I haven't fished them. But I do a somewhat thorough job
of handling them at ICAST in preparation for writing /
presenting on new and existing products.
Just three years ago, 3-Tand was all the rage. A great reel for
the money, most reported. I still think it's a great buy. Not
exactly certain why the love isn't as strong, but I suspect it's
because there's been a paradigm shift among buyers. If you read
my September column in Louisiana Sportsman, you'd know that
colored reels (and in some cases, rods) are all the rage among
young buyers who love their "bling". That's why Cheeky, Allen,
Taylor, Shadow have growing sales. Even Orvis and Sage have
gotten into the act.
If you don't mind silver or black, I think you 'll find the
3-Tand TF a great value.
#Post#: 111--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: Sean-NOLA Date: October 22, 2017, 5:46 pm
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Thanks for the quick reply, Catch! How would you say the 3Tand
TF (50 or 70) compares to the TFO BVK II reel? I have the BVK
reel on my 6wt. BVK rod. I like the weight and size of the reel,
but I'm not the biggest fan of the drag adjustment. Most things
I've read about the TF series reels have been positive, and they
look like solid reels. I would probably be looking at either
the TF50 or TF70. The TF70 is probably the most similar in size
to the BVK II, but I think the TF50 would work as well.
#Post#: 112--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: Catchcoma Date: October 22, 2017, 8:22 pm
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I was going to suggest going to a dealer and checking it out
the TF50 and TF70 in person, but I see on the 3-Tand website no
dealers in Louisiana. For that matter, only 1 in Texas and none
in MS or AL. It does show Cabelas as a dealer, but I'd call the
Gonzales store before going. Outside of their house brands,
they have a very poor stocking of fly rods and reels.
From what I gather looking over their data sheets from ICAST, it
seems the TF70 is a substantial jump in size and weight from the
TF50. Both reels are lighter than counterparts their size. I
might suggest that if the BVK reel balances your rod in the hand
(no tipping forward), then I'd go with the 3Tand reel that
matches weight wise. You don't want the "swing weight" to wear
you out on a full day of fishing!
I also noticed on their literature that there are 40 incremental
drag adjustments on the TF50. :o
Also, the cost of spare spools is roughly 60 percent the cost of
the full reel. Normally this isn't a problem for me because
even at 40 percent, I'm still buying a full reel instead. But
for some folks who like to switch line weights or types for the
same reel, that's a tad steep for spare spool.
I'f you do buy online, I'd suggest getting from a dealer that
would let you trade back if the size you pick isn't ideal. Some
dealers will do that.
#Post#: 113--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: noahvale Date: October 23, 2017, 6:19 am
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I have a TF70 on a TFO Mangrove. I like it a lot. My other 8wt
is an Allen Kraken. The 3Tand is a bit smaller and I like the
drag adjustment better.
#Post#: 114--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: Marc Date: October 23, 2017, 9:09 am
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The new Whorvis Hydros is in a similar price range. Its made
overseas like the 3 tand but Orvis seems to do a good job of
funding wildlife conservation. Maybe 3 tand makes some
contributions as well, I'm not entirely sure.
#Post#: 115--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: lsucole Date: October 23, 2017, 1:39 pm
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Sean, I picked one up @ Cabelas ( Gonzales) a few months ago ,
they had them on sale at a huge discount . Don't know if they
still do or not.
I think it is a very solid with a great drag on it. My only
complaint is that the handle knob is too small.
#Post#: 116--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: Catchcoma Date: October 23, 2017, 2:06 pm
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I think the handle size is why they had them on discount.
Discontinued, perhaps? The 2018 reels appear to have a bigger
knob.
#Post#: 117--------------------------------------------------
Re: 3 Tand Reels
By: Sean-NOLA Date: October 23, 2017, 3:10 pm
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Thanks for the heads up, Catch and Cole! I'll check it out next
time I head to Gonzales.
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