New Orvis Encounter reel looks interesting

[SherpaB]

Lightweight, composite construction, and pretty nice looking. I dont know why more companies arent going the composite route. Composites are perfect for fly reels. I like a nicely machined reel as much as the next guy but composite seems like it would have far more potential and utility in fishing situations.
Great price point for anyone needing a reel and if the drag is decent its a good looking product.
Orvis Announces Two Budget-Friendly Fly Reels | MidCurrent

[Flydaddy]

Wow looks nice!

[IdahoFly]

I'm kinda warry of the composite route, I'm afraid to step away from the durable and reliable machined reels. Who knows maybe it will be a great innovation, but for now I'm sticking with solid machined reels.

[SherpaB]

I had an old cortland ltd that was stolen out of my car in college along with all my other stuff....I had that reel for about 6-7 yrs before that and it was pretty nice...light...dropped it dozens of times probably...composites have come such a long way from where they were back then (20 yrs ago)...I have to think they are pretty good...after all. they make jet fighters, f1 cars, brake components and hi tech racing yachts and masts out of composite along with most of the fly rods we use...a fly reel is a relatively low tech non weight critical application of composites...I totally appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a machined reel as well but I was just thinking a new day may be finally dawning even though composite reels have been around for 25+ years..

[IdahoFly]

Don't get me wrong at all, I think it is pretty cool that we have more options now from the standard machined reel, and I haven't tried many but maybe in the very near future a composite reel will be a very viable option and not just for people looking for a budget reel. maybe I will buy one to get a more solid opinion of my own, but the strength, aesthetics, and functionality of a classic machined reel is something that I can really appreciate. Companies like Leland and Red Truck have some very cool retro machined reels that have that classic look and feel that is just so damn sexy.