I do not own any of these reels, but I think they cannot be bad, since they are designed by Jack Charlton!
MAKO REELS PRESS RELEASE: 10/01/07
Jack Charlton announced today the introduction of a new series of Saltwater fly reels.
The new MAKO reels are available in 4 different sizes and 5 versions. Most reels have a
choice of two spools. Each spool is laser engraved with it’s model and line capacities.
The Model 9500 is a 4” diameter that accommodates line weights 8-10 with the standard
spool and a shallow spool for 8 wt. only. The 9550 is a 4 ½ “ diameter reels with spools
for both 8-10 and 10-12 wt. lines. The 9600 is 5” in diameter designed to mount 12-15
wt. lines. The 9700B (Bluewater) is a whopping 5 ½” diameter designed to provide
maximum retrieve rates on the largest big game. The 9700S (Spey) is modeled after the
“B” model except with the a drag system more appropriate for Spey fishing, a lighter
overall weight and more voluminous spools for the largest Spey lines. All reels continue
the Jack Charlton design features of the legendary Signature Series reels; fully sealed
with o-rings and proprietary carbon impregnated Teflon lip seals, oversized calibrated
drag knobs with one turn stop to stop providing the full range of drag, multi-disk full
contact carbon fiber drag system utilizing “button technology” to eliminate start-up
friction, “taperloc” quick change spools and a 3 ball bearing spindle assembly. The new
reels are produced to the highest machining standards and the polish and finish is second
to none. Anodized finishes for all models are available in solid Platinum, Gold or Black
or the choice of multi-colored variations of each. Solid Black reels are available only in
Type III Hard anodize providing an incredibly durable porcelain like finish. These are
superior saltwater performers destined to take the largest inshore and offshore species
yet priced competitively with today’s better reels.