If I don't want to pay the price for an Islander..... what would you buy?

[redman210]

So... as the title says... almost bought 4 Islanders this year at Winter Harbour... but they wouldn't honour the sale price that was posted on the dock.... so what would you buy if you wanted to get a great reel but didn't want to pay that heft tag?

 

[Pineapple Express]

I haven't used them personally, but the R3EF reels look pretty decent at a lower price point.

I started fishing with Diawa M-One UTD reels which work fine, but after I fished Islanders at a lodge I was converted...the machining, the sound, the feel of the Islanders is pretty sweet. Maybe spend the winter looking on used sites (UsedVic/FB/CL/SFBC) for Islanders at a price you're comfortable with?

 

[scott craven]

2nd​

R3ef Mooching Reel​

about 1/2 the price of an Islander

 

[Stizzla]

Amundson TMX5

 

[kaelc]

Lots of islanders on Facebook marketplace these days. Throw out some offers, but check the sketchiness of the profiles to avoid hot ones, guy had is gold mr3 I think had an engraved gold one with his last name on it stolen last week.

 

[wildthing]

if you look after your tackle then Amundson are fine been using them for years no real isssue's they are a carbon drag reel of which same as a TR3 and you know the price tag on them ..... abuse your gear then go cheap as chips ...... like the old saying a poor tradesman only blames his tools

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

Coast

 

[Clint r]

Amundson.

 

[Eden Island]

I'll have to try one of these. Personally I don't think its my reels that are limiting me

 

[Sea Chaser]

I second the Amundson tmx5 I have 3 now and zero issues . Back the drag off all the way when not in use and give a quick rinse after every outing and will give you trouble free reels . Pulled My oldest one apart just for some maintenance but wasn’t even needed .

 

[Aquaholic]

Mitchell

 

[Fishalot]

My oldest MR2 is 18 years old and continues to perform well. Find a used Islander like suggested earlier.

 

[SpringVelocity]

2nd​

R3ef Mooching Reel​

about 1/2 the price of an Islander

That one. I just bought a second. Or a trophy reel.

 

[Eden Island]

We use Shimano and Daiwa. My M-One is 50 years old and had the paul [clicker] replaced about 45 years ago. I don't think we put in the fishing hours that many do on this site.

 

[Hardy Guy]

what ever you buy make sure you can get parts. I fix a lot of reels and not all have good product service and some none at all. I can get parts no problem for: Islander, Coast, Amundson, Diawa and Shimano. The rest can be hit or miss. bearings are not an issue as they can get ordered by size. the problem comes with drags, clutches etc.

 

[kingblazer84]

I’m on the TMX5 train as well

 

[Pippen]

I’m on the TMX5 train as well

Another for the TMX5 here.

 

[lemmy]

A used Islander MR2 , preferably a LA . Free spool ability is a must for me. Set the drag once , good for the day!

 

[Pewpster]

Any input on the sealed drag version of the r3ef reels vs the non sealed?

 

[Pearl dog]

2 tmx5’s problem free for years