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[Zpg]

I am replacing my 8/9wt reel and want to buy one that I will never want to replace again. Price is not an issue. I am thinking about the Islander LX3.8 or LX4.0 but would love to hear some other opinions/suggestions/experiences and thoughts. The reel will be used in both salt and some rivers for salmon.

TIA

[Fish Assassin]

I own a LX 3.8. As Don Cherry would say: "It's a beauty"

[marmot]

I really like my Lamson ...they make a slick reel.  Very light too.

[mastercaster]

I own a LX 3.8. As Don Cherry would say: "It's a beauty"

Can't go wrong with these.....I have some of the LA's, as well......smooth as silk!

[jetboatjim]

only one name besides tibor for saltwater BILLY PATE, one of the best reels for the money.

[Sandhead]

if price were no issue it (unfortnately it is) i'd be looking at either a islander or Sage 3000 series. Ive always like the way the Sage's have looked and  the few opportunities that i've had to test them out they have performed very well. But the islander is a work of art

[marmot]

I have a sage 3000 series reel and I won't be buying one again.  They are just OK for the money.

[Sandhead]

I have a sage 3000 series reel and I won't be buying one again.  They are just OK for the money.

Very interested in knowing more....

[marmot]

Ya, about the sage, it's the drag really that is my biggest gripe.  I find that it isnt as adjustable as I want it to be and I think the strength of the plastic on the clicker is crap.  I've been through one already and my reel is only a couple of years old.  Its a decent reel but for the money like I say I prefer my lamson, it just feels a lot smoother. 

The sage isn't a bad reel by a long shot but they are expensive. 

[Zpg]

Thanks for the input guys!

I think I have narrowed the decision to 3 (might consider the Hayden if it can be serviced locally).

Abel Super 9
Nautilus NV 8/9
Tibor Everglades

I am going to shop around on Monday and see how these reels feel. Unfortunately there is nobody that I can find that stocks the Tibor, even though there are 4 authorized dealers here

[marmot]

Nice reels....don't think you can go wrong with any. 

While we're talking about islanders....what do you guys think about cork disc drags vs the click pawl ones they use?  Anyone have both and prefer one or the other?

[Jonny 5]

I like click pawl because it is super reliable, but it doesn't give much drag...  Also has that added bonus of letting all your nearby fisher know when you're into a big fish 

Cork is nice and smooth and I like it... So far I haven't had any problems with dirt or salt affecting their drag performance, but its only been a year or so...

I also have a reel with a sprag clutch in it, and although its a good idea, its REALLY unpredictable with the tiniest amount of dirt inside, so I don't trust it for big fish.

*Should add that I don't own any islander reels, as I am a poor grad student, and cannot afford such luxuries yet. 

[marmot]

Yeah I'm sort of skeptical about cork as a lasting product....i had one disintegrate on me this last year (which was replaced on warranty)....there was literally NOTHING but a few 1mm bits left in the guts of the reel...no cork disc to be seen.  All cork is not created equal i suppose.  Thats a big issue with my sage, not enough drag on the click pawl.....curious if that is what the islanders are like as well.

[bee tee]

Unless the cork used on the drag was inferior to begin with , usually the only reason you should ever have problems with cork is when the cork has completely dried out . I treat my cork disks once a year with a little neatsfoot oil , and have never had any problems . I`ve got an Abel 3n which is nearing 20 years old , and the drag works as good as the day it was bought .

Another reel to consider is http://www.danielsson-flyreels.se/index.php?page=startsida&lang=en

Or , save yourself some money and buy a used Penn . They`re heavy , but bombproof .

[marmot]

It was a 2yr old dragonfly kamloops MC.  Apparently they had a "bad run of cork".  I cleaned my reel after the first 5 or 6 outings and i always gave it a freshwater rinse after salt use. 

I think they are using composite discs now in them.  The replacement one seems ok so far.