Introduction to the fly reel programme:

At the moment the L.H.Design fly-reel programme consists of seventeen models with a line weight-range from 2 -12. Generally spoken all spools are slightly over-dimensioned, so for example a #5 weight might be used for a #6 line. This of course depends strongly upon how much and which type of backing is to be used.

Every reel is made almost totally of pure titanium. We use conventional machines for most parts but hand tools are frequently used both in the making process, assembling and in the finishing process. We try to create reels as functional objects but also as "works of art". The Beaverkill series (see special projects) is the best example to illustrate this approach.

We are proud to be able to ask your attention for "The Art of Angling Journal" which gives great exposure to the L.H.Design fly reel programme. The programme is divided into the following series:

Titanium reels with a Bickerdyke line guard, made of stainless spring steel in a traditional design. This line guard is very simple but most functional in use. Spools are put in place by means of a vacuum. To remove the spool just pull it from the central axis. Inside the spool you will see a small round locking piece which must correspond with a marking on the central axis when the spool is replaced.

Based upon the A series but these models are "clicker only"and can be used for both for right hand and left hand retrieve. Light all titanium reels , especially recommended for light trout fishing. Spool change: the same as with the A series.

Reels with a cage construction. Spool change: the same as with the A series. Classic looking reels. The #5 is the best selling model of this series. The #5 will hold most #6 lines and is a true "general purpose" reel. Personally I fished the #5, the #6/7 and the #8 for many years in salt water without any problems (see maintenance).

Based upon the B series. Like the AA series these are symmetrical reels, both for right and right hand retrieve. These reels are classic looking and light.

Three models of a central drive design. Manufacturing these reels in small numbers is extremely time consuming. Therefore we stopped producing them during 2004. Yet we are making some during the winter 2005/2006 on special request. We did even make a clicker- only version #5/6 with gold plated screws (see special projects).

These reels are true classics and have an unequalled visual impact. The spools of these reels have bearings on both sides. Changing winding direction will take a few minutes. You only need an instrument makers screw-driver. Additionally these reels are silent in the winding direction, when line is taken off the reel you will hear a discreet but clear clicker...

An anti reverse reel with highly innovative aspects. Both spool and frame are titanium monoblocks!! This is a reel for those who are interesred in technology, especially in innovative aspects of the use of high performance plastics in new applications. Very interesting reel, recommended for salmon and steelhead fishing.

One of our latest designs. In this reel we designed a spool of P.E.I., a high performance plastic with an amber colour outlook. It blends with the titanium in a very professional way. The Sapphire set consists of: 1 P.E.I. spool, 1 monoblock titanium spool, 1 frame, 2 pouches (one for the reel, one for the spare spool). No drag system. Clicker only. Light! Recommended for general trout fishing.

When I attended the Somerset N.Y, Flyfishing Show. In the U.S.A, in 2005 it became clear to me that one specific reel might possibly be added to the L.H.Design Fly Reel programme.

Some beautiful “Classics” were displayed at the Show and a friend of mine raised the question “Why not design a “classic” with the use of modern high performance materials?”. I started to analyse this possibility and found that there was an interest in such a reel, by asking a number of my customers. Some of them had actually suggested earlier that I should consider making a “Classic“ but I simply had not yet considered the idea using the specific materials I use in L.H.design reels.

I realised that the production capacity of my small one person firm was too limited to incorporate this project within a reasonable time schedule. The reels I had seen at the Show were an Edward vom Hofe and a Philbrooke and Payne. Both reels are based upon a metal frame and hard rubber sideplates. I did not see myself pouring some liquid substance (hardrubber, whatever it may have been) into a mould and made the transfer to the material PEI which already was used for the spools of my Sapphire reel. The following step was easier: To make the frame from Titanium, the base material for all L.H.Design reels.

In order to get the project realized I asked my colleague and friend, reel designer, Alex Kaplun, owner of the mechanical engineering group for fly fishing (MEGOFF) to do the design and the manufacture of this reel as a jointed project. We worked together for some months intensively and with some trial and error, good communication and our collaboration on technical and easthetical design aspects we came finally to the reel that we called Amber, named for the colour of the PEI material used in the sideplates.

The reel is clicker only to keep the weight under a limit of 175 gram. Besides the clicker an overrun protection is used to achieve a subtle, appealing clicker’s sound. The sideplates give the reel some translucency: actually I’m still experimenting and fine tuning the degree of translucency… This is a matter of time and finally we can say: “Amber reel will be available from the second half of 2008 on a limited production run of 25 reels annually“.

L.H.Design reels are all constructed from pure titanium. Since all parts of all our reels are totally corrosion resistant they can be used in salt water without any problem. However we always advise to clean the reels with fresh water after salt water use.

If you want a reel to keep its original look even after years of fishing, clean it with warm water (40 degrees C.) with a small quantity of a light detergent, then let it dry. When dry rub a small quantity of light machine oil onto the outer surfaces with your fingertips. If treated this way your reel will look like new.

In 2006 the lighter models up till #6//7 still feature the SYNTEX drag system, developed by L.H. Design about 15 years ago. From #8 wt. and up our new central drag system, that is based upon a package of carbon and stainless steel washers, will be implemented.

Series A / AA:
Model	Dia.	Wt.	Wd.
#2/3	2.28	4.55	0.87
#4	2.25	4.97	0.87
#5	2.80	5.29	0.87
Series B:
Model	Dia.	Wt.	Wd.
#4	2.76	5.67	0.87
#5	3.03	5.95	0.87
#6/7	3.15	7.00	0.87
#8	3.35	9.80	1.26
Series BB:
Model	Dia.	Wt.	Wd.
#4	2.76	5.67	0.87
#5	3.03	5.95	0.87
Series C:
Model	Dia.	Wt.	Wd.
#5/6	3.15	7.35	0.87
#6/7	3.27	7.70	0.94
#8	3.46	8.33	1.10
Series D:
Model	Dia.	Wt.	Wd.
#9/10	3.54	10.85	1.18
Series E:
Model	Dia.	Wt.	Wd.
#4/5	2.8	4.0	0.80