Talking with Ralf Vosseler - Fly Reels Made in Germany

 

From the Black Forest in Germany to the rivers and coasts of the world. Vosseler fly rolls.

Fly reels Made in Germany - this is what the name Vosseler has stood for for many years. And right from the beginning you can find the creations of Ralf Vosseler in our webshop. Reason enough to talk to the passionate fly fisherman about his philosophy in reel building and the latest models from his manufactory in the Black Forest.



adh-fishing: Hello Ralf! My first fly reel was also a Vosseler. The model RC1 came with a simple clicker, a knob made of nice wood and a slim aluminium frame. A minimalistic and lightweight reel, which accompanied me on my first steps at the local stream. And it still works perfectly today. Is that what people associate with your wheels? Timeless design, high-quality materials and reliable technology?

Ralf Vosseler: Hi Alex! I am thrilled that your first fly reel was our RC model. Thank you very much! High quality materials and reliable technology are now a basic requirement to survive in the market. We have placed enormous value on this from the very first hour. And our customers also appreciate this. When people buy something for their hobby, it has something to do with 'reward'. Reward for hard work. When designing, I try to orientate myself to the demand. Here the question arises for me: What do customers and retailers want anyway?

Vosseler



adh-fishing: In times of globalization and a dominance of American manufacturers, you have decided to produce fly reels 'Made in Germany' in your manufactory in the Black Forest in Southern Germany. How did you get this idea?

Ralf Vosseler: Globalization has not stopped at the German border for many, many years. But Germany also benefits enormously from it. I only see a dominance of American manufacturers in the fact that the American market is simply much bigger than the German or European market. Many Americans are patriots and enjoy buying American products. So I see a dominance of American manufacturers more as a market dominance. My company was founded in 1992 and already in the first year we produced components for reels. Due to various circumstances and coincidences this field of activity has developed further and further for us. Already in 1993 we were significantly involved as a supplier for other companies with our manufacturing know-how in reel constructions. Today, we are commissioned by manufacturers who no longer have their own production facilities to design, construct and develop reels. We not only build our own fly reels, but we also produce for other companies.

adh-fishing: You started with classic fly reels for trout fishing. Today your assortment includes reels up to line class 10/12 and they are not only used on single-handed rods but also for salmon fishing. Even in tropical saltwater. How do you approach the development of a new reel model?

Ralf Vosseler: I worry about what the market needs. I talk to dealers and customers and draw on my wealth of experience as a fly fisherman. An important step for me is to see what has worked well in the past. But I also look what can be improved and what is the state of the art. Then I start my program and start to create the construction and the model. The technology is now so advanced that we get a very good feeling for how the finished reel will feel based on these virtually constructed solid models. In doing so, we get all relevant data such as weight, volume etc. from the program. After that the work really starts! We build our first prototypes. Then the long test phase begins. A very nice and exciting time lies ahead of us now. Testing, discussing and improving. Until it fits and feels perfect. Often people in my environment say that I am a perfectionist - which does not shorten or speed up the whole thing.

Vosseler

adh-fishing: On the one hand, your reels are characterized by a timeless design. On the other hand, you always surprise with very modern elements. The Tryst, for example, combines carbon and aluminum and the new Passion fly reel with S-handle is also available in a version with carbon side plate. How do you manage the balancing act between tradition and modernity?

Ralf Vosseler: I try to create the balancing act between tradition and modernity by looking into the past, the present and the future. What was there, what is there and what could there be. What does the customer want, what do tackle shops want. With the Passion, for example, I think I have recognized that there is a demand for classic fly reels on the market. As an example: The brothers von Hofe did an excellent job in 1900 and I combined these classic components with modern elements and modern materials. Or as is often said: Form follows function.

adh-fishing: In recent years, the issue of sustainability has also become increasingly important in fly fishing. How do you deal with this in reel building?

Ralf Vosseler: We purchase our raw materials locally / regionally if possible. If this is not possible, we look for good suppliers close to our production. Our products are produced in Germany according to very high environmental standards. Our products have a longer lifetime, we can repair our products, we have spare parts in stock - even after the end of the reel series. Even for your RC1 you can still get spare parts from us. We are the direct contact for our customers when it comes to problems and their solutions. Our customers welcome the fact that our reels are manufactured here in Germany. A Vosseler reel goes directly from us to adh-fishing via DHL Go-Green shipping. It is not produced in the Far East, it is not shipped to America and then finally shipped to Germany. This way we save a lot of CO2 ;-)

 

Vosseler

adh-fishing: Let's talk about your latest models. The Air Two is the successor or further development of the Air One. What are the main differences?

Ralf Vosseler: The main difference is that the AIR-Two has a brake system and not just a clicker (like the AIR-One). The other processing and also the design are almost identical. With the AIR-Two, we have responded to the wishes of our customers and integrated our proven braking system. As a result, the reel is now also perfectly suited for sea trout fishing, for example.

adh-fishing: Another new model from your manufactory is the Passion Alu. Here you combine the classic look of an S-Handle reel with the latest materials and techniques. Where does this reel feel the most comfortable?

Ralf Vosseler: The Passion Reel with the S-Handle is certainly predestined for use on salmonid waters. In the small sizes it looks beautiful on a trout rod. We designed the large models with salmon fishing in mind. Here we get very good feedback and are proud that with the Passion many great salmon have been landed this year.

Vosseler

adh-fishing: If you look at your product range of the last years, colors play a big role. In the early days already, all of your creations were not only available in black and silver, but also in red etc. (e.g. the old RC1 reel). Spool and frame colors can be wildly changed and combined. This was not available so early at many manufacturers. Where does the love for colors come from?

Ralf Vosseler: This question is very easy to answer. We can only sell what the market wants or what the market accepts. And if the market wants colors, we provide reels in different colors. We produce in Germany and can adapt accordingly to market requirements and supply our customers with what they want. We receive a lot of feedback from our customers and this includes the fact that certain colors are desired. Manufacturers who have their production in the Far East often have to place their annual order for the coming season in October and therefore have to commit themselves to colors early on. This does not make things easy. We, as a manufacturer in Germany, adapt to the needs of the market and can also react at short notice.

adh-fishing: With the Air Two and the Passion Alu you recently introduced two new models. What are you currently working on?

Ralf Vosseler: The AIR-Two series is getting a new family member in line class #7/8, which is what many customers have been asking for and we are happy to comply with them. After that the new edition of the legendary S-Reels will start. Perfect for predatory fishing, but also ideal for salmon fishing. As soon as we are finished with it, you will be the first to know about it.

 

adh-fishing: Thank you, Ralf, for the informative conversation! Tight Lines on the water and we are looking forward to new creations - Made in Germany.

 

All fly reels from Vosseler in our store.

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