BACKWINDER REELS
Andrew Connell winds up buying a new lightweight fly-reel.

OK, so I’m a tackle rat, but I don’t like rubbish. When I saw these new reels from Backwinder recently I just had to get one. Looking at reels from an engineering background you tend to have a critical agenda. For a start, I hate heavyweight reels—there’s a misconception that weight equals strength, which is far from the truth.

Backwinder has taken a new approach to reel design. A very large centre axis gives these reels great rigidity and a light stable feel. Also, like several of my other reels, there is no drag on these, which both reduces weight and adds to the skill of fishing. It can take a little time to get used to no drag, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. Other features such as the angle of the handle and the materials used all seem right.

I have heard some people say that the bearings are a worry but not only do I believe that those worries are unfounded, I think that the selected plastic/stainless based bearings are an advantage. Plastic bearings are common on industrial applications these days. The plastic races and stainless balls don’t corrode, and are self-lubricating. Cleaning these reels is simply a matter of rinsing under a tap—problems with drags and sealed mechanisms just wash away.

The Backwinder is made from aircraft grade aluminium in three parts: the frame, spool and retainer along with the bearings (2). There are two sizes in the range, the Trout (105 g) with diameter of 89 mm, which is suited to a 3 to 6-weight line, and the Seatrout (145 g) with a diameter of 93 mm, which suits a 5 to 9-weight line.

I personally selected the Backwinder Seatrout to go with a 6-weight rod, breaking it in soon after purchase on some nice trout, and I have also used it in salt water on my 9-weight.

Another feature of the Backwinder is the sound: it is silent! Great for keeping your mates from knowing how well you are going, or a quick poaching trip to a lake nearby. The Trout model is available in black and aluminium (silver) colours and sells for $649. The Seatrout model comes only in aluminium and is priced at $699.

For trade enquiries contact Mayfly Tackle on 03 9899 0034. I purchased mine at Aussie Angler 03 9432 1501