Building on the success and reputation of its Alpha I and Alpha II series of reels, Allen Fly Fishing has announced the availability of the third incarnation of this well liked series of reels. Allen's Alpha series is the manufacturer's flagship big game reel series, designed to serve the needs of 7 weight to 10 weight fly lines. Perhaps the most notable aspect of the Alpha reel series is its value/price ratio, which is a reputation Allen has developed for many of its product offerings.
Though the Alpha III has received few, if any, cosmetic changes when compared to its predecessor, Allen has put a great deal of time and effort into fully re-engineering the technology behind the reel. According to Allen, "The Alpha III looks similar to its predecessor, the Alpha II, but that's where the similarities stop. The Alpha III is fully machined from only the highest quality aluminum barstock, with vastly improved tolerances over the Alpha II. Our improved anodization leaves the reel with an attractive scratch and corrosion resistant finish. The drag system has been completely redesigned, and uses a teflon cork composite disc for the smoothest, strongest, longest lasting drag you will find in its price range."
At $154 on the high end (the smaller size of the Alpha III costs a few bucks less), if the reel lives up to the bar Allen is setting for it, there's little disputing that the Alpha III comes as a steal. Allen has been making these sort of claims regarding value relative to price for years and, by in large, customer feedback has backed these claims. Allen, which has evolved from a boutique operation into a more substantial rod, reel and accessory manufacturer, has a loyal following.
The Alpha III is available now, in two color combinations -- aquamarine (seen above) and black -- via Allen's website.
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