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Fly Logic FL Premium 345
By Scott Clayton
When looking for mid-priced fly
reels you typically have a couple of options. Some manufactuers choose to provide machined aluminum reels with
simple spring and pawl drags. While others offer cast or molded aluminum reels with sophisticated disc drags. Fly
Logic has chosen the latter with their FL Premium Series reels.
The FL Premium Series reels are constructed using injection molded aluminum alloy. The components are
corrosion-resistant making them effective in either freshwater or saltwater. They feature a center line disc drag
system, three-way adjustable drag alarm and a removable reel foot. The FL Premium Series includes 3 reels: FLP 345
(for line weights 3 to 5), FLP 567 (for line weights 5 to 7), and FLP 890 (for line weights 8 to 10). Backed by a
lifetime warranty they are made in the U.S.A.
I used the FLP 345 in a varitey of conditions, ranging from small streams, casting floating line, to stillwater,
casting intermediate sinking line. The reel functioned well, never getting in the way, allowing me to focus on
the fish.
I enjoyed the small size; the spool diameter is just under 3 inches. The FLP 345 balances well on the 9' 5 weight
rods I used it with, especially the Thomas & Thomas Emerger. Weight wise, it may be a bit too heavy on shorter
3 weight rods, but that will be the case with most disc drag reels.
The spool fits snugly in the frame; I never experienced any problems with line getting caught between the spool and
the frame. The spool handle is good sized and includes a contour; it is easy to grasp and comfortable while reeling
in line. The spool has an exposed rim making palming a breeze. It holds plenty of backing for such a petite reel,
up to 85 yards of 20 lbs. micron backing while holding 5 weight line.
The center line disc drag is mostly enclosed (there are 4 small slots at the base). The drag has a wide range of
settings from free spool to stubborn mule; the knob turns almost 4 revolutions allowing precise drag adjustment
inbetween the extremes. The drag knob is large, knurled, and positioned in the center of the reel back, making it
easy to locate and tinker with, even under pressure.
The adjustable drag alarm is a great idea, it adjusts the sound for line-out. I did feel a bit like Goldilocks
(friend of the three bears), the "quiet-click" was too loud and the "silent" mode was too quiet. Unfortunately the
"whisper-click" wasn't just right. It's a little on the loud side. I do like the smoother sounding line-in click,
I'd prefer the line-out click to be more subtle like the line-in click. Even on the lightest drag setting the
"quiet-click" and "whisper-click" options produce a slight amount of startup tension. For maximum protection of
light tippets the "silent" mode is the way to go.
Changing spools is a piece of cake, all you need to do is press the spool release lever. Switching from right to
left hand retrieve isn't much harder. There are 2 pins on the inside of the spool, along with the labels R and L.
Pull the pins, slide the freed up pieces from R(ight) to L(eft), replace the pins and you're set.
The FLP 345 retails for $99, extra spools are $47. The FLP 567 is $109, extra spools are $48. And the FLP 890
comes in at $119 with extra spools at $49. They come in two colors charcoal and platinum.
Summary:
The FLP 345 is on the high-end side of non-machined reels. It's size and weight balance well on 4 and 5 weight
rods. When I first started using this reel I didn't care much for the non-glare finish and the line-out sounds;
after some use they're growing on me. If you don't want to spend much more than $100 and you're looking for a
solid disc drag reel, the FLP 345 will work well.
Editor's Note: As of September 2001 Fly Logic lowered the price on their Premium Series reels to $89 for the 345, $99 for the 567, and $109 for the 890.
Scott Clayton is the Fly Fishing Editor at GearReview.com.
For more information, contact:
Fly Logic, Inc.
P.O. Box 270
Melba, ID 836410270
888-359-5644
fli@flylogic.com
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