Centerpin Reel

[spincaster22]

I am looking for a centerpin reel, i would like some suggestions what to buy and not the Okuma or the Matrix. Im looking for a little higher end reel.

[UBDSLO1]

Raven's are good for the money. I have the SST3 Vectra Titanium. It's really lite, almost too lite though. My next one will be the new Okuma with a drag. Also thinking about picking up and Islander Steelheader, those are solid pins with real nice start-up.

[smokepole]

It's hard to beat an islander. Sure wish they made a 5" tho.

[wolvron]

I agree on the Islander. I have one, and its a great reel. I want to say they retail for about $489. also check into a pains fall genisis. They are being custom built, and I believe they will be ready by early fall.

[hard head]

The J.W. Young reels are first rate, the best start up out there.(IMHO) Light weight, sturdy and good factory support.

[axisgear]

Nothing wrong with a matrix XL other than it's place of origin.Nice,solid reel for the cash.

If you can wait,I'm sure a Mykiss will come up for sale in the future.......for the right price.:lol:

I wouldn't bother with the J.W Young's,not too durable from what I have seen[before you say it,drop your reel hard and then answer].

[FishKilla419]

From what I hear the new kingpin reels are top notch. I think they look really sweet to. A ton of color options, bearings come degreased.
http://www.kingpinreels.com/index.html

[HURONFLY]

Spincaster, I think we have talked on the phone a couple of times. If you are interested in an Islander they run around $350. Have to agree with Hardhead on the J.W. Youngs. I own four and have not had trouble with any of them, and yes Axisgear I have dropped a reel on occasion, I think they are more durable then most think.

[axisgear]

Spincaster, I think we have talked on the phone a couple of times. If you are interested in an Islander they run around $350. Have to agree with Hardhead on the J.W. Youngs. I own four and have not had trouble with any of them, and yes Axisgear I have dropped a reel on occasion, I think they are more durable then most think.

I'm sure they're plenty durable in the right hands,they are just not my cup of tea;). I still can't get past the erector-set-looking spokes as far as aesthetics go,and I [personal opinion] think they feel kinda cheap in the hand. I know they are top quality reels and they will run forever,but I have witnessed their fragility first hand.

No offense,but I would choose a Matrix XL or an Islander over the J.W. Young's any day.

Just my opinion.

[hard head]

spincaster22, everone has there No.1 reel but to be fair any of the reels suggested in my opinion would make a good choice.:)

[Carpe_Diem]

J.W. Young reels do have to be "trued up" if you are hooking bigger fish. They will not break, but can become out of whack. Dropping them is not going to do this. Hard sustained runs from big fish will...

Islander reels are good if you like big floats, but are not so great in slower water or floats under 8 grams. They will have a 4 7/8" model out eventually, but it will be a solid non ported inside of the spool model as well. They are VERY durable reels, but not the best for Great Lakes applications...

Raven and Okuma are good reels, but you get what you pay for... I would probly choose the 5" Matrix if I was going to get one of these brands...

Mykiss are great reels, but I don't like the rough finish...

If it was me I would buy a Kingpin in the fully ported models or get an Angling Specialties, Milner, or one of the other custom pins available. They are expensive, but in the long run you will be happy with your investment. You can get them used for a good price if you watch the right classifieds sections...

[axisgear]

Great username Kory.;) Seize the day is a most gratifying statement. Vive hodie, quia crastinus non promittitur dies.;)

[steelhead05]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/hale1.jpghttp://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/hale2.jpg

[axisgear]

http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/hale1.jpghttp://www.michigan-sportsman.com/photopost/data/500/medium/hale2.jpg

I see your Hale's and raise you the fraternal twins.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o155/axisgear/california.jpg

Obscurity is not the best place to be.Hale's are "Uber customs" that I no longer have a desire for. I'm all done purchasing ball bearing wheels for fishing as I have all the CP reels I will EVER need.

[steelhead05]

the one to the left has drag

[Carpe_Diem]

Danny Hale makes the greatest pins I have ever used. Very sweet stuff... I wish I owned one...

By the way if anyone needs any KJV Butterfly Floats like are in Axisgear's photo I have a ton... The only place in the states you can get them...

Seize the day!

[Ron Matthews]

[quote=axisgear;2183285]I see your Hale's and raise you the fraternal twins.

http://i119.photobucket.com/albums/o155/axisgear/california.jpg

"Fraternal twins"
Would be Spot On!-lol
;)

[HURONFLY]

The Little Dipper in Flat Rock also has the KJV Butterfly floats. Tried them out some really nice floats. Sort of a unique color, makes them easy for me to see now that I am getting a little older.

[Carpe_Diem]

The Little Dipper in Flat Rock also has the KJV Butterfly floats. Tried them out some really nice floats. Sort of a unique color, makes them easy for me to see now that I am getting a little older.

From what I hear they have the generic ones and not the original ones like I have been able to find... I have never been there so am not sure. I do know for a long long time I was the only guy in the states who could get them when all the canadian online retailer shops seemed to start carrying the generic ones. I am not a retailer and don't make any money off of them, I just know where to get them after doing a LOT of research. I place a couple orders a year and buy some extra in case some guys want some here in the states...

The generic ones have cheaper balsa and stems...

[HURONFLY]

Carpe Diem, I have know idea if they are generic or original. I just like them they float well and that day glow orange color makes them easy to see. How can you tell an original from a generic. Balsa on these seems good quality.

[Carpe_Diem]

Do they have graphite or fiberglass stems?

The cheaper balsa will be much softer. That would be cool if they did have the real deal. Would make it easier on me as the only real reason I order them is I have quite a few buddies who always bug me to get them...

They used to be very common and then all of a sudden all you could seem to find were the generic ones. At least that is all I could find until I found this distributor in Canada who I begged to sell me some. The generic ones may have been a bust and they have gone back to the good ones by now, it wouldn't surprise me. The generic ones were pretty bad, especially considering the price...

I am not 100% on this, but I don't think the generic ones had the butterfly on them either. Don't quote me on that though. If what you are using is working fine then no need to switch...

Take Care

[axisgear]

the one to the left has dragDrags are for sissies!:lol: Just kidding.Those are some fine Hale's by the way[I forgot to mention that in my last post]. Dan does make some fine reels,but I no longer have a desire to possess one.

May your fishing be fruitful[or would that be fishful?:confused:]

[axisgear]

Do they have graphite or fiberglass stems?

The cheaper balsa will be much softer. That would be cool if they did have the real deal. Would make it easier on me as the only real reason I order them is I have quite a few buddies who always bug me to get them...

They used to be very common and then all of a sudden all you could seem to find were the generic ones. At least that is all I could find until I found this distributor in Canada who I begged to sell me some. The generic ones may have been a bust and they have gone back to the good ones by now, it wouldn't surprise me. The generic ones were pretty bad, especially considering the price...

I am not 100% on this, but I don't think the generic ones had the butterfly on them either. Don't quote me on that though. If what you are using is working fine then no need to switch...

Take Care

If you want a great balsa float for the cash the KJVs that Carpe Diem has are worth the money.Drennans or blackbirds are GREAT,until they break,while you're fishing......:rolleyes:Ravens are good,too. But who in the states sells them readily?

KJV=top quality balsa,carbon fiber stalks and a finish that doesn't wear off easily.Not to mention an 8 gram float can hold 8 GRAMS! Precise!;)

Good poopie.Two enthusiastic thumbs up.