Stepping into the world of handloading can feel like a monumental decision. You’re not just buying a tool; you’re investing in a new hobby that demands precision and consistency. Two names consistently pop up for those starting their journey: the Lee Precision 90685 and the Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Kit. One is a bare-bones press, the other an all-in-one solution. Honestly speaking, the right choice depends entirely on your approach to the bench.
This comparison cuts through the marketing to look at what you actually get. We’ll pit the standalone Lee single stage press against the comprehensive Frankford Arsenal reloading kit. From build and workflow to long-term value, heres a detailed look to help you make an informed decision for your reloading bench setup.
Head-to-Head Overview: Lee 90685 vs. Frankford Arsenal F-1
At first glance, these are two very different propositions. The Lee Precision 90685 is a focused toola classic cast iron single stage press sold by itself. Its the core component around which you build your own custom kit. The Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials, conversely, is a complete reloading starter kit. Its designed to get you from zero to loaded rounds with one purchase, featuring the F-1 press at its heart alongside scales, measures, and essential reloading accessories.
This fundamental difference shapes every aspect of the comparison. Are you a tinkerer who wants to hand-pick each component? Or do you value the convenience of a coordinated set where everything is tested to work together? My honest take is that your answer to that question will guide you more than any single feature.
| Feature | Lee Precision 90685 | Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Core Product | Standalone Single Stage Press | Complete Reloading Kit |
| Frame Material | Aluminum | Not Specified (Press is Steel) |
| Press Type | Single Stage | F-1 Single Stage |
| Handle Location | Bottom Center | Not Specified |
| Key Selling Point | Proven, Simple Design | Kit Completeness & Premium Tools |
| Ideal For | Build-Your-Own Kit Enthusiasts | Beginners Wanting an All-in-One Solution |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Detailed Feature & Component Breakdown
Let’s get into the nuts and bolts. What are you actually purchasing with each option? This is where the Frankford Arsenal kit’s stated intention shinesto eliminate the need to upgrade obsolete tools later.
Lee Precision 90685: The Bare Press
The Lee 90685, often associated with the Lee Challenger Breech Lock system, is a no-frills workhorse. Its frame is constructed from aluminum, offering a solid foundation for the essential reloading operations. The handle is positioned at the bottom center, a classic design that provides good leverage. Its a single stage press in its purest form, meaning you perform one operation (like sizing or seating) on a batch of cases before moving to the next step. This method is renowned for fostering consistency and is excellent for precision reloading or methodical beginner reloading.
What it lacks is everything else. You will need to source dies, a scale, calipers, a priming tool, and all other case prep equipment separately. This is its greatest weakness and its greatest strength. The weakness is obvious: higher initial effort and research. The strength is that you can select each component based on your specific needs and budget, potentially ending up with a higher-quality ensemble than any pre-packaged kit.
Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Kit: The Turnkey Solution
Frankford Arsenal designed this kit to encompass every aspect of the reloading process. The Frankford Arsenal F-1 Single Stage press is the centerpiece, a robust steel press around which the kit is built. The included components are notably more premium than typical starter kit fare, aiming for long-term usability.
The kit includes:
- F-1 Single Stage Reloading Press
- Benchtop Powder Measure
- Hand Primer
- Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit
- Digital Calipers
- DS-750 Powder Scale
- Powder Trickler
- Universal Reloading Tray
From my honest perspective, this list addresses about 90% of what a new reloader needs outside of dies, shell holders, and consumables. The adjustable seating system on the press is a highlighted feature for ensuring perfect bullet depth. The inclusion of a digital scale and calipers from the start is a significant advantage for achieving the precision that handloading promises. For a deep dive into how different press designs affect workflow, our comparison of another Lee and Frankford model offers more precision insights.
Performance & Usability Comparison
How do these options feel on the bench? The experience differs dramatically due to their scope.
Workflow and Ease of Use
For a true beginner, the Frankford Arsenal kit wins on day-one usability. Everything is matched and designed to work together. You unbox, mount the press, and have a coherent system. The learning curve involves reloading process itself, not troubleshooting mismatched equipment. The reloading workflow is streamlined quality tools for each step.
The Lee 90685 requires you to architect your own workflow. You choose the primer tool, the scale, the calipers. This can be daunting but also empowering. If you enjoy research and customization, this path lets you build a bench that perfectly fits your style. However, it demands more initial time investment and a higher degree of self-education from authority guide sources like Hornady or RCBS.
Build Quality and Feel
The Lee press uses an aluminum frame, which is plenty strong for standard reloading duties. It’s a proven design that has served reloaders for decades. The Frankford Arsenal F-1 press features a steel construction, which typically translates to a more solid, vibration-free feel during operationa small but noticeable quality for precision reloading.
A critical point often overlooked in reloading press comparison is long-term maintenance and compatibility. The Lee press uses standard 7/8″-14 threads, making it compatible with dies from any major manufacturer like Lee, RCBS, Hornady, and Redding. The Frankford Arsenal press also uses this standard thread. I honestly believe this universal compatibility is non-negotiable; it future-proofs your investment. Warranty and customer service are also key. Lee Precision is known for strong customer support and readily available parts, while Frankford Arsenal, as part of a larger conglomerate, has a more formalized warranty process. Checking the current policies on their official source pages is always wise.
Value Analysis: Price vs. What You Get
This is the crux of the decision: which is better for a beginner Lee 90685 or Frankford Arsenal F-1 when considering value?
The Lee 90685 has a lower upfront cost. But that’s misleading. By the time you purchase a quality scale ($80-$150), digital calipers ($30-$60), a hand primer ($40-$80), a powder measure ($50-$100), and other basics, your total investment will likely meet or exceed the cost of the Frankford Arsenal kit. And you’ll have spent hours sourcing it all.
The Frankford Arsenal F-1 kit’s price reflects its comprehensiveness. You’re paying for convenience, coordination, and the assurance that the components are designed to work in harmony. The review of the Frankford Arsenal F-1 kit included accessories consistently notes their quality exceeds “starter” grade. The powder scale and digital calipers alone represent a significant portion of the kit’s value.
Speaking honestly, if your budget is tight and you plan to acquire tools slowly, the Lee path lets you spread costs. If you have the budget and want to start loading quality ammunition immediately, the Frankford kit presents a compelling, high-value package. The debate on Lee 90685 breech lock system pros and cons often centers on its speed, but remember, the basic 90685 model may not include the breech lock bushingsthey’re a separate purchase, another hidden cost to factor.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
So, which one should you bolt to your bench? My honest assessment is that there is no universal winner, only the right tool for the right shooter.
Choose the Lee Precision 90685 Cast Iron Reloading Press if:
- You enjoy researching and hand-selecting every component of a system.
- You already own some reloading tools (like a scale or calipers) and just need a press.
- You have a very constrained initial budget and plan to build your kit over months.
- You are a tinkerer at heart and value the journey of building your perfect setup.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Essentials F-1 Reloading Kit if:
- You are a true beginner and want a single, coherent kit to start with.
- You value convenience and want to minimize the research and sourcing phase.
- Your budget allows for a larger initial investment to save time and hassle.
- You want quality accessories from the start and dislike the idea of immediate upgrades.
Regarding Lee Precision press vs Frankford Arsenal kit durability, both are built to last for a typical reloader. The Lee has a decades-long track record of reliability. The Frankford Arsenal kit uses modern materials and construction that feel substantial and are designed for long-term use.
For the majority of new reloaders in 2026, the Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Kit is the more practical and satisfying choice. It removes significant friction from the startup process, letting you focus on learning the craft itself. The included tools are of a quality that won’t have you itching to replace them in six months. However, for the enthusiast who sees the bench itself as a projectwho reads every catalog and guide and browses sites like Inline Fabrication for upgradesthe Lee 90685 offers a blank canvas. Its the foundation for a deeply personalized reloading experience.
In the end, your first press is a gateway. Whether you choose the minimalist foundation of the Lee or the complete workshop of the Frankford Arsenal, you’re stepping into a rewarding pursuit. Just remember to always follow safe reloading practices. And for more direct comparisons to help narrow your focus, that’s the Honest Opinion we strive to provide at every turn.