orvis mid arbor battenkill?

I own a BMA3 and I love it so far.  The only minor thing I noticed is that while yes, the drag is infinitely ajdustable for the most part, it goes from near free-spool to quite tight within about 5 clicks.  Not really a complaint, as I normally set my drag at the beginning of an outing and leave it there.  I got the 3 because I can use it with my 5 wt. for trout and steel, and when I get a 7 wt. for the tribs, it'll be able to perform double-duty on that rod as well. 

It seems to be a well built, sturdy reel that has fit perfectly in any reel seat I've tried it in. 

Another thing to be aware of is that this is a heavy reel.  If you're used to a very light reel, it will take some getting used to as it will definitely move the balance point of your rod toward the reel.  Moving from a graphite reel to the MA3 meant I had to get used to that big adjustment, and now that I've purchased a new rod (which really, is better balanced for the reel), I have to get used to a whole new balance again.  Just something to be aware of.

I have one on a 9 weight. Overall, i'm not thrilled with it. After taking it on a striped bass trip and giving it a good workout, the spool doesn't fit as well as it once did, and when I fight a fish with it now, the spool rubs on the frame. The guide I was with (who was an orvis endorsed guide) told me he doesnt like the mid arbors because they aren't well made. He was certainly right. I wouldn't waste my money on one.
 
 

If forgot to comment on tetons....
 
If you find teton is staying in business, buy one. I own a couple and have never been disapointed. The drag sysem on the teton is 10 times better than the battenkill, and it's more sturdy.

Just wanted to add that an acquaintance had the biggest Orvis mid-arbor that, true enough, got a case of the spool wobbles after three years -- however, he'd used it exclusively in the salt and fished darn near every day in which it was humanly feasible. He maintained it regularly, but not obsessively. He's a quality control engineer at a Connecticut defense contractor, lives only a 10-minute drive from prime striper territory and often fished before work, on hiis lunch break and after work, depending on what the tide was up to. He was very satisfied with the product and recommends it.
 
Also, you might consider how you will use your new reel. In some cases, you can buy a regular arbor reel, but in a size larger than you need for the line. (Say a #8 reel for a #5 line.) You then build an arbor with backing. The plusses of this approach are price and weight.
 
There are a lot of choices out there and I'd say the one constant is that you should use the product before buying.
 
 
 

Rap.
 
Take a look at the Ross's. They have models very comparable in price, and quality, and are made in the US.

7-8

I have a mid arbor 7 wt. I'm not too sure about it yet. I have only used it it in the Juniata. It's a little heavy. My 8 wt. Battenkill was made in England, and it is a much better reel than the mid arbor. The Korean made Battenkill reminds me of an Okuma.

or carp fishing... they can give a drag a workout

Not of a fan of orvis but they do (or did) make decent reels.
 
All I know is it's hard to beat a Ross. 

ORIGINAL: SilverKype

Not of a fan of orvis but they do (or did) make decent reels.

the BBS series is still made in england = better than the chinese junk

I use an Orvis Batternkill Large Arbor V, made in England in 2000. I like it.
Also,(for back-up) I have the same model made in China, regrettably not the same quality as the English made reel. Thumbs down.

I would checkout: (American made)

Ross Magnum
Teton
Tibor
Abel Super Series