Q WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TYPHOON AND MONSOON? A The only difference between the models is the porting/cutouts in the frame. The Typhoon has a traditional 6 point star design, while the Monsoon has a 5 point overhead storm pattern look to it. That’s it! We did this to appeal to both traditional and non-traditional anglers. Choice is good...

Q  WHY THE 3 PLUS, 5 PLUS, 7 PLUS AND 9 PLUS REEL DESIGNATION?

A  The idea was that the number on the reel represented the lowest line weight the reel was designed for, “Plus” two or more additional sizes. For example: The 3 Plus runs 3,4 & 5 weight lines. The 5 Plus runs 5,6 & 7 weight lines.

You’ll notice that the line weights cross over one line weight, in this case the 5 weights. On the 3 Plus model you can get 80 yards of backing with WF5F and on the 5 Plus you can get 120 yards. The choice is yours depending on your needs or fi shing application.

Q  YOUR REELS ARE A LITTLE HEAVIER THAN MOST, WHY?

A  When we started to build reels we had three basic design parameters: Drag, Durability and Design.

Weight was fourth or fifth. We both feel that weight is important, but we don’t feel it should be an anglers primary focus when purchasing a reel - especially an expensive one. We think there’s too heavy, too light and just right. We call it “right weight”. The “right weight” should balance well on the rod with line on it. The trend in almost all sections of the outdoor industry is to keep pushing the boundaries of lightweight. However, when you make something lighter you tend to sacrifi ce durability and strength. I think it’s also important to note that we’re talking about an ounce, maybe two. We encourage anglers to put that weight into perspective compared with the amount of equipment they carry while on a fly fishing outing. It becomes negligible. If an ounce really makes a difference than you should probably forgo the purchase of a reel and spend it on a membership at your local gym.

Q  WHAT KIND OF DRAG DO YOU USE?

A  We call it a sealed multi disc drag. Perhaps the biggest selling point of our reels is that we incorporate the drag system inside the frame of the reel. The drag is made up of stainless steel and Rulon discs a stacked configuration. This configuration increases the effective drag surface in total square inches, number of surfaces, and heat distribution when drag pressure is placed on it. It also requires NO lubrication...

Q  WHY NOT USE CORK?

A  This topic like many others has been beaten to death over the years but I’ll give it a go...

When we set out to design our reels, cork wasn’t even a consideration. There are some incredible new materials available these days and they keep getting better. Rulon® is one of them. Cork’s been done before, and we didn’t feel that it was a viable material option when looking to the future of drag in high performance reels. Cork definitely has its passionate followers and has been responsible for catching a lot of fish over the years. However, we believe it’s more of a tradition thing than a performance thing. I know I’ll probably take some heat for saying that, and never change the minds of some, but it’s true. At the end of the day though it’s all about performance on the water, and I’ll stack our reels up against anyone in the world.

Q  CAN EITHER YOU OR DANNY ACTUALLY FISH?

A  The jury is still out on that but we do spend a fair amount of time on the water. Just ask our wives and children.

Q  FAVORITE TARGET SPECIES?

A  Unanimous – Permit.

Q  WHAT’S NEXT FOR HATCH?

A  Can’t tell you, but it’s probably not what you’d expect.