ORVIS Mach Quick Start Manual Download Page 1

THE ORVIS COMPANY | ANDOVER, HANTS, UK | www.orvis.co.uk

Orvis Technical Questions: [email protected] or 

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 44-1264-349526

INTRODUCTION

The Orvis Mach fly reel series features an efficient large arbor design, one 

of the strongest drags on the market, lightweight machined bar-stock alu-
minum construction, and a durable, high tech, anodized finish. It is built to 
withstand the rigors of saltwater, salmon, and steelhead angling.

•  Large arbor design for faster line pick-up, maximum backing 

capacity, more consistent drag, and less line coiling.

•  Fully machined from bar-stock, aircraft-grade 6262-T6 aluminum with 

a hard anodized finish for durability in any environment, Mach series fly 
reels are one of the lightest big game reels on the market.

•  Infinitely adjustable true center drag with eight Broflon and stainless steel 

plate interfaces makes it as strong as any reel on the market.

•  Four sizes for pursuit of big game species around the world.

DRAG OPERATION

The easy drag adjustment has detents for maintaining drag 

settings. The drag knob has 630 degrees of adjustment or 
1¾ turns. This provides controllable and repeatable settings 
suitable for any type of fishing—from trout to the toughest 
saltwater species—with zero start-up inertia and the power to 
stay smooth on extended runs and high drag settings.

Turn the drag knob (A) clockwise to increase drag pres-

sure; turn it counterclockwise to decrease pressure. The minimum drag setting 
should never be less than the pressure required to prevent over-running of the 
line on fast runs. Additional drag may be applied by palming the spool rim 
with your fingertips or palm.

LEFT-HAND CONVERSION

The Mach reel features a zero-backlash clutch bearing, 

ensuring smooth operation and instant pickup on hard takes, 
protecting your tippet. All reels have the drag factory installed 
for right-hand retrieve. It can easily be changed to left-hand 
retrieve as follows:

1. Remove the spool.
2.  Unscrew the clutch retainer located on the

spool rear.

3.  Remove the clutch unit, flip it over so that the stainless face is outer-

most, then replace it in the housing.

4.  Re-tighten the clutch cover to firm finger tightness and re-fit 

the spool.

DRAG ADJUSTMENT

Should adjustment of the drag system be required, it can be carried out as 

follows:

1. Set drag to minimum.
2.  Loosen drag knob retaining screw (#1).

 

This screw has a left-hand (counter-clockwise) thread.

3.  Remove the drag knob (#2) and drag stop (#5), taking care not to lose 

the spring and plunger (#3,4).

4.  Turn the drag adjustment nut (#6) 1⁄12 turn clockwise to increase drag, 

counter-clockwise to decrease.

5.  Replace the knob and slider, ensuring they are in the same position they 

were when you removed them.

6. Ensure that front drag cover (#20) is finger tight.
7.  Replace the drag knob screw and test drag. The above procedure can be 

repeated until the desired range is achieved. Alternatively, your reel can 
be completely serviced (cleaned, lubricated, and returned to you post-
paid) by Orvis for a fee of $10 plus cost of parts. Refer to ‘Guarantee’ 
section for postage details.

ROUTINE MAINTENANCE

Your Mach reel has been designed to provide long and reliable service, 

even in the harshest conditions. Like all precision instruments, it requires a 
little care and maintenance to keep it operating in tip-top condition.

ROUTINE CLEANING

After contact with dirt or sand, and every time it is used in salt water, your 

reel should be cleaned as follows:

1. Remove the spool.
2.  Soak both body and spool in warm, fresh water, and rinse under fresh 

running water.

3. Ensure the body and spool are completely dry before re-assembly.
4.  For extended storage, loosen or remove line and backing and set the 

drag to minimum. Never put the reel away wet or into a wet reel case 
or tackle box.

SERVICING

Your reel should be routinely serviced, cleaned, and lubricated twice each 

year, or more frequently if the reel is used for extended periods in salt water. 
The service procedure is as follows:

1.  Thoroughly clean the reel as described above in the ‘Routine Cleaning’ 

section. For thorough cleaning, the front drag cover (#20) can be moved. 

Before removing the drag cover, the drag must be set to 
minimum. 

If adjustment of the drag system is required, refer to ‘Drag Adjustment’ sec-

tion.

2.  Lightly lubricate all moving parts–handle, quick release, bearings, and 

center spindle–with reel lube, available from tackle shops. 

 Do not allow lube into the drag system, as this will 
diminish the drag performance of the reel.

3. Wipe the body and spool with a lightly oiled cloth.
4. Check all screws for tightness.

QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about the operation and maintenance of your 

new reel, Orvis Technical Advisors are always available. Email: 
[email protected]

GUARANTEE

Your Orvis Mach reel is unconditionally guaranteed against defects in 

materials and workmanship.

If you have any problems, simply send your reel to the following address: 
The Orvis Co. Inc.
Unit 30a North Way
Andover, Hants
SP10 5RW

Mach

A

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