Merco Rite Bobbin Shorty Reviewed

Pros

• The adjustable drag makes 10/0 thread much easier to tie with.
• There is no need to wrap thread around the bobbin to provide tension.
• It's possible to temporarily increase tension by squeezing bobbin.

Cons

• The lack of semmetry is awkward when grabbing it without looking first.
• Very light.  I like a little heft to really feel in control of the bobbin.
• Once the spool is on the bobbin the label indicating make, size and weight is hidden.

Summary

This is an awesome bobbin for tying micro flies.  Being able to dial in a gentle tension really helps to prevent those incredibly frustrating thread snaps.  I like being able to squeeze the bobbin - which increases tension - when I am snugging the thread.  There aren't many moving parts, but it's not your 1-piece standard bobbin either.  It takes a bit of extra time and fuss to change thread.  The price tag was reasonable, if for no other reason than being able to tie a #20 fly without worrying about snapping the thread.  This is certainly a nice bobbin.  Check it out at www.ritebobbin.com

Switching spools takes a bit longer.

Bottom Line

The Rite Bobbin is an improvement on the standard bobbin design by a bunch.  I have tried it with heavier threads, but its role on my table is 8/0 thread and smaller - which is where it really stands out as a great bobbin. 

The tension dial is easy to adjust