Review Date
November 12, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Goldenboy(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year , from Clarkridge , Arkansas US

Price Paid:  $395.00 at Orvis Chicago

Body of Water:
White River

Favorite City:
Norfork

Favorite State:
Arkansas

Favorite Country:
USA

Summary:
I have owned a Odyssey II for the past 6 years and have used it in Canada for Pike & Arkansas for Trout. It has never failed me. I'm sorry to hear that Orvis has discontinued this line\, but I was assured by them that parts and service would be available for years to come

Strengths:
The drag system is unsurpassed. It is one of the smoothest I have ever used It is a well constructed reel that can be changed from left to right easily.

Weaknesses:
I find none

Customer Service:
There was a recall on this reel after i had purchased it . Idon't remember for what. But the turn around was about 10 days from my door to my door

Similar Products Used:
aBEL Pt.5 & Abel # 1

Review Date
May 20, 2002

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: gsgdmg(Unregistered User) ,  40 days a year

Price Paid:  $225.00 at Orvis Shop

Body of Water:
Northeast fresh and saltwater

Summary:
This is one of the best reels I've owned. I also have a I and a III. The finish is great and the drag is as good as it gets. Smmoth start ups, excellant drag knob. These reels are used for trout, bass, blues, strippers, etc. and they handle it all !!!!!!!

Strengths:
Drag and finish.

Weaknesses:
As I read other reveiws, some are concerned about the proccess to change spools. I have reels set up for differant lines and use add on sinking tips which work great, so this is not and issue. I would like to see a reel in between the II and III models.

Customer Service:
Have not needed !!!!

Similar Products Used:
Abel, Loomis, Battenkill

Review Date
June 14, 2001

Overall Rating
 2 of 5

Value Rating
 2 of 5

Reviewed by: Anonymous User(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year , from Exton, PA

Price Paid:  $460.00 at Orvis company store

Body of Water:
FL Keys

Summary:
This is the only product I've sent back to Orvis for a full refund. That's why their CS is superb. Maybe I was just unlucky, but whenever I used this reel in the salt something bad happened. Drag adjustment knob seized. Needed to be stripped completely after a tiny bit of salt got on it. Final straw was the handle falling off when the line tangled around it.

Strengths:
Drag system. Backing capacity.

Weaknesses:
Too many "bits" to lose when changing spools. Expensive spools. Left/right switch can leave the reel as hard to reel in as it is for the fish to take out. Check before casting!

Customer Service:
Superb.

Similar Products Used:
Tibor, Abel Super Series, Battenkill 8/9

Review Date
January 18, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Anonymous User(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year , from Ann Arbor, MI, US

Body of Water:
Northern MI's rivers

Summary:
This is by far the favorite of all my reels. I've used it with a wide range of rods and rod weights (5wt-8wt) and have been nothing but happy with the results. It has handled a variety of species as well (smallmouth bass, brown and rainbow trout, steelhead, bonefish, and stripers) and I have nothing but good pictures and memories to share.

I was able to get the reel and an extra spool at a major discount (a local shop was trying to get rid of the reel after not selling it for quite some time), so the price wasn't as steep as the normal asking one is; which is the only major drawback to this reel for those who haven't fished with it before. After using it for the past year, I can tell you it's worth the price.

Strengths:
Drag setting and changing is quick and easy, even when playing fish.
Smooth finish and counter-weight placement makes palming very easy and painless (though I've found it easier just to play with the drag setting).
Salt and Fresh water compatible.
Wide range of rod/line weight uses.

Weaknesses:
Changing spools is limited to stream-side unless you're the real adventurous type.

Similar Products Used:
None

Review Date
January 18, 2001

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Anonymous User(Unregistered User) ,  50+ days a year , from Ann Arbor, MI, US

Body of Water:
Northern MI's rivers

Summary:
This is by far the favorite of all my reels. I've used it with a wide range of rods and rod weights (5wt-8wt) and have been nothing but happy with the results. It has handled a variety of species as well (smallmouth bass, brown and rainbow trout, steelhead, bonefish, and stripers) and I have nothing but good pictures and memories to share.

I was able to get the reel and an extra spool at a major discount (a local shop was trying to get rid of the reel after not selling it for quite some time), so the price wasn't as steep as the normal asking one is; which is the only major drawback to this reel for those who haven't fished with it before. After using it for the past year, I can tell you it's worth the price.

Strengths:
Drag setting and changing is quick and easy, even when playing fish.
Smooth finish and counter-weight placement makes palming very easy and painless (though I've found it easier just to play with the drag setting).
Salt and Fresh water compatible.
Wide range of rod/line weight uses.

Weaknesses:
Changing spools is limited to stream-side unless you're the real adventurous type.

Similar Products Used:
None