Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum

Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ry the fly guy on May 29, 2014, 09:59:36 AM

Title: New centerpin reel
Post by: Ry the fly guy on May 29, 2014, 09:59:36 AM
I have purchased a brand new g.loomis classic steelhead from craigslist for a lot cheaper then I expected to pay and and it greatly increases my budget for a reel. Anyways my top 4 reels are probably the islander searun, islander steelheader, the raven T series and finally the JW young and sons super light weight. I have a $500 budget and would love to hear your suggestions.
-Thanks!
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: leapin' tyee on May 29, 2014, 10:13:43 AM
I have a $500 budget and would love to hear your suggestions.
-Thanks!

What about Kingfisher ?
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: DRP79 on May 29, 2014, 10:48:58 AM
Don Campbell makes a hell of a reel for little more than half your budget.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: mvelasco on May 29, 2014, 11:43:30 AM
On the low I believe the steelhead is good bang for buck. As mentioned the Milner will surpass your expectations as well and backed with a great warranty.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: fisherforever on May 29, 2014, 01:37:43 PM
Just talked to Don Campbell 5 minutes ago, he is no longer taking orders.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Ry the fly guy on May 29, 2014, 02:26:06 PM
I really like islander plus their office is only an hour away from where I live but I am looking into the kingfisher
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Ry the fly guy on May 30, 2014, 07:25:29 AM
Do not get the searun
Isn't the searun better quality? I can't find I thing about it online though.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: CnR on May 30, 2014, 07:49:02 AM
What about Kingfisher ?

+1

Although they're all over $500 new I'd also include the PFC DeMarco or Riverkeeper Lil' Frogwater in a bearing reel.  For bushing it's Milner all the way.  You should be able to find a used Milner just under $500, but the others are much harder to come by.  Expect a healthy wait if you do decide to get any of these beautiful bench made precision reels new. 
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: CnR on May 30, 2014, 07:58:30 AM
Isn't the searun better quality? I can't find I thing about it online though.

Same quality reel.  Different clicker mechanism.  Uses a lever mechanism on the rim instead of button lever on the back plate.  SeaRun is slightly smaller, but slightly heavier as well. Either model can be upgraded from ABEC 3 to ABEC 7 bearings, which is not needed for west coast rivers IMO.  Both are solid time tested reels.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Geff_t on May 31, 2014, 09:12:27 PM
Stay away from the searun. If you have your heart set on a Islander then go with the steelheader.
I have owned both and got rid of the searun as fast as I could as I found that it definitely was not built with the same quality that you would expect from Islander.
I own a few Milners and absolutely love them. The quality is top notch and are built to last more than a life time.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: bigblockfox on May 31, 2014, 09:59:14 PM
its mostly preference but i love the kingfisher. i have a steelheader and imw but the kingfisher sees the most action. bushing ftw
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Wool on July 31, 2014, 04:11:12 PM
Anything Milner.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: losos on July 31, 2014, 04:37:45 PM
Just type center pin reel in Ebay search engine. There are many different reels below $500 including Kingpins , JW young and son and T series from Raven.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: EZ_Rolling on July 31, 2014, 07:10:38 PM
I have 2 steelheaders love both of them(http://)
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Kenwee on August 01, 2014, 09:34:15 AM
Milner Kingfisher or the Manx. Best CP reels made locally in BC.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Pin-nook on August 01, 2014, 12:10:58 PM
Milner Kingfisher or the Manx. Best CP reels made locally in BC.



Nothing different with the Manx other than cosmetic and price but I'll take my KF's and a Talisman then an Islander over that any day and twice on Sundays!! ;D

I do love my Milner reels but if you are interested in an Islander Steelheader it's not a bad choice, they are solid and if taken care of would last you a long time. I have 1 as a backup to my backup but in terms of comfort, I enjoy fishing with a Milner reel because is sits thinner(except Talisman) on a reel seat but that's just my preference.

Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: jeetS on August 01, 2014, 01:09:57 PM
Just noticed a new, never fished milner kingfisher put up on the for sale section....
looks like a good buy and a beaut of a reel
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Ry the fly guy on August 01, 2014, 05:38:38 PM
Thanks for the help guys I decided on the steel header it seems like a really good reel and I got line for free.
Title: Re: New centerpin reel
Post by: Stewie on August 01, 2014, 09:50:08 PM
I have a few centerpin reels and I like the Islander Steelheader the best. Good choice.