Author Topic: Any experience with allenflyfishing.com ? (Read 950 times)

James Berzsenyi · « **on:** February 12, 2011, 10:41:48 PM »

Hi all,

Just stumbled onto this site today (http://www.allenflyfishing.com) and am wondering if anyone has dealt much with these dudes. And mostly re: hooks. The deals on hooks alone seems to good to be true, especially with them throwing in fly boxes to boot.

Thanks
James Berzsenyi

Brenton Greubel · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2011, 12:47:45 AM »

I recently got an order of hooks in. I haven't fished any of them yet, but they seem to be great for the money. Also, the first package was lost in the mail and Allen resent the order at no cost which was awesome and they definitely did not have to do.

James Berzsenyi · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2011, 01:03:32 AM »

Yeah, I've heard their customer service is top notch, and fast. Just hoping their hooks are the same. I've tied so many flies this fall/winter, supplies are dwindling, and when I start thinking about $5.75 per 25, times 4 sizes of 5 different hooks.......adds up too fast.

90% of my hooks are Tiemco, a few Redditch, a few Mustad, and recently tried some on Orvis Caddis Emerger Hooks when I re-upped my TU membership so I had to use that 15% off on something before it expired. And I'm not sold on those Orvis hooks, at least not yet. My first trip out fishing them I had 3 or 4 #14 hooks straightened out by fish (not completely, but at least 90 degrees). I know 1 fish was solid, maybe 20"+, but the others were just nice healthy 16-18" rainbows, and just felt like those fish should not be able to straighten those hooks that easily. I know they wouldn't have done that with my usual Tiemco's.

So, with that it mind, anyone have any suggested sites for buying good hooks in bulk?

Thanks in advance,
James

Rob Twombly · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2011, 09:15:46 PM »

I thought Orvis had always used Daiichi hooks. I used to really like them. I have not gotten any in quite some time but I have bought an order of the Allen Hooks and my brother has bought a reel. As for the hooks, they seem pretty good. Sharp, well made and I've caught a few larger fish in the 18 inch range on some #18 or #20 hooks from them without any problem. I did notice that on their 2488's that the eye of the hook was not completely closed but I counted less than a half dozen out of 100 so given the price I would say its well worth trying them out for yourself but I can tell you I am getting more. The shipping on the hooks was free and they were packed within two business days and sent first class mail. I am very happy with the service and the hooks and my brother thinks he got a steal on that reel.

James Berzsenyi · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2011, 09:44:23 PM »

Thanks, Rob,

That's what I wanted to hear. And your using the same size hooks, and model, that I'm wanting. And it's about the same exact review I've gotten from a few others...,"buy 100, check em out before you tie em, and 90 of em will be fine". Still comes out to be a pretty good deal. I've only had one person with a totally negative review of their hooks. Definitely gonna order some and give em a shot.

As for the Orvis/Daiichi connection, I have no idea. That's the first I've heard of that. But, the more info I get, the more I'm starting to think I might have just gotten a "weak" batch of hooks; ie just weak metal to start with. I'm no hook or metal expert, but it makes sense to me, as I've seen much smaller hooks catch much bigger fish.

Take care.

Rob Twombly · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2011, 10:55:52 PM »

I know from an employee as of 3 yrs ago that Orvis was buying the standard trout hooks and repackaging them from Daiichi. I consider Daiichi to be the best available in terms of quality but they are pricey. They may have switched vendors but if you got a bad batch they would probably take them back no questions asked. I am tickled with the Allen stuff but I got clued into another source that may be worth looking into from the flyshack.com, they are called Saber hooks. I havent tried them but a trusted source has been tying on them for 3 years and he is pretty reliable. Says they are sharp and has never had a soft or brittle hook to date. Give Allen a shot and maybe the fly shack too and judge for yourself.

James Berzsenyi · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2011, 11:44:28 PM »

Thanks for the info, Rob. I'll give Orvis a call, but considering I only have 1 #14 and 7 #16 out of 50 each, not sure what they can do. Maybe I could talk them into replacing all the other materials (and time) on the other 92 flies. Yeah, right? I'll see what they say, and if it's anything remotely interesting, I'll post it.
I'll check out the Saber hooks as well.

Thanks again

James Berzsenyi · « **Reply #7 on:** June 14, 2011, 05:16:04 PM »

I bought 4 reels from Allen about a month ago when they had a sale going, got 2 Alpha 3/4's, 1 Trout 3/5, and 1 Trout 5/7 (all gunmetal finish). Got a couple for gifts, and a couple to use as client reels when guiding. Just wanted to post a mini-review...
First impressions are pretty high. Feel very solid, albeit a tad on the heavy side, but I'm hoping that's a sign of durability. Drag seems fine, simple to adjust. Finish looks great, but obviously can't attest to the durability yet. Bottom line...great deal.
I know they've got a Fathers Day sale going on now (30% off - I think), so if anyone is looking for a good reel at a steal of a price, check em out. And, if I had to choose just one, it would be the Trout 5/7.
Attached picture...Alpha 3/4, Trout 3/5, Trout 5/7 (left to right)
Hope this helps ...

Jimmy

Daniel Podobed · « **Reply #8 on:** June 14, 2011, 07:32:20 PM »

I have purchased many hooks from them, and I have not had a single hook break thus far. I've yanked on em pretty hard with some gx2 thread too. Haven't lost any fishing either. Wish they had a bigger selection, but its getting there.

Cant wait to get their 10' 3wt rod when it drops in a few months.

James Berzsenyi · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2011, 08:19:11 PM »

Daniel,

Same here on their hooks. They're not "top of the line" hooks, but, like you, haven't had one fail me yet. I tend to use them for tying my "guiding" flies, or test flies, but for the price they're hard to beat. Only thing I've noticed is some variances with the gap at the hook eye, but beads and thread will take care of all that.

Jimmy

Alex Contino · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2011, 03:34:13 PM »

I own both the Allen Alpha series 7/8 and the Trout series 5/7. The reels are great for the price. The are machined rather than cast, so they are definitely in a higher class than their price tag. Not too mention the guys who run the company are super cool and friendly. You can chat online with them regarding any questions and your chatting with the owners. Its a small company still and they definitely treat the customers with respect.

Bottom line... yeah you could spend more money, but you don't need to. Their reels are very nice and solid.