See what our customers say about our product
Sunday, September 25th, 2011Ted Patlen, Fly Tyer, New Jersey
I have two reels, one of the little guys that I use on my 6-7’ Bamboo Rods (balance perfectly), and another for use on a 9 FT Graphite (so call me a curmudgeon).
Favorite? Tough to say both have worked spectacularly .
My high expectations were surpassed…I didn’t want something too heavy or too light….I wanted a balance…not having to play with a drag setting is great. I feather the line with my fingers anyway…less is more.
New models? I like the old ones “why fix something that ain’t broken” causes confusion with buyers…
Benefits…knowing that I don’t have to worry about the reels at all, even if I screw it up…and receiving very envious glances from friends.
Wyatt Dietrich – Dream Catcher Rods
Richard Bradley’s Reels are a perfect match to a fine cane rod. They are beautifully crafted right here in the United States with classic styling and perfect functioning for our sport with the fly. I really love his raised pillar reels. They look incredible on a bamboo fly rod and really spice up a picture with that beauty of a brown you finally hoodwinked into a photo-op. Working with the Bradleys is a pleasure. They keep in great contact with everything from inquiring about upcoming projected needs for reels, to letting you know the expected delivery date. They take special interest in your needs such as a show or event(but of course I always give them a good amount of time to prepare so that they can put the exacting attention to each reel they make.) so that you will have reels on hand to show off to your valued customers.
Bob Foresti, New York
I purchased my reels from you for the following reasons:
a. You were highly recommended by a fellow bamboo rod aficionado.
b. The reels are of “Classic” designs which look and function well with classic gear (e.g., silk line, bamboo & fiberglass rods).
c. They are strong, well-built, well finished, and have enough weight to counter-balance heavier classic rods.
d. They are hand made by the owner-operator who has been accessible for questions, modifications and/or repair.
e. They are made in the USA, close to the famous trout streams of NY and PA.
I have purchased several in varying sizes and weights. I continue to own and use them seasonally throughout the USA. I have no particular favorite as each reel fulfills a different function for specific rod and line types (e.g., small reel for short rods, large for bigger rods and rivers, etc.).
Each has met my expectations in a wide variety of fresh water fishing environments throughout the USA. To date, I have not encountered any problems or concerns. Many of us spey and switch-rod users in and around the hriGreat Lakes Region would enjoy a larger and heavier reel designed to handle larger and longer lines, and encounters with more aggressive steelhead and salmon species. Aside from receiving fine products from Rich, he has always taken the time to answer questions and share some of his knowledge, and is a friend I’ve always enjoyed meeting stream-side, at regional sport shows, Catskill Fly Fishing Museum events, etc.
Chris Bogart, Shendoah Rods
I have recommended and sold Bradley reels to my bamboo fly rod customers over the years. They are a perfect compliment to a fine bamboo fly rod and have the weight to balance it perfectly. I have found the fit and finish to be first 1st class. I love all
4 current models. The next logical expansion for Richard is into the prototype he showed me at the Catskill Rodmaker’s Gathering
which is a steelhead / salmon reel with an advanced drag system.
