Youngs Centrepins

[Rod & Annette]

So I have a bit of an itch to get a modern Youngs reel.

I lived in Redditch as a boy during the 80s and fished a little pond in the woods near Oakenshaw where I caught my first and still most favourite species a Perch (was about 4 ounces and spiked my hand!) I also fished the Arrow when I went to my grandparents who lived in Studley.

As I'm sure everyone did I enjoyed watching Go Fishing on TV especially when John Wilson was trotting. Since then I've always yearned for a reel like his 'off of the telly.'

I haven't lived in Redditch for some time and I realise that JW Youngs current production has little if anything to do with Redditch but in my mind I can still make the link to my childhood aspirations. I also realise that there are more traditional bonafide Redditch reels that would look great on a cane rod but I'm planning to use this one on a'hem more modern rods.

My question is what are the discernable differences between the different models. I want one almost exclusively for trotting fishing for silvers but also capable of spooling 6lb and targeting barbel and big chub on the float.

I had a chat with Garry Mills and he recommended the Purist CL which unfortunatley is only available second hand these days. I have had recommendations for the BJ Lightweight which I like the look of but thinking the standard BJ may be more versatile for heavier lines. Garry Mills said that he has had BJ lightweight reels in his workshop with distorted drums from people using toi heavy line and big fish.

I like the standard Purist and the Heritage looks great but the listed weights seem a little heavy.

The reel would live on an Acolyte Ultra and a more stout rod when I'm targeting Chub and Barbel.

Any real user experience would be great.

 

[Peter Jacobs]

I have Purist CL 2031 that I’ve used for both trotting for roach and dace and after larger chub and barbel on the Hampshire Avon.

Never had a problem with it and it gets an annual service.

 

[steve2]

I use Youngs Rapidex, Trudex and Purist 2042 reels on modern rods and they don’t look out of place or weigh any more than most fixed spool reels.
They have never been serviced even the newer Purist is over 20 years old and the older Rapidex 50 plus years old. Youngs reels are made to last.

 

[tigger]

I have Purist CL 2031 that I’ve used for both trotting for roach and dace and after larger chub and barbel on the Hampshire Avon.

Never had a problem with it and it gets an annual service.

Peter, i'm curious why you have it serviced, and what exactly does the service involve?

 

[Peter Jacobs]

Peter, i'm curious why you have it serviced, and what exactly does the service involve?

Local tackle shop undertake it; typically cleaning and lubrication. They are very expensive reels so deserve to be looked after.

As I only had weekends at home I "sub-contracted" most time consuming jobs . . . . . . I would give it a wipe over after use but that is all.

 

[tigger]

Local tackle shop undertake it; typically cleaning and lubrication. They are very expensive reels so deserve to be looked after.

As I only had weekends at home I "sub-contracted" most time consuming jobs . . . . . . I would give it a wipe over after use but that is all.

Ok, there isn't a lot to do though, I mean it takes a couple of minuites to wipe a reel off. Your reel is a ball race reel so appart from the ratchet switch, tension button, paul, handles there isn't anyrhing else to do to it.
Might be worth you saving the expence of having it done by someone else and get your self little bottle of singer sewing machine oil and do it yourself ?.

 

[mikench]

I have a brand new BJ which I have yet to use. It feels lovely in the hand and to look at and will get an airing soon. You need to get an invite to the WCPM to see more pins than anywhere else in the world.

 

[Rod & Annette]

WCPM??????????........Talk to me

 

[mikench]

Wigan Center Pin Museum. An emporium par excellence but not open to the public. It holds a vast number of pins.

 

[Rod & Annette]

Aaaahhhhhh, thanks for the info Mike.

 

[tigger]

Mike, your a little tinker on the QT arn't you ?.

If I was to go down the JW Young route then i'd give any caged reel including the purist CL a huge side step....of course that is me and others will without doubt dissagree.
My main reason for saying that is the caged guard, it is machined as one piece with the back plate and so cannot be removed. Those caged guards are a total pita if trying to cast and will cause no end of frusteration. At least the purist has a removeable bickerdyke guard.
Also, the bickerdyke guard still allows you to cast ok but in all honesty I prefer no guard at all.

I wouldn't just look at Youngs reels, there are lots of other very good options. Personally, I think for sheer useability, quality of build and price you can't beat the okuma reels. The adventa pro and the sheffield are superb centrepins. They turn for next to nowt, they're very robust and I think they look nice also.

 

[mikench]

I can second the Okuma Sheffield. A great CP.

 

[ian g]

Yep I have a couple of advanta pro's and a purist . The adventa's are great reels really versatile and robust . I mainly use them for float fishing for perch but have caught all sorts of species on them . The Purist is a nice real but the adventa is certainly well worth a try.

 

[peter crabtree]

The Okuma Sheffield has an awkward ratchet switch which needs two hands to operate. Otherwise it’s a great reel...

 

[tigger]

The Okuma Sheffield has an awkward ratchet switch which needs two hands to operate. Otherwise it’s a great reel...

Two hands to turn a button?

 

[Rod & Annette]

The Okuma Sheffield has an awkward ratchet switch which needs two hands to operate. Otherwise it’s a great reel...

I think I follow, my Speedia has a rim mounted ratchet operation that you can flick with one hand on the rod.

 

[Rod & Annette]

Mike, your a little tinker on the QT arn't you ?.

If I was to go down the JW Young route then i'd give any caged reel including the purist CL a huge side step....of course that is me and others will without doubt dissagree.
My main reason for saying that is the caged guard, it is machined as one piece with the back plate and so cannot be removed. Those caged guards are a total pita if trying to cast and will cause no end of frusteration. At least the purist has a removeable bickerdyke guard.
Also, the bickerdyke guard still allows you to cast ok but in all honesty I prefer no guard at all.

I wouldn't just look at Youngs reels, there are lots of other very good options. Personally, I think for sheer useability, quality of build and price you can't beat the okuma reels. The adventa pro and the sheffield are superb centrepins. They turn for next to nowt, they're very robust and I think they look nice also.

I have considered the Okumas in different guises and very well may end up getting one but I've just got an itch to get a Redditch reel (I know JW Youngs have long since departed Redditch but I can still tentatively make the link to my childhood)

 

[tigger]

At the end of the day your gonn'a get the one you want regardless of what anyone says, so good luck .

 

[Rod & Annette]

At the end of the day your gonn'a get the one you want regardless of what anyone says, so good luck .

Thanks for the feedback on the CL though. This has swayed me a little more to a Bob James.

 

[tigger]

Thanks for the feedback on the CL though. This has swayed me a little more to a Bob James.

The BJ is a very good reel ?.

The latest offering is also good...the river specialist.

The only thing I dislike about them both is the rim mounted ratchet.