Fishing The Fly Scotland

Index => Main Discussion Area => Topic started by: Mike Barrio on 03/11/2016 at 10:50

Title: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/11/2016 at 10:50: I was in the Orvis Banchory shop recently ....... gobsmacked by how much the tackle section has shrunk :shock
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Eddie Sinclair on 03/11/2016 at 10:54: Mike,

I was there just before the end of the Dee season for a look at lunchtime.

I will not be going back, it has turned into a clothes shop.

Eddie. :mad
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/11/2016 at 10:58: I've applied for a part time job there. I must admit I was shocked to see the fly tying has been merged with the fishing section. It seems dog beds have taken priority. :z8

:z18
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 03/11/2016 at 11:00: You'd be better off trying for a job at Sloan's Liam :X2
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Liam Stephen on 03/11/2016 at 11:06: Sloan's is a shooting shop now I thought.....? Or at least it was last time I was in.

My buddy Nathan works out in Orvis, worked with him in Somers and he's a good guy. I'm sure he will voice your guys thoughts when he see it. :z16

:z18
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 03/11/2016 at 12:51: It's all just a little bit of history repeating....
Murray's was a salmon only shop when I got there and introducing trout tackle was a chore to begin with. I was told that "there was no trout fishing around here and besides, trout fishermen have no money". Once sales started to go up and more trout anglers came through the door attitudes began to change but then the shop changed hands.
The new owner was such a snob that he actively discouraged any angler that didn't fish for salmon and even young lads that used to buy loads of £1 spinners were not welcome. Then the shop became Orvis.
The new fishing manager fished for everything, tied flies and could talk knowledgeably about all aspects of the sport. Trout tackle, and not just cheap trout tackle at that, appeared on the shelves and all anglers became happy. The other member of staff was less knowledgeable about trout and tying and was not keen to learn. On buying Veniard saltwater singles once, he laughed and declared that I would catch feck all on them and when I said that I tie all my salmon singles on these he just shook his head and muttered. Then the good manager left and we were back to where we were 20 years ago.
With salmon angling declining on Deeside, not having fly tying and trout tackle will have the wolves not just at the door, but well into the shop and making homes on the seriously expensive dog beds. Anglers will stop asking for things that used to be stocked and that will lead to anglers not going in and then the word will go out again that it is only for nobs, with or without the silent K.
With the shop under Orvis control having a sine wave of sales figures, it will be a matter of time until the For Sale signs go up again.
Any takers?!?
Some small tackle shops really work - Angus Angling in Forfar is a shining example, but it has one owner and one member of staff and does ALL types of fishing for all species. I am sure the right person, and will be down to the person, will come along and make it right but it will be a lot of hard work for not a lot of money and he MUST cater for everyone in the area, visiting salmon anglers and young trout spinners alike. If that attitude and enthusiasm is not there, history will repeat.Again.
Shame really... :mad

:z1
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 03/11/2016 at 16:09: My understanding is that stock and management is now centralised with Head Office dictating what is stocked based on UK wide sales. ...hence some strange items such as Tenkara rods and Permit flies being stocked.

I would say that the staff in Orvis are not the issue. Helpful, friendly...and yes, I even include Dave in that ;) The lasses in there are great too. However, when Head Office has 2 non fishing ladies in the shop at a weekend because that's when more clothes are sold, then the fishing is always going to suffer. They are helpful, but naturally cannot answer the more casting/rod/line /fly selection questions.

I also think only stocking Orvis products (I know some others sneak in such as Vision reels and Rio/Mackenzie) does not help matters.

As for Sloans, it is indeed a gun shop run by my old commanding officers sister. Afraid they are struggling thanks to the new airgun licence discriminating against legitimate users and ignoring the real issue. Hey ho! Sign of the times.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Hamish Young on 03/11/2016 at 17:24: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 03/11/2016 at 10:50
I was in the Orvis Banchory shop recently ....... gobsmacked by how much the tackle section has shrunk :shock

I was in the same shop recently and the reorganisation of the fishing and shooting stuff caught me by surprise too. Rob is right, there is much more national than local management of what stock where etc. Sign of the times I guess.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Peter McCallum on 12/11/2016 at 20:05: In last week and utterly astonished about the shop setup. Much of the fly tying stuff is the leftover stuff from bens days. Dog stuff now in what was the flytying corner. I was in with my wife and she was astonished by the layout of the ladies clothing area, she even left a complaint about it. Seems that the store organiation of all the orvis shops are the empire of two ladies from the south of England who, in my opinion, couldn't organise a piss up in the proverbial brewery. The staff seem to have no say in the layout at all which is ludicrous to my mind. All clothing/ tackle is now orvis apart from the range of barbour where the fishing tackle once was. It's a bloody shame that it's gone to the dogs but maybe it's an attempt to force the closure of the shop by attrition. 😠😠
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Bill Wood on 14/11/2016 at 17:19: Never been there but was planning to go for a look since Nathan works there. Sommers in Aberdeen is handy for me and I have always had great service and competitive prices for the more expensive items like rods, reels and lines.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/02/2017 at 18:38: Sorry state of affairs...... :X1

From what I've heard I agree with Peter!

:z18
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/02/2017 at 00:00: I like Orvis stuff and was a good excuse to go out that way for a run in the car, helped by the great booze shop next door.

Would be good to know if the decision to do away with fishing gear is being made at a local level or not.

I can't believe for the whole of Aberdeen and nearby area we now have one tackle shop, what with Sloans also done away with fishing stuff.

Crazy times, can't be many folks fishing in the North East. Remember as a young lad there were tackle shops all over.

Broons on Belmont street, Richard Walker on King Street, Somers when they were up on Thistle Street, Balgownie Sports at Bridge of Don.

Oh and a shop on the Spital but I forget the name.

I would personally like to see a large store open in the outskirts of Aberdeen with plenty of parking and the likes. Surely an opportunity for someone but you have to think there's not much money being spent on fishing up here when there's now only one shop being supported.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Liam Stephen on 21/02/2017 at 07:28: I know of a man interested in doing so! It's not me btw :z4 :z7

:z18
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/02/2017 at 11:31: It's my main problem with Somers albeit I do generally like the store.

It's always a bit of a thought having to go into the town centre, especially if you only need a couple of smaller items.

Living north of the city, it puts me off when I think I have to battle traffic then hunt for a parking space which will cost me a couple of quid when I just want some hooks.

Equally I'm not that keen on mail order. I buy loads in general online but for some reason when it comes to fishing I still prefer to be able to go into a shop, see the goodies up close.

Would be great if someone would open up a new store and offer a choice.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 21/02/2017 at 12:22: The Grange down at the beach has a fishing section inside. I guess they do not sell much though as its all carp and coarse fishing...another case of "management" knows best ;)
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/02/2017 at 13:13: That's like the magazine selection at Asda, it's all Carp Angler and the likes with no sign of anything relevant to the local area.

You would think a local manager would flag it up to head office that these things aren't selling, which I assume is the case.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 21/02/2017 at 18:04: Quote from: Minamoto on 21/02/2017 at 13:13
That's like the magazine selection at Asda, it's all Carp Angler and the likes with no sign of anything relevant to the local area.

You would think a local manager would flag it up to head office that these things aren't selling, which I assume is the case.

Ahem...there are plenty of carp anglers up here I will have you know ;)
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Andrew Ashcroft on 21/02/2017 at 20:15: I must be getting old as I can remember when Richard Walker was at Farlows also on Belmont street. Les Smith had a shop for a while in the Spital, is that the one you meant Minamoto?
Going back to Orvis in Banchory, l looked in there last week to browse the fly tying stuff but there was next to nothing. The guy I spoke said it was down to the area manager but he assured me it was going back to normal soon, so here's hoping.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/02/2017 at 20:44: I just remember the Spital shop was found on the corner at the crossroads with Merkland Road.

That was way back, would be over 20 years anyway.

Broons was always good. The prices for boxes of hooks etc seemed to be made up on the spot at the time of paying and were mostly lower than what they probably should have been.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Andrew Ashcroft on 21/02/2017 at 21:01: Aye that was Les's shop alright. Broons was a great shop, always had a good range of second hand rods etc.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/02/2017 at 21:46: (http://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/2_04_02_08_7_17_22.jpg)
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 22/02/2017 at 08:13: Les now runs a sandwich business. Buy my lunch off him every day. He had been living in Spain but came back. Still fishing but not as much

Not seen Richard for many many years. Last time I saw him he was living in Inch and working in town as a NDT bod.

I loved going through the back in Browns as you never ever knew what you were going to find!

What was the name of the shop that was just along from Browns? Richard worked there before he opened his own place.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Andrew Ashcroft on 22/02/2017 at 10:24: Richard worked at Farlows on Belmont st. He opened his shop on king st after Farlows closed.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 22/02/2017 at 10:38: Quote from: Binghill 0 on 22/02/2017 at 10:24
Richard worked at Farlows on Belmont st. He opened his shop on king st after Farlows closed.

You sure it was Farlows?
I remember the shop and bought my first proper rod from Richard (Ryobi Double Top, MG357 reel and Masterline floater along with a Barbour tackle bag) but I thought that it had a different name. Maybe old age is getting to me!
I used to love Browns as well Rob. Great shop!
Now I go to Angus Angling in Forfar for the same experience - lovely little shop, proper old school. The mail order service is second to none as well. Neil hand delivered a Guideline Farion to my house once with no extra charge. :z14
Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: allabootthetroot on 22/02/2017 at 12:22: It was John Dickson and sons that was on Belmont street all top of the range stuff in there. I used to go in as a scruffy kid we ma mates and ask for for a spring for my Diana air rifle cause we knew they did not stock such rubbish air weapons.

But the response was always funny or at least we though so. We dont stock Diana with a look of disgust only weihrauch and feinwerkbau. A did go back letter when i up graded to a HW80 :z4 :z4 :z4.

That said they had great flees and my Hardy fibalite was purchased from that shop.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 22/02/2017 at 14:26: Aye, John Dickson, that was it. :z16
Great shop! Still have the reel and the bag too. :z4

Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Thornton on 22/02/2017 at 15:25: The shop about forty yards below Browns on Belmont Street was Sharpes of Aberdeen. They actually made Farlows tackle.
You could get some quality (seconds) on the Farlows gear if you were acquaint any of the staff, particularly those who worked in the Sharpes factory.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Andrew Ashcroft on 22/02/2017 at 16:20: Aye Redfish your right it was as you say, I knew Farlows came into it. John Dicksons came later.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: allabootthetroot on 22/02/2017 at 17:36: A seem to remember woolies also had a fair old selection of tackle in the early 70s mostly sea stuff a think and it was right beside the pic and mix Braw.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Duncan McRae on 22/02/2017 at 19:39: Quote from: ivdffs on 22/02/2017 at 12:22
It was John Dickson and sons that was on Belmont street all top of the range stuff in there. I used to go in as a scruffy kid we ma mates and ask for for a spring for my Diana air rifle cause we knew they did not stock such rubbish air weapons.

But the response was always funny or at least we though so. We dont stock Diana with a look of disgust only weihrauch and feinwerkbau. A did go back letter when i up graded to a HW80 :z4 :z4 :z4.

That said they had great flees and my Hardy fibalite was purchased from that shop.

Yes,they had great flees.

I particularly remember the Alex Martin 'Parachute' dry flies which were deadly for the late evening troot rises on the Don.
They used to come in a bonny wee tin with a picture of a troot on the front.

Browns were great for rod repairs especially for my cane rods which got broken quite regularly.They never charged much for the service.

Duncan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 22/02/2017 at 20:21: Quote from: Duncan on 22/02/2017 at 19:39

Yes,they had great flees.

I particularly remember the Alex Martin 'Parachute' dry flies which were deadly for the late evening troot rises on the Don.
They used to come in a bonny wee tin with a picture of a troot on the front.

Browns were great for rod repairs especially for my cane rods which got broken quite regularly.They never charged much for the service.

Duncan

I think I have one of those tins in a drawer somewhere so I'll have a look later on tonight. Browns fixed my Grandads cane salmon rod a few times over the years - Sealy Octopus 10'6. Still have it but in my ignorant youth I fitted a Fuji reel seat...dick!
I may have to restore that when the price of oil goes up again.

Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 28/02/2017 at 10:10: Saw this on Facebook today :cool:

[facebook]https://www.facebook.com/orvisbanchory.flyfishing/posts/1856247391313057[/facebook]
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 28/02/2017 at 11:19: Spoke to the Manager on Sunday...Orvis have spent £50,000 on new display boards etc in direct response to feedback they received (possibly this website ;) ) :X2

In addition, more control will be given back to the store managers. The UK senior management team appear to have had their knuckles wrapped and told that fishing IS the Orvis backbone and will remain that way.

People power! Up the Revolution! :z2 :z2 :z2 :z2 :z2 :z2 :z2 :z2 :z2
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Iain Cameron on 28/02/2017 at 15:08: i was in to the store last week for the first time in a while - and the fishing gear had a reasonable amount of space, perhaps not quite as much as previously, but a decent floor coverage.

Nathan (who i think is the new fishing manager) had ordered something in for me, and although he was not there, the other staff were good and helpful, pulling out socks and waders to help me with trying on & fitting wading boots, and checking if I needed new wading studs etc.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/03/2017 at 12:52: [facebook]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1859100424361087&set=a.1389092674695200.1073741828.100007834417625&type=3&theater[/facebook]
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/03/2017 at 17:50: Nipped across to Banchory this afternoon to support the event. The tackle section is back down to the left as you enter the shop, as it used to be ..... and is looking much better than on my last visit :z16
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Hamish Young on 11/03/2017 at 17:55: Unfortunately no way I could make it to that and the trip to see Allan today had to be aborted due to small child tantrums in the car - I was unamused. :z10
Never mind, might go casting tomorrow to make up for it :z13
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Peter Davidson on 11/03/2017 at 19:45: It's time you realised - Hamish my boy - that everyone wears a seatbelt and does what their told in a car so please don't be influencing the younger generation with your small child tantrum😂
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Liam Stephen on 11/03/2017 at 21:39: Back to how it was when Ben was there. Good stufff :z16
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 11/03/2017 at 22:12: I wouldn't say that Liam, but much better than recent visits ........ I hope it proves a success :z16
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Andy Wren on 26/03/2017 at 18:11: I have a gut feeling Orvis might just be waking up to the loyalty of their fishing customer base being severely dissapointed.
Yes i like banochry Orvis ,however its a every few years visit .My Local on regent st is run by one of the I'm not really interested in fishing but clothes ,it shows ,
However Orvis recently has apointed a reasonably attractive ypung blonde as fly fishing ambassador UK, she was present on the orvis Stall (big)at the first london flyfishing fair ,almost all tackle or fishing clothing .Richard head of retail for many years was there looking rather under the cosh.
Orvis are also running freee casting sessions in green Park .
I am "lucky" I now have access to Farlowes and Orvis ,30 years ago the choice was huge!
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Iain Stewart on 17/04/2017 at 21:16: I agree I think too many are buying online to save £5 or £10 and loosing the local shops in the process. I really like going for a shop in Forfar at Angus Angling. Well worth a visit if you are into fly tying as they have a great range of stuff and can usually order in quickly if they don't. There is nothing beats getting up close with the items rather than hoping some spotty halfwit will pick a good cape for you on mail order!
Also seeing the same decline in the shooting world with big mail order stores sucking the life out of local dealers.

Tell the wife you are supporting the local economy and go out and spend the dosh locally. :)
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 17/04/2017 at 21:29: Yes Iain, I think shops like Angus Angling that carry a good stock of quality gear with an equally good online service have a bright future :cool:

Best wishes
Mike
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 18/04/2017 at 19:54: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 17/04/2017 at 21:29
Yes Iain, I think shops like Angus Angling that carry a good stock of quality gear with an equally good online service have a bright future :cool:

Best wishes
Mike

Aye they do. My visit today relieved me of £300 for a new pair of Guideline Laxa waders with free boots. I am much happier than my missus :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :z4 :X5

Neil is a top bloke and very cool to deal with. Just beware of his talent for selling stuff..... :z16

Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 20/04/2017 at 08:43: One tip for going to the shop, don't buy there nylon!!!!, it's crap, after being warned about its quality before we started fishing, it wasn't long till I was snapped by what could have been the best of the season..
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Liam Stephen on 20/04/2017 at 09:04: I should have just been brutally honest with you. Sorry bud! :X1

:z18
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 20/04/2017 at 09:13: Tippet and leaders is a funny subject ..... an excellent product for one person can often be rubbish for another :z8

I haven't tried Orvis tippet, but their Super Strong tapered leaders are superb ..... at least for me anyway :z4

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 20/04/2017 at 09:27: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 20/04/2017 at 09:13
Tippet and leaders is a funny subject ..... an excellent product for one person can often be rubbish for another :z8

I haven't tried Orvis tippet, but their Super Strong tapered leaders are superb ..... at least for me anyway :z4

Cheers
Mike

I have been using super strong on and off since Orvis opened in Banchory. I am convinced you get good and bad batches and I know this has been discussed before with others having a similar experience.

I currently have a bad batch...the last batch was spot on and I did not have an issue.

As for the leaders, again, good and bad. I bought new at the start of the season, and two Saturdays ago, set up a 4 weight and a 5 weight using 5x tapered SS leaders. One was fine, the other snapped at the knot on several occations when trying to tie on a fly. It got binned and a new one used..which was fine.

I am afraid I am about to bin £35 of tippet and replace with frog hair.....again.

Although I keep forgetting about your tippet Mike! :z8 :X1 :X1

I am a slow learner lol
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 20/04/2017 at 18:27: Quote
Although I keep forgetting about your tippet Mike! :z8 :X1 :X1

I am a slow learner lol

I haven't used anything else since Mike gave me a free sample a while back. The salmon sizes are the dogs but we still need them heavier Mike (hint hint :wink)
And I do like the Orvis leaders but now I'm concerned so back to the Hemmingway Furled for me

Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/04/2017 at 07:54: I've only been out a few times with Mikes stuff and only had a couple of fish, but I'm happy so far. My only addition would be an added elastic band or slider to hold the tipper in place on the spool as once the tape is off it can unfurl. Even then though it's not bad to be honest and mostly stays on the spool.

The 4lb is maybe thinner than I thought it would be but the 6lb is great. Need to order some 5lb.

I've pretty much always used Drennan Sub Surface Green. Used it for over 20 years. If spinning, it's Maxima Chameloen.

I've tried and failed with Flurocarbon. Probably due to my knots. I need to learn new knots but I've a habit of sticking with what I learnt as a kid.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Ali Mcewan on 21/04/2017 at 09:20: Yep Dave, il be going back to maxima, stood the test of time 👍🏻
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Dave Robb on 21/04/2017 at 09:54: It's just I baulk at the price of some of the fluorocarbon. Around £25 for 100m of Frog Hair?! Drennan Sub Surface green would cost £6.00 for the same amount and I swear by that stuff for loch / Stillwater fishing,

I find it hard to justify the extra cost but then maybe you catch more fish with the Fluorocarbon :z8?

I guess if I was comfortable with it, it might be good but people caught fish before fluorocarbon.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 21/04/2017 at 09:54: Quote from: Euan Innes on 20/04/2017 at 18:27
I haven't used anything else since Mike gave me a free sample a while back. The salmon sizes are the dogs but we still need them heavier Mike (hint hint :wink)
And I do like the Orvis leaders but now I'm concerned so back to the Hemmingway Furled for me

Euan

Hi Euan :z16

Re: heavier ....... What would be the most useful?

Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Hamish Young on 21/04/2017 at 12:03: Quote from: Mike Barrio on 21/04/2017 at 09:54
Hi Euan :z16

Re: heavier ....... What would be the most useful?

Cheers
Mike

Can't speak for Euan... but something in the 18-20lb range and something maybe 25 -30lb would be awfully handy for both fresh and saltwater use :z16

H
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 21/04/2017 at 13:47: What he said Mike :z4
16lb and 20lb for salmon. A spool would last for ages at 3' a leader on sink tips, as it does as 3' tippets on Rio tapered salmon leaders in the smaller weights. I do like a 12' tapered leader with a ring on the end and some Barrio 9-14lb tippet (the 11lb is my favourite :z13)

25lb and 30lb for the salt. Again in the short tippet sizes attached to the end of a 7"ps leader on my salt lines. The 30lb stuff I use just now is like a rope :cry

Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Allan Liddle on 23/04/2017 at 08:44: Quote from: Ali McEwan on 21/04/2017 at 09:20
Yep Dave, il be going back to maxima, stood the test of time 👍🏻

Green Maxima in 3lb for rivers and 4lb for lochs almost all i use. Brown and clear stuff is crap though.

Best by test? Mmmm not so sure, yes its strong but the diameters suggest it's rated a size down than it should be, i.e 3lb is 4 and 4lb 5 etc. In other words they're telling porkies :z4
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 25/04/2017 at 08:14: Quote from: Allan Liddle on 23/04/2017 at 08:44
Green Maxima in 3lb for rivers and 4lb for lochs almost all i use. Brown and clear stuff is crap though.

Best by test? Mmmm not so sure, yes its strong but the diameters suggest it's rated a size down than it should be, i.e 3lb is 4 and 4lb 5 etc. In other words they're telling porkies :z4

I would say they are telling the truth, but told porkies in the past :)

For years lines were very underated. Maxima 5lb breaks at about 7. The 12lb breaks about 16. These days if they say 5lb, it is more than likely going to break at 5lb.

The attached link is to a tackle shop down south that has tested numerous lines to find out what their true breaking strain is when using typical fishing knots etc.

Unfortunately its mostly in heavier versions, but you will get the idea. They do list Daiwa Sensor, 4lb goes at 5.88, 6lb at 8.5 etc etc. Of the more "modern" lines, they are much more accurate.

Also some tests on Fluoro lines as well...and they all seem to be over rated!

http://www.tacklebox.co.uk/pdfs/line_tests_issue7a.pdf
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/04/2017 at 12:14: [facebook]https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1887277681543361&set=a.1389092674695200.1073741828.100007834417625&type=3&theater[/facebook]
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 29/04/2017 at 13:56: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1887246961546433&set=a.1389092674695200.1073741828.100007834417625&type=3&theater
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Sandy Nelson on 29/04/2017 at 15:06: Quote from: Dave Robb on 21/04/2017 at 09:54
but then maybe you catch more fish with the Fluorocarbon :z8?

Not in my experience, hate the stuff and its not environmentally friendly either.
I like Nylon, Barrio tippet or Trouthunter, both have great knot strength and don't snap easily :z16

Sandy
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Thornton on 29/04/2017 at 16:10: With regard to Orvis I had a snoop around their shop yesterday. For anyone who may be interested they are selling a good selection of Cookshill fly tying materials at 75% off.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Graham Ritchie on 12/10/2020 at 10:19: I hear that the shop in Banchory is closing down at the end of this month.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Cameron deBoth on 12/10/2020 at 10:59: Quote from: Graham Ritchie on 12/10/2020 at 10:19
I hear that the shop in Banchory is closing down at the end of this month.

I received an email about that today, sad times.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 12/10/2020 at 14:16: Yes, these are very difficult times indeed :z6
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Steven Sinclair on 12/10/2020 at 15:26: Perhaps I am alone on this one but for me the last few times I have been in I couldn't help but feel there was an air of "snootieness" to the shop...

For example I went in dressed in jeans and trainers and hardly received any assistance and the staff seemed disinterested. Conversely when I happened to pop past in plus 4s and tweed jacket they couldn't have been more helpful...

When car salesman do this I will instantly walk away. Fishing/clothing shops are no different.

:z18

Steven.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 12/10/2020 at 16:47: Quote from: Andy on 12/10/2020 at 15:49
3. With Somers catering for the cheaper end of the spectrum, and the Loop outlets at Crathes and Insch allowing you to try on site before you buy, I’m not sure what niche Orvis occupies? The tweed-clothed affluent perhaps?

Orvis Banchory have always operated a try before you buy service, and even a "here's a rod, go and have a waggle over in the park" attitude if you are a regular customer. It was not unusual for me to be let loose with £1000+ of rod and reel knowing I did not have the means to pay for it (until a sale), :)

You mention Loop, but they are almost identical in range and price to Orvis and also offer no "low end" tackle, with both companies starting single handed rods at circa £230 going up to around £850.

Orvis and Loop are pretty much tit for tat on cost, performance and quality. Where Orvis excels is on the warranty. Loop advertises a lifetime warranty, but that is only on manufacturers fault. The first year of ownership has a "no questions asked" policy, but Orvis do that for 25 years.

I am certainly not affluent or someone who has fished the Tweed, but I get a coffee and a biscuit when in, and often spend time chatting and being made very welcome.

However, I entirely agree with the clothing and Dog side of things. The fishing seems to have been pushed out a little, and I know that's from HQ, not the managers that have tried to increase the tackle area. That has been a real shame.

I really feel for those who are about to lose their jobs, absolutely gutted for them.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 12/10/2020 at 20:08: Historically Banchory has never really catered for the "lower end " angler and all the owners over the last twenty five years have just tried to cater for the "rich" visitors. There was an exception during the Ben Dixon era in the Orvis shop and I believe the latest staff did try but orders from up on high are just that. They have just never really gone after the huge market that is the non salmon angler, or at least the non rich salmon angler.
When I heard that the shop was going I was not surprised. However, this is becoming a trend in Scotland. Now the Dee has two tackle shops to choose from, Somers and the Peake Brothers. Talking to a gillie friend of mine that fished the Tay this year, the House of Bruar is the only one between Inverness and Dundee, unless you fancy a drive to Blairgowrie to Crockarts or Flemings. Even Dunkeld has no tackle shop. Mortimers in Granton is the only one on the Spey, since Munros in Aberlour closed two years ago.
These shops are as rare as the salmon we are after and I can't see how the decline is going to stop. It would be nice to have a few wee tackle shops on all these rivers but in the face of internet shopping I don't think that will ever happen.
Can anyone see a way out of this?
Sad times indeed.

Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Ben Crichton on 13/10/2020 at 07:38: Sign if the times. Take Aberdeen city centre as an example. My Brutal opinion is, why should I haul myself into town to look for parking space that's too small for modern cars, pay 4 pound for the privilege then go to a shop that charges me more for a product I can get cheaper delivered to my door? Maybe shop owners and councillors need to be a bit more inventive in enticing people to shops
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Ivor Duffus on 13/10/2020 at 08:46: Frank N Snaelda also selling LTS Rods, Lines, Reels on Deeside. I guess you can try before you buy.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: James Laraway on 13/10/2020 at 10:01: Sadly every Orvis shop i has ever been to is not really a tackle shop. Its a clothing shop with a bit of fishing tackle on the side.

I think we are lucky up here in Inverness. We have Grahams, HIS have some tackle upstairs, the model shop in Dingwall and the one in Granton.

I try and use the model shop in Dingwall as much as possible even though i can most likely get my tackle online cheaper. Why ? I think its important to ensure they stay viable, and they are really nice people. Yes i dont but everything from there ( as they dont stock everything) but if I can I will. The last stuff i bought from them was a wee spinning rod and lures for drop shotting, plus a few fly tying bits. Not big money but every little helps. They probably were a bit more expensive but what is a few quid ?

here goes with a wee rant on my major bug-bears:

Tackle manufactures - if you manufacture in china charge me 'made in china prices'. I'm simply not going to pay top $ price for something manufactured on the cheap in a country with an appalling human rights record. Take note Hardy.....

Amazon - wont buy off them as they don't pay tax , pay rubbish wages to staff etc. If you buy regular off amazon to save a few quid you loose the right to moan about the state of the high street, the NHS and other public services lacking money etc

Apple - see comment on tackle manufactures. Plus they hardly pay tax...

so please support local business where you can and are able to :z16
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Rob Brownfield on 13/10/2020 at 14:35: Quote from: Andy on 12/10/2020 at 16:55
Fair point on the price of tackle being similar. But if I want to try out a double handed Loop rod I can go to Crathes and try it on the river; similarly at Loch Insch I can take it for an hour and try it for real on the water. I’m not sure if “a waggle in the park” really cuts it for me if I’m spending hundreds of pounds on a rod, hence why I’ve never bought from Somers either.

You could go down to the river as well. It was a 1 minute walk to the bridge.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Terry Coging on 14/10/2020 at 12:20: Re UK manufacturers marketing Chinese tackle....
Unfortunately some blanks require volume to justify the investment required to achieve the desired result. I also coarse fish and last year purchased a Drennan Acolyte float rod. The blank and build quality is amazing for the price. I can't source a UK blank that comes anywhere near to this one. I would be happy to pay the complete rod price for just the blank but it is just not possible.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Euan Innes on 14/10/2020 at 23:30: I agree with shopping locally James. Fortunately I have Angus Angling just down the road in Forfar, which is independent, great and just the best wee tackle shop (totally biased :wink) and Neil Anderson can get most things for me.
Somers, nae a fan....
Depends where you live. The model shop in Dingwall is magic and I could have spent a fortune on models I DO NOT NEED :z4
Great wee shop! And that is what we are lacking.. :mad

Euan
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Ben Crichton on 15/10/2020 at 07:33: Somers has new folk working these days and it's good now. I used to dread going, found certain members of staff grumpy, unhelpful and rude. Graham's in inverness is a proper tackle shop. Mortimers in Granton also very good and helpful. Theres an angling active in Dunfermline I haven't been to yet but I'm keen to look
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Loch Insch - David on 16/10/2020 at 19:31: Quote from: Rob Brownfield on 12/10/2020 at 16:47
Orvis Banchory have always operated a try before you buy service, and even a "here's a rod, go and have a waggle over in the park" attitude if you are a regular customer. It was not unusual for me to be let loose with £1000+ of rod and reel knowing I did not have the means to pay for it (until a sale), :)

You mention Loop, but they are almost identical in range and price to Orvis and also offer no "low end" tackle, with both companies starting single handed rods at circa £230 going up to around £850.

Orvis and Loop are pretty much tit for tat on cost, performance and quality. Where Orvis excels is on the warranty. Loop advertises a lifetime warranty, but that is only on manufacturers fault. The first year of ownership has a "no questions asked" policy, but Orvis do that for 25 years.

I am certainly not affluent or someone who has fished the Tweed, but I get a coffee and a biscuit when in, and often spend time chatting and being made very welcome.

However, I entirely agree with the clothing and Dog side of things. The fishing seems to have been pushed out a little, and I know that's from HQ, not the managers that have tried to increase the tackle area. That has been a real shame.

I really feel for those who are about to lose their jobs, absolutely gutted for them.

It’s a sad day when a local institution like Orvis closes, and I particularly feel for my good friend and Orvis Banchory manager Scott Rutherford. Great guy and I hope he gets sorted with something very soon.

But as has been commented on many times over the last few years, the Orvis fishing section was getting smaller and smaller, and internet sales for clothing/country wear were dwarfing shop sales.

Just for your benefit Rob, be a little bit careful when you’re stating your view of the Loop warranty please. Customer service and warranty is a crucial part of Loop.

All our rods are LIFETIME warranty. If you break one in the first year, and we don’t care if your dog has eaten it, you’ll get a new section FREE either same day from one of our Loop centres such as Insch or TwinPeakes at Milton of Crathes. If you cannot get to a Loop Centre, it’ll be sent out next day delivery again FREE of charge. If you’re on a local water, we’ll deliver it that day if possible!

After the first year, no matter how you break it, you will get a new section same day or next day. Should we not have a section immediately available, and the chances are tiny, we’ll give you an equivalent Loop rod to use until your section comes in.
If there is a manufacturer defect, the replacement will be free. If it breaks by any other way, there will be a nominal service charge. That is lifetime!

You do not need to send the rod away, you are fishing again immediately.

We have dozens of demo rods from our ranges at our centres, that can be fished with for the whole day with a customers lines or ours, at Insch or on the river. We want customers getting a proper fishing experience with a potential new rod, and they can make an easier decision like that.

David.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Hamish Young on 17/10/2020 at 18:19: When I became aware of the imminent closure of the Banchory store it galvanised my decision making processes.

Last week I advised Orvis HQ that I would be leaving the Orvis Endorsed Guide (OEG) programme when the doors close at Banchory.

It's been fun on the whole being an OEG and I've seen some great gear come (and go :!) over the past 15 years or so, but I have other priorities these days - especially with a precocious 6 year old demanding I take him fishing more often... what have I created :? :! :z7 - so it's time to move on and the closure of the most northern store seems like the time to go.

I intend to be there on the last day the store is open, work and COVID permitting.

H
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Nigel Passmore on 19/10/2020 at 11:24: Quote from: Euan Innes on 12/10/2020 at 20:08
There was an exception during the Ben Dixon era in the Orvis shop and I believe the latest staff did try but orders from up on high are just that. They have just never really gone after the huge market that is the non salmon angler, or at least the non rich salmon angler.

Euan

Does anyone know what Ben is up to these days? I haven't seen him for years.

Regards

NHP
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Mike Barrio on 19/10/2020 at 11:54: Quote from: Nigel Passmore on 19/10/2020 at 11:24
Does anyone know what Ben is up to these days? I haven't seen him for years.

Regards
NHP
BT / Openreach white van man ....... still in Inverurie :z16
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Nigel Passmore on 19/10/2020 at 13:57: Thanks for letting me know.

Regards

NHP
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Allan Liddle on 20/10/2020 at 08:31: Really sad to hear this and i feel for the staff and good friend Scott.
It's always sad when a tackle shop closes.
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Hamish Young on 31/10/2020 at 07:28: 31st October (as I type that's today :!) is the last day at Orvis Banchory folks.

I hear that the shelves are well-thinned, but may yet be worth a visit before the doors close for the last time :z16
Title: Re: Orvis Banchory
Post by: Hamish Young on 06/11/2020 at 05:47: (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/gallery/16-061120054413.jpeg) (https://www.fishingthefly.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=gallery;sa=view&id=6355)

I had this photo sent through to me by Scott of the sun settling down behind the store which is now very firmly closed. Seemed like a fitting way to close off the thread.

H