As most of you know, I like tinkering with my reels and sometimes my rods.  These reels just came back.

Daiwa A.O.i. 

Only 300 made back in '06.  Who knows how many still around, but this one received a full tune.  Upgraded bearings, drag, dragstar, carbon 90mm handle, RCS blue grips, etc.  Paired with a Gan Craft Huddler, I'd say it turned out quite well.

 

 

Megabass Speciale.  100 made I believe.  Upgraded drag and bearings, along with a Megabass 90mm carbon handle.  It's a very nice rose gold tone. 

The best for last.  Shimano Stogie.  First released back in 1998.  I bought this new.  Came in a cigar box.  Although the finish is nice, the reel had sub par parts on it that never really allowed it to stand out.  My reel tuner, Ian, made this his pet project. 

This is what the reel looked like when I sent it to Ian.

And this is what the reel looks like now.  Carbon handle, new drag star, upgraded bearings and drag, machined one off (to fit) line guide, machined one off (to fit) spool, painted thumb bar.  It took the better part of a year.  I could not be happier with the results.

Love that A.O.I.!!!

Beautiful reels!

AOI sightings never get old. Enjoy

MFW.  Nice reels lol

58 minutes ago, tbone1993 said:

MFW.  Nice reels lol

Need a tissue huh? hahah 

OP- Very nice reels

 

By now, I really should know better than to open your posts, RR

I suppose there's worse things I can spend my money on, like whiskey and tequila.  Oh wait.....

Simply beautiful! 

Are these the work of Mr. Shields?

Sorry! Didnt catch the name in your post the first time but see that it was indeed Ian.

Didn't you have several of those A.O.i.  Beautiful reels! 

Being that the TD-Z/Fuego has become my favorite the A.O.i just trips my trigger.  Thanks for sharing the nice pictures!

And that is why Ian is the best. Being able to pull of adaptations and modifications to the highest degree.

13 hours ago, Jeff H said:

Didn't you have several of those A.O.i.  Beautiful reels! 

Being that the TD-Z/Fuego has become my favorite the A.O.i just trips my trigger.  Thanks for sharing the nice pictures!

I had three of them.  One perfect (sold) one not so perfect (sold) and this one, also not so perfect.  There will be no guilt in using it. 

11 minutes ago, Redlinerobert said:

  There will be no guilt in using it. 

Absolutely!  Heck, I'd be excited every time I picked it up.

I love that stogie.

Great looking reels. Do you use them? 

Not yet, but they will all get some use. 

Looking for another floating tackle box. 

d**n nice

My goodness man...that is incredible. Who is this Ian fellow? Do yo all use anyone that can custom rods out as well with the same artistic prestige? I know DVC is a sponsor here but there is no gallery at his website, so...have know idea what they do so I am obviously less inclined towards them.

 

Those reels are incredible. So envious!

Who did these reels ... 

1 hour ago, shimmy said:

My goodness man...that is incredible. Who is this Ian fellow? Do yo all use anyone that can custom rods out as well with the same artistic prestige? I know DVC is a sponsor here but there is no gallery at his website, so...have know idea what they do so I am obviously less inclined towards them.

 

Those reels are incredible. So envious!

Pic get posted to my Facebook page as it's much easier to load there. I also have a flicker account. If you're looking for something specific I can send examples. 

2 hours ago, shimmy said:

Who is this Ian fellow?

The likely suspect is Ian Shields, aka e_bassfisher.  I've not had any reel work done by him but he's got a cult-like following on that other enthusiast website so by all accounts his work is top-notch.

4 minutes ago, Chris at Tech said:

The likely suspect is Ian Shields, aka e_bassfisher.  I've not had any reel work done by him but he's got a cult-like following on that other enthusiast website so by all accounts his work is top-notch.

How does one get in touch with mr shields to deposit some funds in his account 

6 minutes ago, HookdUP said:

How does one get in touch with mr shields to deposit some funds in his account 

Ian's email is reel_tuner@yahoo.com

For the most part those parts are available through hedgehog, japan tackle etc. 

Ian does top notch work.  Very meticulous.