I had a request to reverse the retrieve on a first generation Scientific Anglers System 2 fly reel. It is an interesting reel with a drag system modeled after the automotive disk brake design, complete with a rotor, calipers and replaceable pads.
Before I dive into how to reverse the retrieve, a bit about this reel.
Around the late 1960s, Scientific Anglers came out with their System series that matched reels, lines, and fly rods. Their System 1 reels were made in England by Hardy, and were. simple click and pawl reels with no real drag.
The System 2 model was also made in England, but the manufacturer was British Fly Reels (BFR). BFR was eventually bought out by Orvis, the workers laid off, and the machinery crated up to be shipped to China. I read that BFR was closed down by Orvis before actually manufacturing any reels overseas.
The first generation System 2 reels had a disk brake system that engaged directly with the spool. These were heavy reels with no porting in either the frame or spool. The frame and spool were made from cast aluminum , but the quality of the casting was high. The brake pads were made of Rulon on the smaller sizes, and carbon fiber composite for the larger reels.
The second generation System 2 introduced porting but the rest of the design remained unchanged. I don't know if the internal parts are interchangeable.
The third generation, the System 2L, is an entirely different design, with an offset drag mechanism.
What we have here is a first generation System 2 model 1213, which is the largest size. This one put out about 7.5 pounds of drag with the spool three-quarter filled. It took just two turns of the drag knob to go from 0 to 7.5.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/39928-3883-IMG0124.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/39929-6222-IMG0123.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/39926-5732-IMG0127.jpeg)
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/39927-8058-IMG0125.jpeg)
Here is the inside view with the disk drag mechanism.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/39931-6415-IMG0110.jpeg)
To reverse the winding direction, first remove the two screws holding the outer caliper cover. Remover the cover.
Next, turn the Drag knob 90° to rotate the key on the shaft and allow us to remove the outer caliper and pad.
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/39932-8359-IMG0114.jpeg)
Now remove the disk and flip it over. The disc is the same on both sides, and the anti-reverse mechanism is built inside and held in place by rivets, so this is not a serviceable part. Here is what the disk looks like( on the screwdriver shaft) :
(https://alantani.com/gallery/39/39934-327-IMG0117.jpeg)
To reassemble, simply reverse the assembly steps. Replace the outer caliper, turn the Drag knob 90° again, and reattach the caliper cover with the two screws.
Done!
Observations: My take on this reel is that it is much heavier and smaller in diameter than a modern reel of the same line class. But it is sturdy and the drag is reasonably powerful and smooth. I wouldn't seek one out, but I wouldn't be afraid to fish one in light duty up to moderate inshore saltwater fishing situations.
-J
What is the anti reverse made with , Sprag spring or other ?
Quote from: oldmanjoe on March 04, 2026, 06:22:04 AMWhat is the anti reverse made with , Sprag spring or other ?
No way to see inside, but is sprung and makes a clicking noise, so it must be a common dog and ratchet design. Not much room for a coil, so I am guessing it uses a leaf spring.
-J
I forgot to note that the first and second generation System 2s have a contingent of fans that to this day fish the reels. Used models can be found for small money on the internet. I would be suspicious about saltwater longevity, but if you are willing to soak the reels frequently in warm freshwater, it would help.
You could do worse, but still not a top choice for me.
-J
been fishing my 1st generation version since new in 1990..
bought it for a bonefish trip to Florida, hooked one but lost it after a 100yd plus run, hook pulled loose. very sad ;-(
caught a lot of different things since then, in S. Africa and Australia salt, never yet caught a fish worth mentioning in US salt. Also salmon and steelhead..
It's true the lack of porting is an issue, have to pull the fly line off to let the backing dry out after rinsing. But, mine is going strong, still fishing it.
Here with a shark mackerel off the rocks in Oz when we were both much younger.. the shark mackerel runs in large schools, followed by squads of bronze whalers, hence its name.
Quote from: DougK on March 06, 2026, 05:27:01 AMbeen fishing my 1st generation version since new in 1990..
bought it for a bonefish trip to Florida, hooked one but lost it after a 100yd plus run, hook pulled loose. very sad ;-(
caught a lot of different things since then, in S. Africa and Australia salt, never yet caught a fish worth mentioning in US salt. Also salmon and steelhead..
It's true the lack of porting is an issue, have to pull the fly line off to let the backing dry out after rinsing. But, mine is going strong, still fishing it.
Here with a shark mackerel off the rocks in Oz when we were both much younger.. the shark mackerel runs in large schools, followed by squads of bronze whalers, hence its name.
Sweet!
The nice thing about a reel with no porting is less places for the sand to get in when you are beach fishing.
-J