My next project will be a FT1004-4 for nymph fishing and now I'm looking for a nice reel seat. I find the Venneris to be real beauties, especially the Esopus.
Has anybody experiences how different reels (I have an old Loop Traditional 1.5) fit to this reel seat?
Should I decide for the smaller .656 or better the the bigger .718 for the 4wt FT?
Thanks!
Stefan

My only problem with Venneri is getting ahold of him and after the sale service. I've started using REC seats much of the time and really like them. I find them equal to the Venneri seats and far easier to come by and get service from. Just my .02. I can't really say how well the Venneri seats fit any particular reel.

Talk to your supplier. he may be able to check the fit before he sends it.

Your Loop will fit. I would select the smaller as it will accomodate the blank.
Regards,
Kenneth Prager

Stefan,

A little known piece of trivia, I designed the Esopus seat and it is a favorite of mine! I also can fill your order on the seat as well as the blank if you so wish.
I have known some Loop reels to have larger than normal feet but if Ken says it will fit, there should be no problem.
I just ordered some seats from Robert and talked with him for a while. I don't think there would be any trouble contacting him or getting a seat especially if you ordered wood listed available on Robert's site.
Let me know if you need any help with that order.
Thanks,

Dan Craft
Dan craft Enterprises

Thanks for your help.
Dan, I'll contact you!
Stefan

I'm a HUGE fan of the Venneri seats(beautiful styling,great nickel silver detailing,and some of the nicest finished woods I've seen.I also love the fact that most highly figured burl woods are a standard option,instead of having to pay extra to "upgrade",so you are actually getting alot of seat for your dollar),and the Esopus is definitely my fav.Getting ahold of Bob can be tough at times though.

The Esopus is a VERY classy design,definitely one of the nicest nickel silver seats out there,and I have several of both the small, and large models.I would use the small model on a 5wt or under,and the large on a 6 or 7wt(or maybe a longer 5wt,or a 5wt where I wanted a bit more of a fighting butt).

The small one should be perfect for a 4wt and should fit your LOOP reel fine,but being as it is a long blank,with a fairly large butt diameter(at least I think most of the FT's are fairly beefy in the butt),you could probably use the large model without it looking out of place as well.I usually use either a Redington AS5/6 or a Ross Gunnison 3 reel on mine and hve no problems,but I'm not sure how the LOOP is compared to them.