Pflueger Trion 1978 Fly Fishing Reel

Some may not like this reel because it's not made in the USA. I'd like to judge it on its own merits. So through eBay I was able to get a reel that is:

1. Machined bar stock
2. Has a surprisingly consistent and smooth drag for this price range
3. Good workmanship with apparent quality controls in place
4. For $60 odd dollars nearly new!!!
5. With quality line and backing!!!
6. Doesn't hurt the eyes much, although more and more reels are starting to look the same.

On the downside, I'm not so keen on the drag knob design. Gets a little slippery when wet. Not unworkable, just could be improved so that in the heat of the action and on the water you can get a decent grip.

Now if I was daddy warbucks, I'd get a Tibor, Orvis Helios, or an Abel, but I'm not. Actually it would be overkill for my needs, but the point is that for the price, you can go wrong with the Trion. I understand the Okumas are competitive in the same price range, but I haven't had the opportunity to check them out. I prefer machined bar stock for its precise lines, but if you're ok with casting, then there are even more options with the low-end offerings of the top companies (Sage, Lamson, etc.) Next level up of the bar stock aluminum reels in the $150 range (new ebay prices) are the Teton reels. Now those are worth looking at if you have the extra seventy-five bucks or so. In the $200-250 range, there's the Ross, Colton, TFO, or Albright/Sea Level. $300+ there's all sorts of competition.