Our Reels

Cork brakes on automobiles do not exist for obvious reasons; so why on fishing reels? Through experience Jack knew that when the United States Air Force wanted to stop expensive aircraft like the B-1 Bomber they did not choose cork or plastics. They chose carbon. When Indy 500 racers stepped up their efforts to brake from speeds of 200+ miles per hour, they used carbon not cork. So in order to produce 'a precision instrument for fly fishing', it was apparent a modern material would need to be used to provide powerful and predictable stopping. This was just a starting point for our drag design.

Considering the applications of the modern fly reel, specifically, salt water fly-fishing, it was imperative the reel be absolutely sealed from the elements. To meet these requirements Jack drew from his experience in flight control hydraulics to create a reel sealed like the pumps on jet aircraft. No water, sand, salt or other contamination was allowed to ruin the performance of the product. With a reel having its' sophisticated mechanisms sealed, the angler does not have to lube or clean drag materials during an expensive fishing excursion. After developing a superior drag system the angler has the joy of dialing in just one turn (360 degrees) the reels full range of performance. No endless turns never knowing what to expect.

        

One of the key features of Mako Reels is the one turn, ‘lock-to-lock’ drag knob. It is calibrated to produce the same amount of dynamic line tension at any given setting time after time. No endless turns never knowing which ‘lap’ you are on trying to establish a desired drag setting, hence no surprises, just total control. Some users actually test for themselves and mark the Mako drag knob with dots to indicate that at that exact rotational position they are getting exact amounts of pound running line tension. In order to keep such a system performing so precisely, there is a device installed that automatically repositions the clutch pressure plate to the exact height even if the clutch plates become less thick due to eventual wear. The end result, is that one’s grandson can set the drag knob at the same position as his grandfather did decades before and the reel will produce the exact same line tension.

     

Another issue most reel buyers understandably do not consider is the longevity of their reel. Mako’s answer to insuring the reel would maintain its beauty and resistance to corrosion is a process called Type III anodizing. Anodizing is the process of chemically treating the reel to acid which, strengthens the reel and aluminum material. Type III anodizing virtually penetrates the aluminum with near ceramic hardness while building-up on the surface by an equal thickness. Although the cost is many times that of Type I or II, it becomes worth it to the angler to own a reel that appears like new after many years of severe use.