FLEX ROD Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Okay foalks, all the recent posts regarding Float Reels has made me want to go out and buy one, now the question is what to buy. I want to buy a good reel as I know that a good reel makes a heck of a difference and a good reel last my go to reels are 30 plus years old and I have had them since new. So I want a good reel but not sure what I should be looking at spending, do I go Raven do I go Islander if so what should I be expecting to pay for it? Help please, Thanks - FLEX - John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
super dave Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Lots of good makes and models out there. Probably one of the most popular is the Islander. I own and use one. Canadian made, light and super tough with really tight tolerance. Try checking out www.floatfishing.net. lot of guys dumping used equipment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 For a less expensive reel, I love my Streamside.. As long as you keep up with the maintenance, it should last you forever. Not to many moving parts to mess up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kemper Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Depends what you are looking for. Islanders are prooven, and workhorse reels. Personally I went with the Raven SST 3 for my new wheel, after using the cheap raven matrix for over a year and having nothing but great things to say about it. Some would tell you to stay away from raven stuff, others (like me) swear by it for reasonable prices and great products. Morale of the story, you dont need to go out and blow 800 bucks on a reel to have a solid reel that will last you a long time Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLEX ROD Posted January 15, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Thanks for the feed back, okay let me be more specific, is the Raven and the Islander like 50 dollars difference in cost? The Raven around 300 and the Islander about 350? If this is a case which one would be the one to look at? I do not plan on spending any more than I have to to get a good reel that will last me. Billm when you say keep up with the maintenance on the Streamside what exactly are you refereing to? Thanks guys, FLEX - John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kemper Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Thanks for the feed back, okay let me be more specific, is the Raven and the Islander like 50 dollars difference in cost?The Raven around 300 and the Islander about 350? If this is a case which one would be the one to look at? I do not plan on spending any more than I have to to get a good reel that will last me. Billm when you say keep up with the maintenance on the Streamside what exactly are you refereing to? Thanks guys, FLEX - John The raven will run you something like 309 and the islander more like 350 or so. Both can be had for cheaper used I looked at both and chose the Raven, its much lighter and had a better start up than the islander...that said the islander did seem to have a certain quality of finish the raven lacked, but imo the raven was the better buy for the water that I fish. You might pick them both up and buy the islander, its all personal preference Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pirlo06 Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 im on my third reel and I settled down with the Islander steelheader, best reel!! 4 to 5 hundred. dont let the price tag discourage you because if you end up settling for something cheaper then you will always wish you had that other reel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbo Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Buy used like has been mentioned already. What rod you buy determines what reel to get for balance. Join the Floatboard for details.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJL Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Islander has my vote as a bullet proof reel to last. A solid, well made reel that’s easy to maintain. I’ve taken spills with it and dropped it but my Islander keeps on ticking. There’s always a few used ones floating around somewhere usually for $200-$300 (or less) and they’re usually in great condition. A few years ago, some places use to retail them for $300-$325 brand new. I think the ones with the bearing upgrades are around $100 more (at least the one’s I’ve seen for sale). Great customer service too, my friend lost his reel pouch for a fly reel and they sent him one for free. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victor Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 i just started getting into float reels and my gf got me an okuma Aventa ... haven't used it yet so i can't tell you about it ... just a heads up though, if you do end up deciding to get the raven SST3, i see a new one on ebay right now for $270 US ... too bad the canadian dollar is so weak at the moment Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danbo Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 (edited) GLoomis is built like a tank. For big guys only. http://www.centerpinangling.com/centerpinreels.html Edited January 16, 2009 by danbo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Billm when you say keep up with the maintenance on the Streamside what exactly are you refereing to? John, I take it apart after a day of fishing, clean out the gunk and give the bearings a drop or two of 3in1 oil... Maybe I am over doing it, who knows Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highdrifter Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 John, I take it apart after a day of fishing, clean out the gunk and give the bearings a drop or two of 3in1 oil... Maybe I am over doing it, who knows I'm probably a little off key here, as I don't own a float reel, but 3 in 1?? Doesn't this oil contain a solvent? Wouldn't a true bearring oil work better? just wondering... Thanks Bill HD Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FLEX ROD Posted January 16, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Once again guys thanks for the input. Kemper, the Raven that you buy did you buy new or used? FLEX- John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 I'm probably a little off key here, as I don't own a float reel, but 3 in 1?? Doesn't this oil contain a solvent? Wouldn't a true bearring oil work better? just wondering... Thanks Bill HD It could, if so I'll start using something else Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highdrifter Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 It could, if so I'll start using something else May I suggest Abec 9 super oil?!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
River Rat Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 do not use 3 in 1 oil if you plan on fishing in the cold. Sewing machine oil works good. what ever oil you plan to use, put it in the freezer over night. If it still flows well after being in the deep freeze for 12 hours, use it. If it gets solid or fairly close, it will bind your reel in the cold temps. RR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 May I suggest Abec 9 super oil?!! Thanks dude, I appreciate the advice. The last thing I'd want to do is bugger up the bearings on the reel I just picked up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highdrifter Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 Ya mang, it's as slick as whale s**t on an ice flow... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelfuN Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 this is what i was told/personal experience... i started off with a sheffield, and still using it until today..it spins nice and the start up speed is moderate. but after playing with my friends purist II, i realized my pin is not up to par in terms of smoothness and startup speed. in conclusion, its always good to start with a decent ($200-300)reel, then work your way up to a better one..you WILL appreciate your pin more! some of you may disagree, just my 0.02 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadian_copper Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 hands down the islander!!!! flawless!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
centerpin_drift Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 i use a matte black stanton, best reel ive ever used, fits my hand like a glove. The only other reel i like other then my stanton is the J.W Young purist II. built like a tank and its made to last. the stanton and purist were bought on the same day 15 years ago and they have floated every season since, not alot of people use j.w but defintally something to check out. Cant complain with the islander and streamside, both great reels, and i know guys who have had them for years without any problems. http://www.jwyoungs.co.uk/reels.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
centerpin_drift Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 looks like stanton improved their original model last year, check it out http://www.adcockstanton.com/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
floatman_mike Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 what do you guys think of the spahr 1212? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
canadian_copper Posted January 16, 2009 Report Share Posted January 16, 2009 CANT COMMENT ON THAT BRO. NEVER EVEN SEEN ONE IN PERSON YET LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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