I know there probably aren't many of you guys in the USA using these reels, but I just found out today that after nearly 100 years in business, Alvey Reels is closing its doors. Sad day for the Australian fishing scene as their reels have been part of nearly every fisho's life in some form or another. I've got 2 reels and unfortunately for Alvey, just don't die, they last a lifetime despite the harsh conditions they are typically used in (beach and rock fishing), so many people don't need to keep buying them.

That is sad.
I brought a few over from South Africa where they were popular in the 70's and 80's until Daiwa SL's and ABU 9000's started to dominate. I get strange looks when i use one on the gulf coast but have had them for around 30 years and its still going strong.
I even have one of those ugly plasticky type ones with the built in tamer loop. That one is great for casting a 1 oz pomp setup 150 plus yards. That stops looks and gets questions. Then they see the one to one retrieve and walk away.
I had a pair of the metal Fuji copies in the late 70's or early 80's that fell apart in weeks.
Alvey were tough.

Too bad. In the Americas, IMO the most relevant reel Alvey made has been the salt water fly reel. I have a couple of them, made 40 years apart, and the differences between them are pretty much only cosmetic. They are heavy though. These are the ones to use for the toughest critters ranging from King Salmon, to sharks, GT's and tarpon, etc.