All fishing magazines and equipment product reviews
Hayden Barramundi Large Arbor Fly Reel
Note: Purchased used, Ebay auction
Date: July, 2004
Reviewer: Captain Skip Montello
Introduction:
Hayden Reels are hand assembled from machined components and purpose-built to provide a quality fishing tool.The construction material choices should provide very good durability and hold up well in the harshest marine environments. This review will closely examine both the handling and fishing capabilities of the Barramundi direct drive reel.
First Impression:
When I first received the reel, I immediately knew it was not an assembly-line manufactured fishing tool. Its beautiful gold anodized surface and engraving stood out. I first tested the drag and found it to be ultra smooth and infinitely adjustable. Next, I reviewed the instruction leaflet and changed the spool from right hand to left hand (no problem).
Specifications
Line capacity
50 yards of 30# braid backing and 90'of wt Fwd #9 floating line
Line weight
7/8 Wt
Spool Width
1.00”/ 25mm
Reel Diameter
3.25” / 83mm
Weight
9.85 oz.
Materials
6061 Marine grade aluminum housing and stainless steel hardware
MSRP(reel)
$300.00 (US), used
MSRP(spool)
Not available
The Body
The construction material, high grade aluminum and stainless steel, is very important for durability, corrosion resistance, weight and strength. I would expect this combination to stand the test of time.
Spool Design
As with all large arbor reels, the significant advantages are apparent: line retrieval and smoother drag operation as line is taken into the backing. The only design drawback is that a hex wrench is needed for spool removal.
Finish
The deep anodized surface provides protection from salt water environments and dings in the finish.
Drag System
The Hayden spool has Graphite Impregnated Teflon bonded to each side, which contacts a cork-washer and is bonded to the gear and drag plate. The drag system is rated at 25lbs “direct pull,” more than adequate to handle hard running fish and has a true disc braking system. I also found the drag system to function properly even after water immersion. The palming rim also adds a great deal of drag control. The Hayden drag system is smooth throughout the range.
Performance
Price
Features
Design
Overall Score
4.5
4
3
3
3.6 (5=Best)
Plus
Minus
Price
Spool Change
Quality
Warranty
Other Notables:
30-year guarantee on workmanship
Transferable from owner to owner
Easy switch from right to left retrieve
Saltwater ready
Conclusions:
I have used this reel while fishing for stripers and blues and have not been disappointed in its ability to control fast running, medium large fish. The drag was super smooth and easily adjusted. I have mounted this reel on an 8 and 10 wt. without balance issues.The Hayden Barramundi performs as designed and I would recommend it as a good choice for a "used reel" purchase .
