|
Hatch Reels |
From California comes a new entry into the premium reel market. I looked at Hatch several years ago when they first became available, and quite honestly I wasn't thrilled with the visual appearance. They listened and added several different finish combinations and many of them are now quite appealing. There was never a concern on my part about the quality of the reel or the design. But, visual appeal is very important in a high-end reel, and I'm quite sure they now have something for almost everybody. They've also brought their number of models down from four to two which makes keeping inventory a lot easier for dealers. All Hatch reels are essentially identical internally other than increased drag surface as the models get larger. The Monsoon and Typhoon models are identical in every way except for the cutouts on the backplate. The Pulse model is available only in the 9+ size and has a somewhat different frame design in order to increase its strength. The drag is a multi-disc arrangement featuring stainless and Rulon discs. It is sealed and is essentially maintenance free. For instance, the 9+ has a total of ten discs and a total drag surface area of nearly 6 square inches. The spool removes easily with no parts to come loose to drop or lose. The 7+ and 9+ models have both a mid-arbor and a large-arbor spool available and they are interchangeable. A first, as far as my recollection, is that the reelfoot is machined into the frame. In other words, there are no screws or adhesives to keep the reelfoot on the frame. I've caught a couple of false albacore and fairly good sized bonefish with my 9+ and have been very pleased. I've read several references to them in various fly fishing forums and every single owner has had nothing but praise for his Hatch. In fact, that's one of the reasons I took another look at them late in 2007. When everyone who owns one likes it, that says a lot. The model designation indicates the lightest line weight that would have a practical use and the + means it'll go up at least two line weights from there. Therefore, a 5+ should be considered a 5/6/7 weight reel. This reel features a very open frame design, but is not as light as many other reels with this light weight appearance. They are built to be more durable than many of today's open frame designs.
The 3+, 5+, and 7+ are available in both the Monsoon and the Typhoon frames. I will be stocking them only in the Monsoon style. The 9+ is available only with the Pulse frame. Color combinations available include silver with red trim, silver with blue trim, silver with green trim, and black with silver trim. I will be initially stocking only the silver with blue trim. Since the company is located in California and keeps a good inventory on hand, if you want another model or combination other than what I'll have in stock simply let me know, and I'll have them dropship it to you. Photos should be up very soon.
Model |
Dia. |
Wd. |
Wt. |
Capacity |
Price |
Spool |
3 Plus |
3.25 |
0.8375 |
5.3 |
WF4F & 50yds of 20# |
$400.00 |
$175.00 |
5 Plus |
3.625 |
0.9375 |
7.0 |
WF5F & 100yds of 20# |
$495.00 |
$205.00 |
7 Plus LA |
4.0 |
1.125 |
8.7 |
WF7F & 200yds of 20# |
$590.00 |
$225.00 |
7 Plus MA |
4.0 |
1.125 |
8.7 |
WF8F & 200yds of 20# |
$590.00 |
$225.00 |
9 Plus LA |
4.25 |
1.375 |
11.0 |
WF9F & 250yds of 30# |
$725.00 |
$350.00 |
9 Plus MA |
4.25 |
1.375 |
11.0 |
WF12F & 250yds of 30# |
$725.00 |
$350.00 |
The specifications shown here (especially capacities) differ somewhat from what Hatch shows in their catalog and website. I did some experimenting and concluded that those listed were not entirely accurate, especially for the 9+ model. The weights listed above vary slightly from theirs as mine came directly from my postal scale. Give me a call or send me an e-mail, and I'll help you get the right Hatch reel for your intended purposes.
|
|
|
|
|