Orvis Battenkill Reel review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	Orvis
Material	Aluminum
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Color	Black/Nickel
Handle Material	Aluminum
Fishing Line Type	Fly
Bearing Material	Aluminum

product features

Orvis Battenkill I Fly Reel 1-3WT

product description

Simplistic design and flawless construction make this the perfect click-and-pawl fly reel for nearly any freshwater fishing situation. A minimalist's dream, the all-new Battenkill features a classically styled, yet technically enhanced, four-position click-and-pawl drag system that is adjusted internally and is designed to work in tandem with the palm of your hand on those sizzling, screaming runs. Constructed with a narrow spool for less line stacking on retrieve and a larger spool diameter for higher line retrieval rates. The ultra-lightweight fly reel design balances perfectly on shorter rods. Machined from heavy-duty bar-stock aluminium for added durability. Easily adjustable left- or right-hand retrieve. Highlighted by laser-engraved logos. In black nickel. Imported.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 5 x 4 inches; 5.6 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ Orvis
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ May 11, 2013
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Orvis
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00CQQETRG

important information

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Questions about Orvis Battenkill Reel

Is this just the extra spool, the whole reel, or both?

Answer: Great question, This particular listing is for just the fly reel. However, this listing will note different prices for different sizes. If I can be of any service to match this fly reel to you fly rod, give us a call at the fly shop at 937-434-8472. Have a great day.

Answer: It is the whole reel. No extra spool. It just needs line and then ready to go.

Answer: the whole reel, you can purchase an extra spool also

Answer: It's the whole reel.

Answer: Whole reel

Answer: whole reel

The $74.17 savings doesn't add up. the bk ii real is $109 list price. you're selling it for $98. so where is the $74.17 savings coming from???

Answer: This is probably due to someone has the price of this reel at $172. The MSRP is $98 for this particular fly reel. I will make a inquiry to Amazon to change this listing. If my pro-staff can be of any assistance, please let us know. Our number to the fly shop is 937-434-8472.

Answer: John,

Answer:

Does it hold a 6 weight line?

Answer: You have to select the WT you want in the options, should come in a 6

Where is the reel made?

Answer: The Battenkill Fly Reels/ Extra Spool, 7H9P is a great choice, it has a four-positon click-and-pawl drag system! This is made is China.

Answer: The older Battenkill reels were made in England but the new Battenkill reels are made in the USA. Same construction . I have both types and I like the way they both work

Answer: It's an Orvis man and their some of the best products in the world. I looked for an old box the reel came in and didn't find one.

Answer:

Answer: The one I got was made in China. Returned it and looked for used one made in England on eBay. I believe the quality is there even tho it’s China made...but if it’s just the functionality and quality there are choices other than Orcis for better quality and lower price.

Answer: China

What weight fishing line is recommended for this reel ?

Answer: Great question. The listing is incomplete with its information and I will have Amazon try to update this material. The 2.8oz Battenkill reel is consider the Battenkill I Fly Reel which is rated for 1-3wt fly rods and fly lines. If you have any questions in selecting the correct fly reel for your fishing application or to balance your fly rod, please give our pro-staff a call at 937-434-8472. Have a great day.

Answer: Hello Charlie; This reel is for a 1 to 3wt line. Thanks for your inquiry. Claude Breton

Answer: Since this is the smallest Battenkill reel from Orvis, they suggest only using lines weighted from 1-3, though it depends on what rod you might use with it. I put a 3wt floating forward weight Rio Gold on and I think it works best to balance out my rod. I suggest not going over a 3wt though because the reel is quite simple and compact meaning a larger line won't fit very well on it. Stick to smaller lines mainly used for small streams and precision.

Answer: I think Orvis recommends 1 wt to 3 wt line. You can check their website. It is a very nice reel but on the smaller side.

Answer: I loaded it with 2 wt I believe it's good from 0 to 3 I would call the shop there are good guys I worked with them to get mine set up right

Wording needs to be changed.... Complete reel ? extra spool ? or Both?????

Answer: Nice “ complete reel “. I thought like you did, no one loaded reel. It’s not like my Able’s but a nice reel I put on a 2wt 6’ for the “wife”

Answer: Yes, the listing title is confusing. We're going to see if we can get Amazon to clean this listing up a bit. The spare spools are usually specified and included in the selection box so you can purchase the spare spools in this same listing, but I'm not seeing any of those offerings there right now. The listing appears to be showing the reels only. If you're looking for something particular, just let us know and we'll get you pointed to the right listing.

Title says reel/extra spool. That would indicate it includes a reel and an extra spool. This has been a misleading issue for several years. ???

Answer: Hello Craig,

I'm interested in your "orvis battenkill reel/extra spool" but after reading some questions the extra spool is not included..? that's very deceitful.

Answer: Sorry for the confusion on the listing. Unfortunately Amazon determines much of the product details including titles, and as sellers we have very limited input and ability to update existing listings. This listing is for the reel only. I believe spare spools used to be listed under this same listing for individual purchase which is why the title indicates extra spools as well. We have contacted Amazon again regarding this listings, and are hoping they will take our input to correct this confusion in the product title.

Answer: I don’t think it came with extra spool. I remember returning the reel when I got it and saw “Made in China”. I’m not buying Chorvis so I looked for a decent quality used but English made Orvis off of EBay.

Answer: I asked that, also, and was told it's just a spool, not a reel though many others indicate it's a reel, but no spool. Who knows what they are selling here. They seem to blame the misleading title on Amazon, but I suspect it's intentional fraud. I couldn't find any way to report it, though.

what is the diameter of the 9-11 wt.

Answer: Hi justaguy: The diameter of the spool is 4". Note that this is the entire reel and not just the spool. It is also a click&pawl concept. CGB

Answer: your spool should you. battenkill

Answer: Large enough to get backing and 90 feet of fly line. Not sure what difference it makes. More importantly is the issue of drag, This reel is a great one for trout since in my opinion drag isn't a big deal. Larger fish like I assume you are fishing for, the drag on this reel would be a problem.

How do you adjust the drag?

Answer: Hi;

Answer: Separate the halves of the reel and tweak the mechanisms on the underside of the halves. There should be a component that has a two-sided arrow on it.

Reel? Spool? Reel and spool? Or reel and spool and one extra spool? The listing is unlcear and various, inconsistent, answers are given by sellers.

Answer: The $98 charge you show in the ad sent to us is the price we charge for the smallest reel in the Battenkill series. It is for just a reel - spare spools would entail a separate charge.

Answer: Hi Chase; If it says REEL....that is a complete REEL.with no extra spool. If it says Spool or Spool only....that is just the spool . Re: if you like fly fishing with different types of line such as, floating....intermediate....sinking...etc., it is much easier to have an extra spool to fit your reel. If you purchase an extra spool, make sure to select the correct size & color to fit your reel. Happy Fishing! Claude Breton

Answer: I received one full operable reel. It came with spool but not extra spool

Answer: no extra spool.waiting one extra spool.

Answer: Reel and spool, no extra spool.

Is the reel loaded with fly line and backing? If so what kind of line and what brand? thanks

Answer: No, the reel doesn't come loaded with fly line and backing.

Answer: You need to purchase backing and fly line separately.

Answer: Nope. I took mine to Cabelas and had them load the backing and line.

Answer: No

Answer: No bought separate

Most replys indicate it's a reel with no extra spool. Last response says it's just a spool, no reel. This is either a scam or fraudulent advertising.?

Answer: Mine came as one reel with one spool.

Whats the actual weight of the reel?

Answer: The reel is lite and fits great and will balance any matched fly rod. Each reel is sized to the correct line that a flyrod is built for. Example a 5-6 wt reel will be perfect for a 6 or 7 wt flyrod ( trout or bass). Questions call orvis help line- but this is my favorite reel. It is a great buy!

Answer: You select your weight, mine is the 1-3 wt.

Answer: Looks like you’re asking about the Battenkill II. Weight for that size is 2.9 oz

Any suggestions on a rod? Would like to keep it under a $100.

Answer: Hi Tracy; The only suggested rod we have is an Orvis Clearwater 6ft-2wt listed for $198.00. Sorry but we do not have any rods for around the $100 range. Many thanks for your inquiry. Claude Breton

Answer: A Cabelas three forks will do just fine. They go on sale frome time to time...you might find one for $60 or so. Make sure to match reel, rod and line weight. They are real nice reels.

Answer: I put it on an Orvis Clearwater 6' 2wt $198. Maybe look at a Reddington butter stick?

Answer: Redington Path 3 WT or Fenwick Aetos 3 wt

Answer: It's quite small. So something under 6ft at least

Would you recommend the 3-5 weight of the 5-7 weight for a 5 weight rod?

Answer: I have the older model III that I think is same size as the current 3-5, and works well with a 4- or 5-weight rod.

Answer:

Answer: I’d say it all depends on the fishing condition but I typically use weight forward line on fast top action rod so using heavier line kinda make it feel the rod to “give in”... how about trying line weight matching your rod first and see how you like it?

Answer: My preference is for smaller reels. To me the balance is better and you don't need a bigger reel. So my opinion go with the smaller.

Answer: yes it in my backpack when in some smaller creeks rivers

is this large enough for spey fishing steel head

Answer: No, a Battenkill 2 reel is for 3 to 5 wt lines which is too small for steel head. You would need a Battenkill 3 for 6 to 8 wt lines. And I don’t believe the reel plays much of a factor in Spey casting.

Answer: I have a Battenkill II reel with 5 weight line on it that I use to fish in Wyoming. Most of the fish I catch are 12-18 inches. For steelhead, you probably need a III or IV reel that has 7, 8, or even 9 weight weight line.

Answer: Yes it is. Claude

Why ins't there an actual extra spool, when the title clearly reads "orvis battenkill fly reel/extra spool"???

Answer: The item for sale here is the extra spool for the Orvis Battenkill Reel.

extra spool with reel?

Answer: the battenkill reel does not come with an extra spool. An extra spool can be purchased directly from orvis though.

Answer: Thank you for your mail. This reel does not come with an extra spool and Orvis no longer carries extra spools. Thank you

Answer: No, an extra spool does nit come with the reel.

Answer: Are you asking if it comes with an extra spool?

Answer: Sorry no

Answer: No

Product reviews of Orvis Battenkill Reel

Amazon Customer : was lost in the mail

when I first ordered it was lost in the mail but casters fly shop worked fast to make it right. the offered me a refund or to re send it out. I had them send out a new one. they sent it one day priority. it her in a day in a day. there customer service was great. i am beyond happy with my out come. reel is great exactly what I was looking for

Dr H : Battenkil is a winner

My third Battenkil. Love them all. Simple and reliable!

Mike O. : She's a beaut!!

Smaller than what I wanted, but very nice and will work great with 2 different rods

phil simmons : Not as advertised

Although I'll be keeping the reel, description led me to believe that a spare spool was included, which made it a bargain. Not so much.

Mr. Nice Guy : A great reel that saves you $$$ to be spent on a nice rod.

4.5/5 Awesome reel for the money. Sounds great, looks great, great craftsmanship, and a great value. My only knock on this reel is the cheaply made handle that still had some rough edges that I had to sand down with 2000 grit sandpaper. It would have been nice to have an external drag adjuster knob but it's pretty easy to adjust internally as is. Most, if not all click and pawl reel have super weak drag anyways. It's mainly just there to keep your line from free spooling. The whole point of a click and pawl is using you palming pressure to control your drag.The reel perfectly balances with my 7'6" Moonshine Midnight Special rod. The whole setup feels like nothing and a real joy to fish for long extended periods.

Kurt Haberl : Good for the money

A good, light reel, well machined, but not 5 stars because the internal drag is not convenient like the knob drag on the old Battenkills.

Larry a whirt jr : Nice reel

Nice reel

Larry a whirt jr : Nice reel

Nice reel

Kurt Haberl : Good for the money

A good, light reel, well machined, but not 5 stars because the internal drag is not convenient like the knob drag on the old Battenkills.

dan hayne : Five Stars

Very nice reel, perfect for my 5' bamboo rod.

Larry a whirt jr : Nice reel

Nice reel

Jordan Janousek : Pretty but loud

Overall fit and finish is very good, and it holds up to use. However it is LOUD. Click pawl reels generally make some noise but this one really gets loud. Easy to maintain and simple. Smaller than I expected but easily holds 100 yards of 3 wt line with quite a bit of backing.

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