Again - your input proved most valuable. You could spend a lifetime looking
at an analyzing the different reels available out there. But based on your
comments, I selected the Orvis, Battenkill Bar Stock Disc Drag reel, model
V. This will handle line weights 9-12 should he get a bigger rod sometime
and it has the Rulon drag which I think is also used on the Hardy reel I got
him a year ago. It's also one of the models available at the dealer I'm
ordering it from that is "Made in UK". No spare spool available from the
dealer but Orvis say's they still have some spools available that were made
in the UK.

Just as a point of info. There are some differences on "some" of the reels
that Orvis made at their plant in England (BRF) and the same models that are
now being made in China. Parts may not be interchangeable due to
"enhancements and refinements" (read - cost reduction changes) on the
Chinese made reels. If you order parts from Orvis, you should use the model
part number and batch number (if available) that is printed on the sticker
that is attached to the box the reel came in. If that number is not
available, you may have to send your reel in so they can match the part(s)
needed.

A side note. I was at the Auburn, NY Bass Pro shop last week while on a
short trip, and got to talking to the fella about reels. He made the
comment that "several" manufacturers buy from the same supplier in China and
some parts are interchangeable. Well he had a black Pflueger reel (Trion or
President model I beleive) and an Orvis Battenkill (Large Arbor) that looked
similar. He pulled them apart and we swapped spools - and they both fit and
worked fine. The Pflueger was the more expensive reel by $20. And all this
time I thought that Orvis designed their own reels..........hmmmmm.....???
I may not have the exact models correct but the two spools fit the others
reel and the guts looked to be the same too.

Thanks again for your input. Next post will be about where to go fly fishing
in Maine this Sept. I'm somewhat familiar with parts of Maine having worked
at the radar sites in Bangor, Moscow and Bucks Harbor. Didn't do any
fishing but did some photography and drove around a bit up north.

Thank you,

Bob S.