I just bought my first Orvis products - a LA Battenkill reel (No2) and a spare spool. I bought them seperately through the Orvis website. I bought them because I think they look really cool - and they will generally be used for trout fishing. I've heard good things about the reels, but really, their looks are what swayed me to purchase, and the sale price...
Generally when I think of Orvis I think they have that "snob" association...I don't know why that is, other than that they tend to be high priced and they've been around for a long time - and people generally associate them with the "snobby" side of fly fishing (elitist, we're better than you attitude).
However, I've noticed that Orvis tends to back a lot of stream restoration and fish rehab/conservation projects, and I think they are top-notch on customer service.
How are they any different than Patagonia? - which is also high priced, has been around for a long time, supports stream restoration and conservation, yet generally has a much more accepted brand...
I do think that part of it is the "feel" customers get when they walk into a store. Walk into Orvis, and it "feels" a bit "high class" or "snobby"...walk into Patagonia and it "feels" much more laid back and relaxed...that has to do with the attitude of the hired help, the interior design of the store, and the products on display...
Interesting topic - I'd be curious to know what you learn...
CB
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