Orvis Battenkill

Orvis Battenkill

What's the difference between these two fly reels?

Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock III $130 3.9 oz., 3" diameter, for 5-7 line weights.

weights.http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=40C7&dir_id=758&group_id=768&cat_id=7627&subcat_id=7643

Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock Disc Drag $130 III 3.95 oz., 3" diameter, for 4-7 line weights.

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=44KY&dir_id=758&group_id=768&cat_id=7627&subcat_id=7643

What is the difference? Which ones better? What is disc drag? Also are both of these salt water proof?

I don't own an Orvis reel, but I've looked at the BBS series and it looks like both the links you've provided point to the BBS III. I think it's one of those cases where the webmaster has two different names for the same product and so they show up as different products. The specs are basically the same, the measurements, the material stock, the price, the drag, and the arbor -- all the same. I really think this is the same unit named twice and with two versions of the product info. Big e-tailers with deep, constantly changing product lines will often suffer from this overlap.

The BBS III has disc drag, which is considered by most to be superior to so-called "S&P" drag. Disc drag works like disc brakes -- applying pressure disc-on-disc to limit the payout of the reel. The S&P system is more like caliper breaks on a bike -- applying a point of pressure to a small rim of the reel, which means it's not as adjustable, powerful, or as steady. High-end users claim they need even more complicated drag systems, but if you're working with 4-7 weight line, your drag needs are going to be limited. Basically, when dealing with fish less than 6 or 8 pounds, your hand on the flyline is your drag. What you need to know is that the disc drag system is better than S&P, and that's part of why the reel is >$100+ and not <$50.

One of these units has the saltwater proof claim, the other doesn't. However, if they are, as I believe they are, the same unit, then yes, "both" would be saltwater proof, though you should treat claims of such with caution -- saltwater is very tough on all gear, and you shouldn't treat anything as though it's impervious to the elements.

In any case, it seems to me that you're looking at the same reel in two different places on the same site. If you walked into a flyshop and asked for an Orvis BBS III, they would not have two different versions of that reel (other than it's available in two colors). There is only one BBS III.

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