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Islander Steelheader Fishing Reels
Fishing Reels Manufacturer: Islander
Islander Model: Steelheader
Review Category: Fishing Reels
Purchase: Fishing Reels I bought my Islander Steelheader from one of our local fishing/hunting stores, called Tyee Marine. The reason I bought this reel is because I was tired of hearing everyone say how much more fun it is playing a fish on a centre pin instead of a level wind. And there's something about that singing from the reel when that chrome steely doe is tearing line from your reel when its racing out of the pool down river. It gets your adrenaline pumping! The cost was $400 and worth every penny of it.
Things I like about the Islander Steelheader Fishing Reels: I love how smooth this reel is. Give the handle a whirl, and it spins endlessly. There's no initial tug when a fish takes out line, enabling you to use a lighter leader without fear of that initial tug that might snap that leader. Ther crafstmanship is bar none, its machined from a solid piece of aluminum, sealed bearings ready for any water condition you can sink it in and it looks great, especially in a picture with that prized steely you just played that lit up the pool you were fishing.
What I don't like about the Islander Steelheader: The only thing I dislike has nothing to do with the reel, its the transition from a level wind to a centre pin. It takes a day or two to get comfortable. The drag is either on, or off. No inbetween. You dont throw your presentation out, you swing it and feather the rim with your finger and stop it from spinning before it hits the water, otherwards you get that infamous birds nest. Remember how I said it spins endlessly? well your timing has to be good because that reel is spinning a lot faster than the line is coming off the water, so timing the braking of the reel is almost an art. Once perfected, if it can be perfected, casting and fishing is effortless and much more enjoyable.
Fishing Reels Steelheader quality: As stated above, its constructed from a machined piece of aluminum. Its not going to break, pieces arent going to loosen up on you. It has a sealed bearings so salt water? No problem. Maintenance? Pff, next to none, maybe add a drop of grease to the pin and the reel cassette sits on and you're good to go. It doesnt get any better, especially since you can have a nice traditional gloss black or modern flashy gold finish on it. I beleive there is or was a special edition chrome one available as well.
Steelheader summary: All in all, as a consumer, with no reason to say so, this reel is everything you need for a good day on the water. Its going to out last any other reel available. I've been through 2 level winds in 6 years, equivalent to more than the cost of this one reel and it's on its fourth year for me. This reel is flawless. Get one.
Rating for this Islander product: 5
Author of this review on Islander Fishing Reels: Andy Perry
Date: 2005-09-26
Usefulness Rating: 5 out of 5.
7 reader(s) voted.
This Islander Fishing Reels review brought to you by Hunting & Fishing Gear Review!
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