Opinions on Islander LX 4.5 and its fit for CND Steelhead Specialist

[!chawycha!]

Hi, anyone owns or tried the Islader LX 4.5 reel with the Spey rod setup? Where do you rate it, if you would compare to the Ross reels, for example? I am looking for a reel for my CND Steelhead Specialist 8/9/10 and I am looking for a reel for the Scagit type line setup.

Thanks!

[Brian Thomas]

Islanders rock ! Much better than a Ross IMO , but I haven`t used the new Momentum . The LX4.5 has about the same carrying capacity as my Sage 3600D , and I`ve got an 8/9 XLT with 200 yards of 30lb. Dacron on it . You should have no problem putting any Skagit line , with plenty of backing on the Islander . At just under 10 0z. , the reel should balance the CND nicely . If you get the Islander , you`ll have a set-up that will be the envy of many (including me:thumb: ) .

[!chawycha!]

Thanks, Brian. I love Islander myself. Got a couple of them. I just was not sure if 4.5 is OK, or I should go for 4.8.

Anyways, what do you think of the Sage 3600D? I live 10 minutes away from Sage, and if it is great, I might just get that one. The warranty/repair would be easy to deal with. I just did not like their smaller reels, I did not like the plastic clicker.

[Red Shed]

Where do you rate it, if you would compare to the Ross reels, for example? I am looking for a reel for my CND Steelhead Specialist


I would pick the Islander. They are great reels. I think the 4.5 will be the size to get.

[Les Johnson]

I use Islanders from the IR-3 to the old LA4.5 (forerunner of the LX4.5. Islanders are about as bulletproof as any you'll find anywhere. My LX4.0, LA4.0 and LA4.5 have stood up under front line duty for several years on dorado, sailfish and marllin. I broke a sweat on these fish but my Islander surely did not.

Good Fishing,
Les Johnson

[1morecast]

Get the Islander!! I own 4 Islanders and I have not had fail me over the years....

[!chawycha!]

Thanks guys. Got my LX 4.5. Cannot wait to try it out there.