Guideline Reels

Guideline is a very fast growing flyfishing company from Sweden that just celebrated their sixth anniversary in business. They are a full-line company that has several rods, reels, lines, waders, jackets, and just about anything else one would be using for our sport, including some very innovative fly tying materials and tools. I'm going to be featuring their two top-line reels. The Inex is a freshwater/saltwater reel in what I've often referred to as the lightweight large arbor design. It is crafted from 6061 aluminum and has the drag system integrated into the center shaft. Other companies often refer to this as a "sealed" drag system, but Guideline prefers to simply state that the reel "is virtually unaffected by water and weather conditions." I think that is a more accurate presentation of the design. The two smallest modesl have an open frame design, while the other three have a closed frame (there is an integrated rim under the rim control area of the spool.) This provides some extra strength and minimizes the chances of thin running lines slipping through the gap between the spool and the frame. These reels are very light considering their rugged construction (the 911 is just over 7oz.) I've used mine to catch several false albacore over ten pounds as well as some decent sized bonefish. It's got a nice sounding click on the outgo and is silent when winding. The Inex is available in both a titanium finish and a blue coral color. I will be stocking them in the blue initially.

The other model I'm going to keep in stock is the Watergrip. Designed primarily as a seatrout/salmon reel there really is no reason it couldn't also be used in saltwater. The larger sized model is specifically intended for two-handed rods. These are machined from 6065 barstock, have strong synthetic drag systems, rim control, and excellent capacity. The Watergrip has a click on the ingo and is silent when a fish is taking line. I've used mine while steelheading, but haven't really given the reel a true workout as yet. I've talked to anglers who have, though, and they are very pleased with the reel, though a couple said they wished it had an outgoing click.

Both models are easily switched from LH to RH operation, have quick release spools, very comfortable handles, neoprene reelcases, and durable anodized finishes. All Guideline reels are warranteed for three years against manufacturer or material defects.

As of late 2007, Guideline now has an importer/distributor in the US. That will make getting items I don't have in stock much easier to order. They have some outstanding Scandinavian-styled double-handed rods and shooting heads available, for instance. I can get anything that Guideline is offering in the US for you. Just call or e-mail me and we'll get it worked out. They do have some items in their International catalog that won't be available through the US distributor this year.

NOTE AS OF 6/7/08: Guideline has discontinued the WaterGrip reel and is completely remodeling and renaming the Inex. It will be known as the Quadra and is expected to be available later this summer or early this fall. It is anticipated that the price will be more than either of the current models. The two listed here really are very nice reels for the prices listed. When my inventory is gone there is no way to replace it, and I only have a one of each shown in stock.

INEX

WATERGRIP

The Watergrip L capacity is assuming a shorthead spey line (Rio Windcutter, Delta Spey, SA Shorthead, etc.) Using a longer-bellied speyline would reduce backing capacity and using most standard single-handed lines would increase the capacity, as would most Scandinavian setups.

Call or e-mail me for information regarding the Guideline rods, flylines, and other products. Their Scandinavian shooting heads for double-handed rods are particularly popular. If there is enough demand for these I will order some for inventory.