kemper Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 So I am looking to add to my collection of fishing gear and pick up a new pin this christmas from me to me. Been really looking at the Islander Steelheader anybody fish one and love it/hate it? Most of what I have heard says it is a great workhorse reel, exactly what I am looking for. thanks OFC Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassjnkie Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Used a buddies Islander a couple months ago, all I can say is "I want one". Spins great, yes it is build like a work horse, and handles great. Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kemper Posted November 17, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Of course this might mean another float rod...bashes head against wall. In the process of retying a 13'6" Okuma. I know, why? Why? because it gives me something to do, and if I hack it up, it was only an Okuma. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassjnkie Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 Just buy a new rod, actually the islander will look better on a Loomis 13' 4" Daniel Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbs Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 I got one this summer from solopaddler as my first centerpin. It has been fantastic so far. I defiantly wont need to upgrade any time soon. I would highly recommend it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solopaddler Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 I got one this summer from solopaddler as my first centerpin. It has been fantastic so far. I defiantly wont need to upgrade any time soon. I would highly recommend it. Glad to hear it's working out for ya! As far as the Islander goes it's a good serviceable reel, the Honda Civic of centrepins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoneFly Posted November 17, 2008 Report Share Posted November 17, 2008 I have no frame of reference as it is the only Pin I have used,..but it works great IMO. Everyone says it has slow start-up,.but using you trotting finger can help that. Looks great against the fresh chromers tooo...lolololol I know Ive posted this pic before, but I love how the fish is more shiney than the reel..!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steelhead hunter Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) BUY IT enough said kingsway has them on sale right now Edited November 18, 2008 by steelhead hunter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ironstone74 Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Picked up my Isalnder this July and I love it. Good start up, smooth operation, looks cool too!!! I got a good deal on mine new, send me a PM if you are interested. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbo Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) I had a G.Loomis & thought it was slick too. Wallacio still uses it I think! Edited November 18, 2008 by danbo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wallacio Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 (edited) Yeah Dan, I still have the Loomis...has landed a fish or two over the years and still sees regular action in the field. I also run a (grey) Islander and love it. Probably the best "production" reel on the market. Edited November 18, 2008 by wallacio Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kentooley Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Can't go wrong with an Islander. Keep checking the classifieds on ff.net...I found both of mine there(new) and saved a bundle. I'll keep my eyes open as well. Cheers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jdmls Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Dude, why didn't you tell me, you wanted one !! I would of let you fish mine a few weeks ago . You can fish it next time we get out...The reel is invincible, and as Solo stated " the honda civic of pins" , for more reasons than 1. I have had to do 0 maintenance on this reel, and I have fished it since march without a problem. Slow start up my AZZ , this reel starts up with the best of them... Any debris comes right out with a quick rinse. You don't even have to take it apart as the porting does a great job at filtering out any dirt.. The only thing I am not to crazy about is the spool size...It's a bit small for big rivers , and takes a lot more to retrieve line than a 4 7/8" reel, but for the Eastern tribs you fish, its perfect. If you want a used one, I will probably sell mine once the new Caddy comes in from the UK...Let me know if your interested...Although I will warn you. The crack heads on the SHWA may try to jump you when they see the GOOOLD, LOL !!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barracuda Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 That grey on the custom is a good look Wallico! Can't go wrong with an islander as your first or even your last. I'm loyal to the anspec though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kemper Posted November 18, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 Dude, why didn't you tell me, you wanted one !! I would of let you fish mine a few weeks ago . You can fish it next time we get out...The reel is invincible, and as Solo stated " the honda civic of pins" , for more reasons than 1. I have had to do 0 maintenance on this reel, and I have fished it since march without a problem. Slow start up my AZZ , this reel starts up with the best of them... Any debris comes right out with a quick rinse. You don't even have to take it apart as the porting does a great job at filtering out any dirt.. The only thing I am not to crazy about is the spool size...It's a bit small for big rivers , and takes a lot more to retrieve line than a 4 7/8" reel, but for the Eastern tribs you fish, its perfect. If you want a used one, I will probably sell mine once the new Caddy comes in from the UK...Let me know if your interested...Although I will warn you. The crack heads on the SHWA may try to jump you when they see the GOOOLD, LOL !!! You know I didnt even notice you were fishing one until I saw your pictures from a later trip. The thought never even crossed my mind haha. Ill definatly grab a drift or two next time out, see how I like it. Also fished the Raven Vectra SST 3...and fell in love with it. Wicked reel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floatman_mike Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 islander in gold is sexy. love the reel. so smooth especially when a fresh chrome makes a run. defiantly give the reel 2 thumbs up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANIMAL Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 I have had one for about 5 years now and its worked great for me. But I dont think I would buy one again, for I dont see the point in paying so much for such a simple style of reel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solopaddler Posted November 18, 2008 Report Share Posted November 18, 2008 I have had one for about 5 years now and its worked great for me. But I dont think I would buy one again, for I dont see the point in paying so much for such a simple style of reel. Islander is not a high end reel, it's more middle of the pack as far as price goes. Simple yes, but the machining is uber precise with most centrepins, waaay moreso than pretty much any other type of reel, and the process is painstaking and expensive. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANIMAL Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 Islander is not a high end reel, it's more middle of the pack as far as price goes.Simple yes, but the machining is uber precise with most centrepins, waaay moreso than pretty much any other type of reel, and the process is painstaking and expensive. Your absolutly right. I just havent seen much difference in functionality between the cheaper and more expensive ones. It seems, as the price goes up they just look more fancy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beats Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 Your absolutly right. I just havent seen much difference in functionality between the cheaper and more expensive ones. It seems, as the price goes up they just look more fancy. You could apply that statement to a whole lot of things. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DANIMAL Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 You could apply that statement to a whole lot of things. Very true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DRIFTER_016 Posted November 19, 2008 Report Share Posted November 19, 2008 Your absolutly right. I just havent seen much difference in functionality between the cheaper and more expensive ones. It seems, as the price goes up they just look more fancy. Just like the Wimmin!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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