Orvis Battenkill Disc Fly Reel Review

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The Orvis Battenkill fly reel series has been synonymous with affordability and reliability for many years. The newest iteration of the Battenkill Disc carries forward this ethos, maintaining classic design elements and its hallmark sturdy drag. Although mostly unchanged from a structural standpoint, Orvis has made a few upgrades to the new Battenkill Disc including aesthetic elements and ergonomics. Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Orvis fly reels, or you need a hardworking drag for an affordable price, this review will help you decide if the Orvis Battenkill Disc is the right choice for you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Strong and reliable Hydros SL drag system
• Improved reel foot design and aesthetics
• A great value for fully-machined anodized aluminum, which equals greater durability

Cons

• Mid-arbor spool results in mediocre retrieval performance
• Heavy for its smaller size
• Drag click is quite muted

Who It’s For

Priced at under $200, the Orvis Battenkill is the everyman’s freshwater reel. This blue-collar companion features Orvis’ powerful Hydros SL sealed drag system and handsome yet unassuming aesthetics. For Trout and freshwater Bass anglers, it features a solid blend of performance and style at a reasonable price. If you need the absolute lightest weight or maximum line retrieval, there are better options available, such as the Orvis Hydros or the Mirage LT. For reels priced under $200, however, the Battenkill Disc offers solid performance and durability that will last for many years.

Weight

Weighing 4.6 ounces in the size II, the Battenkill Disc is about average for a 4wt freshwater reel. That being said, its overall size is a bit smaller than most modern trout reels, and its circular-ported design and unported arbor gives it the heft of a Sherman tank. If you like a smaller yet heavier trout reel that balances most 9’ rods nicely, the Battenkill Disc accomplishes that quite well.

Drag

Perhaps the best feature of the Battenkill Disc fly reel is its powerful sealed drag system. Just like the previous version of the Battenkill Disc, the current model borrows drag technology from the Hydros fly reel series. We measured about 4 pounds of drag pressure in the size II, which is generally more than you’ll need for Trout or Bass fishing in freshwater. This sealed drag can even handle light saltwater use, though it's mainly built for freshwater so you should rinse it thoroughly after use in the salt. Overall, it’s a highly capable drag for anything from Trout and smaller Steelhead to Bass and large Northern Pike.

Sound

The drag click on the Orvis Battenkill Disc is fairly muffled and understated. We tend to prefer a louder sound that offers more feedback if a fish is running hard. If you like a softer, more subtle click, the Battenkill Disc could be right up your alley.

Spool & Cage Design

Overall, the dimensions of the Orvis Battenkill Disc haven’t changed much over the years. The newest iteration still features a mid-arbor spool that offers adequate line pickup for freshwater fishing applications. In the size II, we measured a maximum spool diameter of 2.7”, an arbor diameter of 1.5”, and a width of 0.9”. That works out to about 5.5” of line pickup per turn, which is a bit slow by today’s standards. It’s fine for most Trout and Bass scenarios, but it’s not ideal for fast-running species like Bonefish.

Looks & Ergonomics

Orvis has done a nice job at maintaining a heritage design while implementing modern technology in the Battenkill series. At first glance, the Battenkill Disc looks much like its predecessors going back several generations; circular porting, small overall size, and fairly basic componentry. Closer inspection reveals some thoughtful upgrades to its appearance and ergonomics. Our favorite update is the newly offered colorways: copper, matte olive, and black. Each matte finish looks attractive and complements the earthy tones of most trout rods without being overly flashy.

The reel’s components are also more ergonomic, with a comfortable handle and a fairly grippy drag knob. The spool release button is small but simple to use, making spool changes quick and easy on the water. Lastly, the curved reel foot prevents kinks in your leader – a thoughtful feature you didn’t know you needed.

Warranty

Orvis Fly Reel Warranty

Value

Price: $179.00

The Orvis Battenkill Disc is a unique reel for its price point. Sure, there are quite a few “value reels” out there that we like, such as the Lamson Liquid ($149), the Sage Spectrum C ($165), and the Echo Bravo ($139). However, they all share the same drawback: they're made from cast aluminum, so they’re not as durable as fully-machined, anodized reels like the Orvis Battenkill Disc. Although the Battenkill doesn’t feature quick line retrieval like many of its similarly-priced competitors, it’s one of the few affordable fly reels on the market that maintains a heritage design. If you want a lightweight reel with quick retrieve, consider the aforementioned options. If you need a durable reel with a strong drag, the Orvis Battenkill Disc is one of the best options under $200.

Conclusion

Orvis is one of the biggest and oldest fly reel manufacturers in the United States, and as such they certainly maintain an element of tradition with their reel designs. The Battenkill Disc retains a classic mid-arbor design, blending it with modern drag technology and durable materials. It’s an everyday workhorse that confidently handles a variety of freshwater species and will stand the test of time. Although it lacks quick line retrieval and is heavy for its size, its powerful drag and anodization make it a great value under $200. For anglers who are conscious of price but still want a reliable Trout or Bass reel that they can use for many years to come, the Orvis Battenkill Disc is a modern classic worth considering.

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