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Kevan Farmer

Guest
Does anybody know when Allcocks produced a wide drum Match Aerial centrepin? I did not know that they had ever produced a wide drum model until I found and bought one. I already have two narrow drum models so I was very surprised and excited to find this model. Is it rare??? Whatever, it is a beautiful reel which should Wallis cast with ease.

Kevan
 
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Richard Drayson

Guest
Hi Kevin,
A very interesting question. I've just looked through my book and the earliest mention of the Allcocks "Aerial-Match" (No 9053) was in their catalogue of May 1939/40.
This reel measured 9/16" between the plates of the drum.

The narrow drum models that you have may be The "Match Aerial" which was produced by Allcocks between 1965 and 1971.

I can find no mention of any wide drum match aerial made by Allcocks, although they made many other wide drum models.

Are you sure it is actually an Allcocks reel?

The only wide drum match aerial I have heard of is the Fred Crouch model, but I don't think Allcocks made this.
 
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Richard Drayson

Guest
Kevan,
I've found a piccy of the Fred Crouch reel here

Is it like your reel?
 
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Kevan Farmer

Guest
Richard. Thanks for that. It does indeed look very like the Fred Crouch reel. On the back of mine it has the standard 'Match Aerial' badge. Now the puzzling thing is that it does not say Allcocks anywhere. but, to all intent and purpose it is absolutley identical to my other 'Allcocks' named and badged Match Aerials. I briefly thought about the Fred Crouch reels myself but dismissed the idea almost straight away. If it is indeed a Fred Crouch then I am over the moon. It is a fantastic reel and it spins for ever.

I'll do some more digging and find out who made the FC reels.

Again, thanks.

Kevan
 
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Ray Walton

Guest
I think you'll find that Fred Crouch and Pete Henwood of Specialist Tackle in Romford made the reels by obtaining the legal rights and the discontinued parts. They made the reels up themselves and flogged them for under ?70, at first, i think back in the early 80's. 'Free Spirit' do a similar one now i think...Ray
 
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Kevan Farmer

Guest
Thanks Ray. I have had confirmation that it is indeed a 'Fred Crouch' reel. I've seen them advertised at a shade under ?200 now. Personally I would not pay that much - this was my top limit of ?120. It is a very nice reel though. The build quality is far in excess of the Free Spirit range though. This spins lovely. The Free Spirit pins can start off spinning ok but seem to accrue a wobble very quickly in their life. However, I do know that Alan Roe has one - or two - and is very happy with his.

Again, thanks for the information it is greatly appreciated.

Kevan
 
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Kevan Farmer

Guest
Good deal then John. Pins seem to be going up and up in price now. I did pick up a bargain the other week. A Match Aerial - Allcocks narrow drum this one - for ?60. Lovely condition too very little paint loss. My favourite reels are Speedias though. They are an absolute joy to use.

Kevan
 
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Richard Drayson

Guest
You're right Kevan, the Speedias are nice reels. I just wish they'd made them with the pins a little higher up to speed up the retrieve.
 
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Kevan Farmer

Guest
Richard. You could always pad the pins out with cork cut from a floor tile. It also eliminates the 'slight' chance of line bedding in too. At one time tackle shops sold cork specially made for the purpose but now, alas...

Kevan
 
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Richard Drayson

Guest
That's a good idea Kevan! I might try it.
I'd imagine that you'd have to cut the cork very accurately though, or the line would get behind it - definately what you don't want to happen mid Wallis cast!!!
 
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