new orvis mid arbor

just got my spring catalog from orvis and see they have a new ma reel to replace the battenkill. i believe it is called the essence. it is lighter in weight that its' predecessor.

does anyone have one of these yet or care to offer an opinion?

Orvis reels are generally decent reels. I had a battenkill barstock, which was a nice reel for the price.

I had the previous verion of the battenkill mid-arbor, which barely made it through a week of stiper fishing. The spool started rubbing the frame after a few dozen good fish. I sold it to a friend for cheap, who then sent it back to orvis and got a replacement. It wouldn't be a bad erie steelhead reel, but it wasn't up for anything more demanding.

The big game style reels from orvis are typically pretty good. I don't own any, but have used a few and can't say anything bad.

Looks very similar to the mid arbor. Different drag materials, and I wouldn't call the knob on the ma a "positive click" design but I don't have any issues with it. It doesn't have any reviews yet so it's hard to tell.