Saturday, May 16, 2015

Kickstarter...The Reel Winder

"The Reel Winder" hit Kickstarter is ready for support, especially with only 8 days to go. As soon as it hit the site, the backers starts to pledge, showing anticipation was high for this product.

With a review on the horizon from these guys, I can tell you already this product is worth the backing (no pun intended). For $40 ($25 for Early Bird Special), your going to get a phenomenal product PLUS an extra spool. I've spooled two reels so far with this and its twice as fast as my DIY Line Spooling Station, which I thought was efficient. L&R Solutions hit the nail on the head with this product, and I think you'll find the same once you have one in hand. Head on over to the Kickstarter now to get yours, the rewards for this campaign, not to mention the quality and use of this product, are definitely worth the support.

Did I mention its Made in the USA... 'Merica!

Via L&R Solutions:

Never buy an extra fly reel spool again using

“The Reel Winder”

L & R Solutions has created “The Reel Winder” an innovative fly fishing tool that will eliminate the need to ever buy an extra fly reel spool again. The Winder attaches to your fly rod handle to quickly “Reel” fly line off your fly reel then, by exchanging winder spools, you are able to “Reel” on a different line.

“THE REEL WINDER” ATTACHED TO A FLY ROD

L & R Solutions Co-Owner, David Humphries, stated that the winder is an advancement on an idea developed over 10 years ago by a good friend, Heinz. Heinz identified a reel problem while fly fishing. He wanted a portable device that would allow you to easily change a fly line on any fly reel without the expense of an extra reel spool.

OLD DESIGN – ORIGINAL WINDER

HEINZ (85) AND DAVID FISHING TOGETHER ON THE ST. JOE RIVER

The Reel Winder development really shifted into high gear when partner Steve Lepley became involved in the Fall of 2014. Steve quickly recognized the value the winder could provide to the fly fisher. Through some additional development, the two realized the winder could help:

• Clean and treat fly line
• Change and organize lines
• Store valuable fly lines
Together David and Steve have designed and manufactured many prototypes to validate the winder. The story of this progress can be found at www.thereelwinder.com. Now, with a validated design, the two are building awareness of the product anticipating a Kickstarter campaign beginning on April 25. Which is the traditional trout fishing opener in their home state of Michigan.

TIME LINE FOR THE REEL WINDER

After completion of a successful Kickstarter campaign the tooling will begin, with functional sampling of tools in mid-September. From experience they know the tooling will have to be adjusted and refined. This will take a couple weeks, then the tooling will be textured/ finished. The finishing will add a frosted look to the spools and a sand texture to the base. After the texturing is complete the next step is manufacturing.
Steve and David are comfortable with delivering all the backers orders by November 9. The hope is that the winders can actually be shipped earlier. Of course they will be providing status updates on Twitter, Facebook and through the messaging system within Kickstarter.

These guys will be at the manufacturing and tool build facility all through this process. The Tool Shop is also the Manufacturing facility and is only a couple miles from Steve’s home in Grand Haven Mi. This will allow both Steve and David to check on the tooling build status and be available for any questions during the tool construction and manufacturing.

The process of designing, engineering and tooling may seem intimidating to most folks, but to Steve and David this normal business. Combined they have over 40 years of experience in the automotive industry making plastic interior parts. In fact they can make plastic parts easier than they can double haul a fly line.

STEVE LEPLEY, CO-OWNER OF L&R SOLUTIONS

DAVID HUMPHRIES, CO-OWNER OF L&R SOLUTIONS

The team at L&R is currently deciding on a color for the winder. Steve has sent out an email requesting feedback from fellow fly fishers. The spool will be clear with a light frosting. Below are renderings detailing the winder and colors.

BLACK WINDER

BLUE WINDER

GREEN WINDER

Your support is requested to back this cool fly fishing tool. Checkout The Reel Winder Website and sign up to David and Steve’s email list to receive over 50 Fly Fishing Tips and Techniques and stay updated with their Kickstarter campaign.