timmeh Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Hey everyone, I've been fishing for steelies for the past few years and have been doing okay throwing hardware. The past year I spent a bit of time float fishing with a spinning reel. I was able to pick up a few fish and have learned a lot but would like to pick up a centerpin for the upcoming season. But admittedly I don't know a lot about them, including how much to spend. I've already got a rod, a 12.5 Fenwick to pair up with the reel. I was hoping to get a decent reel in the price range of $200 or so. Any recommendations for decent reels within this price range. What features should I be looking for in a good centerpin? Any models that people have had troubles with? Any advice would be great. Thanks in advance, Tim Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bondar Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 I would look into a used Islander gonna set you back a lil more than 200 i think unless you find a deal but its a solid reel that will last awhile alot of people use them and are happy with them for the price they are hard to beat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StoneFly Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Personally I think the Best bang for your $$ is an islander, however its north of $300 new,..take a look in the classified section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twocoda Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 Shefield will set you up in your price range of 200 ish ....being an entry level pinner you wont notice the difference between it or other more expensive brands....the key is ....learn how to use it properly ....by then youll be ready to upgrade and the reel would have served you well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillM Posted September 20, 2009 Report Share Posted September 20, 2009 For a first reel pick up something like an Okuma... Lower side of the dollar scale, but are a great bang for the buck starter reel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJL Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 (edited) For $200 a used Islander gets my vote. If you can find one, G. Loomis or Tournament Drifter reels (Essentially the exact same reel with a different name stamped on the backplate) are also nice if you don’t mind the heavier weight or the positioning of the handles. You could also look at Okuma’s 2 reels (Aventa and Sheffield) for around $150 to $250 new depending on where you get it. Both seem to be good reels for the price. In terms of features, most of it comes down to how well it feels in your hands when taped or screwed onto your rod. I personally don’t enjoy using some of the reels where the handles are too close to the rim (Like most JW Young models) or too close together (Loomis) - They are great performing reels though. In terms of performance, how long it spins after you give it a good whirl is not of huge importance unless you plan on batting the reel to retrieve your float + rig all the time. Regardless of how long you can spin the reel for, reels should start to spin with very little effort to get it to go (commonly referred to as “start-up”). Hope this helps Edited September 21, 2009 by MJL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigdritchie Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 $200 is a bit of an odd number where a centerpin is concerned. If you're looking at a new reel, then in my humble opinion you would be farther ahead to hold off until you can scrounge another $150 or so, because the difference between something like a $200 Raven or Okuma and a $350 Islander really is day and night. For two bills I would look for a good used reel. A gently used Islander is a great value IF you can find one - they tend to get snapped up pretty quickly. You might have more luck finding a good used Stanton, a Loomis/Tournament Drifter, or maybe an Aurora Barrington. I own all three, and they're all wonderful reels. You can sometimes find good used reels on eBay or Kijiji, but I'd suggest you watch local boards like this one. Chances are, you'll know something about the person you buy the reel from and even if you don't, you can probably pick it up in person and avoid extra charges for shipping or customs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jet Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 (edited) If you want a pin that can be used like a spin check this out!!: http://www.skreel.com/ I got my Okuma Sheffield off ebay for about $170 with shipping (bid), so that was a great deal. Like others have said for $200 that's about as good as it gets. Islander would be a great reel to buy if you don't want to reconsider your purchase one year later. It's toggles that line between entry and premium. So if you're the kind of person that tends to go affordable first only to upgrade shortly thereafter the Islander would be worth the extra cash. I have the Okuma Sheffield its a great reel, spins nicely (especially after a kerosene bath and oil massage) and once the fight is on, it performs like any good pin should. Edited September 21, 2009 by Jet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dave524 Posted September 21, 2009 Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 I started in the early 80's with a Grice and Young, it was a lightweight but serviceable bearing reel. They went out of business but I see that a company called " Eagle " has bought the tooling and is building several models again. Centerpin Angling has them for $99 new if you want to go that way. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
timmeh Posted September 21, 2009 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2009 Thanks for the replies guys. $200 was sort of a number I came up with since I didn't know exactly what to expect price wise. I'm on a bit of a budget and the thing is it's a bit of a drive to the closest steelie rivers so I'm hesitant to spend extra money on a reel that I won't use as often as I'd like. But I will definitely keep my eyes open for a used reel and consider my options. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbaquial Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 If you want a pin that can be used like a spin check this out!!: http://www.skreel.com/ I got my Okuma Sheffield off ebay for about $170 with shipping (bid), so that was a great deal. Like others have said for $200 that's about as good as it gets. Islander would be a great reel to buy if you don't want to reconsider your purchase one year later. It's toggles that line between entry and premium. So if you're the kind of person that tends to go affordable first only to upgrade shortly thereafter the Islander would be worth the extra cash. I have the Okuma Sheffield its a great reel, spins nicely (especially after a kerosene bath and oil massage) and once the fight is on, it performs like any good pin should. That's such an odd looking reel! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solopaddler Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 Islander....the Honda Civic of centrepins. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spoon Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 I have had fished alot of centerpins and there is only one that you will ever need; get the Islander, you wont regret it. I own some pricey centerpins but my favorite is still the Islander, and I own 2 now. Its only limitation is its size, if they only made a 5' I wish... spoon Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFish Posted September 22, 2009 Report Share Posted September 22, 2009 I know Center Pins range from $150 to over $600. My Question. As there is not a whole lot to them, what is the main difference between them all. Is it just weight and the different type of metals used?? I have a Sheffield and find it very smooth. I can't see how other reels could get a lot smoother. JFish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckster Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Look for a used Loomis ... Solid reel and u can get into one for $200 or less Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fishinguypat Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 i use a cheepo $30 spinnng reel for salmon the past 5 years and it has served me well Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KelfuN Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 i had a sheffield, and i thought it was smooth also.. until i picked up the king pin, 2 different worlds. I know Center Pins range from $150 to over $600. My Question. As there is not a whole lot to them, what is the main difference between them all. Is it just weight and the different type of metals used?? I have a Sheffield and find it very smooth. I can't see how other reels could get a lot smoother. JFish Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
denisk Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Don't forget to consider the waterways your fishin. Big water like the Niagara the Geen and even Sauble will fish different then those little toronto creeks or the south shore of erie. When casting and line retreival is an issue I'd want to make sure I made the right choice in reels Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kemper Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 I've owned two Ravens, both not overly expensive and both total workhorses. The matrix is a great starter reel...ugly as hell but just try to kill it...you cant. Purchased the SST3 vectra last season, cost a little more (but still on the cheap end) and performs amazingly well. Requires a little more upkeep but that doesnt bother me. Look into Raven, great stuff at low prices Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dobee Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 Islander....the Honda Civic of centrepins. which means you better keep an eye on it, or it will get stolen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justin elia Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 (edited) Agree with Solopaddler. But if your budget is $200, find one used as they usually retail for around $300 plus. Upgrade bearings if you buy new. Edited September 23, 2009 by justin elia Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blaque Posted September 23, 2009 Report Share Posted September 23, 2009 or maybe an Aurora Barrington. I own all three, and they're all wonderful reels. wow, I dont see that name come up often lol..........i also own one and its never given me any problems Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbaquial Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 which means you better keep an eye on it, or it will get stolen That... or the body is gonna rust before the innards begin to disintegrate. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbaquial Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 The matrix is a great starter reel...ugly as hell but just try to kill it...you cant. Heyyy now!! I have a Matrix! LOL!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kemper Posted September 24, 2009 Report Share Posted September 24, 2009 Heyyy now!! I have a Matrix! LOL!! I had one for a year...you cant tell me that it isnt ugly! but bashing it off rocks, dunking in the river and general misuse couldnt kill it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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