For many fly fishing purists, an Ari T. Hart (ATH) reel is more than just a piece of tackle; it’s a functional sculpture. Among the pantheon of ATH designs, the Remco S1 stands out as a masterpiece of Dutch engineering—minimalist, avant-garde, and inherently collectible.

However, these reels often present a frustrating challenge for the modern angler. Many of the vintage units found on the secondary market are fixed in a specific winding direction. Because of their complex, non-traditional internal architecture, "switching the clicker" isn't a simple five-minute task like it is on a modern Sage or Orvis.

If you’ve found yourself with a Left-Hand Wind (LHW) S1 when you strictly retrieve with your right, you’ve likely been told it’s impossible to change. We’re here to tell you that’s no longer the case.

The Challenge: Why the S1 is "Stubborn"

The Ari T. Hart S1 doesn't use a standard symmetrical pawl system. Its internals are a tight, idiosyncratic arrangement of precision-machined components designed to provide that signature ATH "purr."

In its original factory state, the orientation of the drag engagement and the mechanical timing of the spool rotation are "baked in." To reverse the wind, you can't just flip a bearing; you have to physically relocate and re-orient the internal geometry. For years, this meant anglers had to adapt to the reel, rather than the reel adapting to the angler.

The Problem with "DIY" Conversions

Attempting to force a conversion on an S1 without the proper equipment usually leads to two outcomes:

1. Mechanical Scarring: Using standard pliers or punches on the delicate alloy.

2. Timing Issues: A reel that feels "gritty" or loses its structural integrity under the pressure of a running fish.

The Breakthrough: Our Custom Tooling

Because we share the same obsession for ATH reels as our clients, we weren't satisfied with the "it can't be done" answer. We invested in the R&D to develop bespoke, proprietary tooling specifically engineered for the S1’s unique architecture.

Our custom-machined jigs and calibrated presses allow us to:

• Access the Inaccessible: We can reach the internal locking mechanisms without applying torque to the frame, preventing any warping or "out-of-round" issues.

• Precision Re-Indexing: Our tooling ensures that the conversion from Left-Hand Wind to Right-Hand Wind is accurate to the micron. This maintains the smooth, consistent resistance Ari T. Hart intended.

• Zero-Trace Maintenance: Because our tools are designed to fit the exact tolerances of the S1, we leave no marks, scratches, or evidence of the transition. The reel remains in "collector grade" condition.

The Conversion Process

When an S1 arrives at our shop for a LHW to RHW conversion, it undergoes a rigorous multi-step process:

1. Diagnostic Evaluation: We check the current state of the drag and the tolerances of the spool to ensure the reel is a healthy candidate for conversion.

2. Precision Teardown: Using our custom tools, we bypass the "permanent" factory seals to access the heart of the winding mechanism.

3. The Re-Orientation: We physically re-index the internal drive. This isn't just a flip; it’s a mechanical recalibration.

4. Cleaning & Lubrication: While the reel is open, we perform a deep clean and apply museum-grade lubricants to ensure the "song" of the S1 is better than the day it left Holland.

5. Bench Testing: We simulate the run of a heavy fish to ensure the RHW engagement is rock-solid and the drag remains silky.

Why It Matters

The Ari T. Hart S1 is a legacy item. By offering a professional, tool-assisted conversion, we are helping these reels stay on the water rather than sitting on a shelf. Whether you’re a right-hand retriever who just found a "deal" on a left-hand model, or you’re passing a family heirloom down to the next generation, we provide the mechanical bridge to make that reel functional for you.

"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." > — This philosophy guided Ari T. Hart, and it guides our conversion process.

Ready to Flip Your S1?

Don't let a "wrong-sided" wind keep a masterpiece out of your rotation. Our shop is one of the few places globally equipped with the specific tooling required to handle this delicate surgery.