Just received my Allen Fly Fishing Kraken XLA (extra large arbor) and it is flippin' sweet!! Already have it spooled with 500 yards of 50lb power pro. Going on my Cabela's TLR saltwater 12 wt (nothing too fancy) and hopefully will have a chance to lay some flies in front of a sailfish or some other pelagics when I go to Dominica (not the DR) in May. Really want to make a trip to Cabo/La Paz to chase Roosterfish later this year too, if I can find the time and money.

Now that's a sweet reel. Best of luck in May. Let's see some pictures when you get back
Mike

Now that you have your hands on an Allen reel, I am wondering if it is a Chinese reel? I have assumed so, but have nothing bad to say. I buy a lot of fly tying components from Allen, and some of that is the best anywhere at the best price anywhere. That reel's going to travel!

I can't find anything that says where the components are made, just that they are assembled in the USA. The company is based in Southlake, TX. I've had my hands on Abel, Hatch, and other reels as well as my two Lamsons, and would, without having used it yet, put it in the same category with the nicer Lamsons as far as feel in my hands.

It was this one or one of the Cheeky reels (probably the Thrash 4.75) but got 20% off at Allen.

Sounds like your rig would also be great for Mako shark fishing out of San Diego. That is something I have always wanted to do and would be a good way to learn how to fight large fish.

I would consider moving up to a Temple Fork rod for learning how to fight large fish, but I tend to break stuff while I am learning and no one beats Temple Fork for their customer service.

Big Dale

I picked up the TLR because it was on sale for $100 and I got a 250 dollar Cabela's gift card from the in-laws. So picked up that 12wt, a Cahill 5wt full setup, a RAM X grip with suction cup for my truck, and some fly line cleaner for a total of $15 out of pocket.

I have a TFO BVK as my 7wt, and I agree on those being top notch rods and unbeatable customer service. When/if this one breaks (or I get a promotion) I will be looking at the TFO bluewater rod for the Kraken XLA and then picking up a BVK or Mangrove 12 wt (maybe the Redington Vapen Red) and matching that to a Cheeky or the Kraken (non XLA), if I am impressed with the XLA, and they have the blue model available.

Yes, I also thought and perhaps said they are based here, in Southlake, but that's where the warehouse is (only). It's a growing company, and I think they manage it long distance - coast-to-coast. Does resemble the higher end Lamson reels for sure.