Anyone seen or got a Drennan Vertex reel?

[Alan Whitty]

I've seen the promotion video with Alan Scotthorne singing the reels praises,stating that they have worked tirelessly to make the reel twist proof,having owned the previous FD4000 it was the worst reel for line twist I've ever seen,other people I know found the same,a few on FM,I'm wondering if it's OK,or has Scotthorne sold his soul to the devil???

 

[sam vimes]

There's one shop listing them on their own website (but doesn't appear to have stock yet) and one shop listing them on eBay. The video was only published five hours ago. I doubt that many outside of Drennan will have seen or got one yet.

 

[Philip]

After my experiences with the FD I would take alot of convincing to try it.

 

[wetthrough]

Ditto. Lot of respect for Scotthorne but it will take someone not associated with Drennan to convince me to try one.

 

[Alan Whitty]

That's what made me post this thread,I reckon it's the worst reel I've ever had...

 

[sam vimes]

If you know anyone on the match circuit, ask them what reels AS is using the next time they encounter him in a match. If he's still using Shimanos on his Drennan rods, it might tell you all you need to know.

 

[Keith M]

My current Drennan FD front drag reel has been confined to the back of a drawer because of its excessive line twists, so I’ll just wait to see if the new ones have overcome this problem.

Also, why does the new Drennan front drag (FD) Vertex reel only come with two spools but the new rear drag version comes with three spools?

Keith

 

[sam vimes]

Also, why does the new Drennan front drag (FD) Vertex reel only come with two spools but the new rear drag version comes with three spools?

Are the front drag spools not push button release like the rear drag spools? If that's the case, the drag adjustment cap may well be integral to the spool. That's likely to make the FD spools a little more expensive than they normally are. Normal front drag spools usually cost a little more than the equivalent rear drag spools anyway. It could certainly explain why you only get two spools compared to the rear drag reel's three.

 

[Alan Whitty]

I believe that to be the case Chris,which is quite a nice idea,I with my mischevious mind has me sitting here thinking that the reel is exactly the same,just in Drennan colours(apart from the drag knob arrangement)...

 

[mikench]

I cannot see the point in taking the risk as it looks so familiar in design and there are some excellent reels from Shimano and Daiwa available at that price point. It looks like a Shakespeare reel.

 

[Keith M]

Are the front drag spools not push button release like the rear drag spools? If that's the case, the drag adjustment cap may well be integral to the spool. That's likely to make the FD spools a little more expensive than they normally are. Normal front drag spools usually cost a little more than the equivalent rear drag spools anyway. It could certainly explain why you only get two spools compared to the rear drag reel's three.

Then I would prefer it if they had different prices to match the prices of the different drag types as the three different spools on their previous FD reels where one reason I bought my last FD reel..

Keith

 

[Alan Whitty]

But what a mistake we made Keith,I for one would have been happier with two spools without the accursed line twist...

 

[sam vimes]

There was no sign of the Vertex reels in my local Drennan emporium on Saturday.

 

[Richox12]

Only rear drag are push button spools.

Regardless of front/rear drag Float sized 3000's have 2 spools (likely because line choices are narrower on smaller diameter reels for lighter float work) and Feeder sized 4000's have 3 spools (again likely line choices might be wider due to their use as heavier float reels also). It's on their own website

 

[Kevin aka Aethelbald]

Just shopping around for reels and saw the video. Not sure why I bother... I always end up with something Shimano, despite the odd brief flirtation with Daiwa.

The Vertex range seems to be a discredited line - I've yet to find a decent review of any of the rods and most people say buy Drennan's Red Range or Twin Tip instead (or save for a used Acolyte). Like others have said - why would you buy one of these when you can buy a tried-and-trusted Daiwa or Shimano (or other) for the same price, or just a little more. The line identification thing is no deal-maker.
.

 

[nottskev]

I'm only just coming to accept that maybe not all reels have to be black all over. But anything with a big turquoise flash will always be a bling too far for me, whether or not it ties your line in knots.

I get my unused Matchpro Ultralight 11' out now and then to see if the turquoise writing still grates. Yep.

 

[Keith M]

Just shopping around for reels and saw the video. Not sure why I bother... I always end up with something Shimano, despite the odd brief flirtation with Daiwa.
—————-
I've yet to find a decent review of any of the rods and most people say buy Drennan's Red Range or Twin Tip instead (or save for a used Acolyte).

In my view Drennan have always made and still make excellent rods some of which are real classics and they get lots of rave reviews from people who use them; like the Drennan Tench float rods and their other various specialist rods and Avon rods and their various different Acolyte rods etc. they all have really great reviews; however Drennan reels are a different matter altogether, and I’ve yet to buy a good Drennan reel

Keith

 

[Kevin aka Aethelbald]

In my view Drennan have always made and still make excellent rods...

Agreed. I own two Acolytes. I almost sold the float rod a few weeks ago, but came to my senses... and then bought a feeder. My buying habits/insanity (you choose) swing from one extreme to the other!
.

 

[Alan Whitty]

I have an acolyte ultra 13ft,in spite of reading about all the breakages etc,I've had it now several years,I've had big fish,good catches and no problems as yet,its a nice rod to use,I liken it to a normark microfine 2000,but not as good a blank,but it didn't cost as much so why should it be...I am really careful with it in regards to handling,but I've had barbel to 7lbs,chub to 5lbs plus and carp to double figures,so I suppose it's pretty decent....

 

[adam191]

Hi
Was looking at buying 2 vertex feeder 4000 reels would you look for another make after reading your reviews?