Without divulging too much proprietary information, Jeff Patterson explains the Abel anodizing process and the various tiers of graphics available from Abel.
Solid/Satin Finishes +100
In addition to our world famous high gloss black coral (™) anodized reels we offer 11 different solid color anodized finishes to compliment your preferred fly rod, share with pride your school or pro sports team fan colors, or simply because it is your favorite finish. We also offer a textured, non-glare Satin finish that is skillfully silicon bead blasted by hand for greater durability, and available in 4 different solid colors.
Tier 1 Graphics: 4hrs+ Hand Crafted Finishes (Base Price +$250)
“These designs are actually painted by hand?” We get that question all the time when our products are on display at the fly fishing shows we attend, and YES, they absolutely are. We developed a proprietary anodizing process that allows our art department to painstakingly apply by hand the various colors on our products with a paintbrush. While these finishes are “painted” on, it is important to know that the colors are actually anodized, and will not chip or fade over time. Each hand-painted finish in our Tier 1 category requires a minimum of 4 hours artistic anodizing time to accomplish, and can certainly be considered a one-of-a-kind heirloom reel.
Tier 2 Graphics: 7hrs + Hand Crafted Finishes (Base Price +$400)
The detailed studies we conducted in our art department have proven that some of the graphics we hand-paint take much longer than others to complete, and only a limited number of our factory trained artists can execute our most difficult patterns. The complex designs in our Tier 2 category require at least 7 hours of our hand painting, and artistic anodizing process resulting in an iconic product available only through the team at Abel Reels.
Artist/Signature Finishes (Base Price + $700)
We’re honored to feature, and replicate the work of a few of the most talented artists in the fly fishing industry. Derek DeYoung, Andrea Larko, and Jon Osiris are also each great ambassadors for our sport, and we’re proud to have teamed up with them to provide select examples of their beautiful artwork on Abel Reels. As usual with Abel, we are not cutting any corners in order to bring you the best products available. The Artist/Signature Series of our tiered graphics require a minimum of 10 hours of hand painting and artistic anodizing time, and in some cases over 14 hours to replicate. Our top team members in the Abel art department utilize a single bristle paintbrush to accomplish sections of these difficult graphics, but in the end an incredible piece of artwork is completed and worthy of the original artist’s name engraved on the reel.