Luuuuv "the Classic Stuff" Don't You ??

[jack]

Received a prototype "Islander Classic" today and have to share.

This is Prototype # 023, non-anodized, tumbled and polished, exactly as all Islanders are prior to anodizing.

The "Classic" is a traditional "click & pawl" mid-line weight reel, with a No. 6 spool for 5, 6, 7wt spey lines and a separate

No. 8 spool for 7, 8, 9 wt lines. I will be loading the reel with a wide variety of SA spey lines over the next few days and will post the capacities of the No. 6 spool for those who may be interested.

 

The marginally adjustable drag pressure is through the frame side 5 position drag knob. As in all traditional "click/pawl" drags, additional drag pressure can be set by removing the clicker spring and bending the arms inward a bit.

This is again, a traditional bushing reel, using two Oilite bushings in the spool, riding on a polished stainless spindle.

 

-No, I have no idea what the MSRP will be

-No I have no idea when the "Classic" will be available.

 

But I will advise just as soon as I have those answers.

 

The production colour will be "Slate Grey/Blue" sort of like this production IR4:

 

 

 

THIS is what the non-anodized "Islander Classic" looks like:

 

 

and the "gold effect":

 

 

j

[jack]

Tentative intro date Sept. 2011

MSRP: approx $400

 

 

j

[headscan]

Love it except for the hotspur-style double handles - my knuckles hurt just looking at them. Nice to see someone other than Hardy making a nice spey-sized clicker at a reasonable price, especially a Canadian company.

 

So is the weight of both spools the same or is that the weight with the No. 8 spool?

[jack]

Weight is with the #6 spool on it. The #6 spool arbor is 2.5" in dia. the #8 arbor is 2". No idea if there is a weight difference. I don't have the extra #8 spool.

j

[BBBrownie]

sexy! Although I agree with headscan, double handle may be dangerous when that sucker starts spinnin. Is it loud? I like loud...

[SilverDoctor]

Wow that is beautiful, quick send me one for testing. I only need it for 30 years or so, he he. That is a beauty, have to put some sheckles aside. Killer design.

[jack]

I'll send it to you just as soon as I'm done with it, SD !!

 

I should have added this exerpt from the accompanying letter:

 

""We are looking for some comments and constructive criticism on the reel with regard to aesthetics and operation..."

 

info@islander.com "

 

j

[headscan]

I should have added this exerpt from the accompanying letter:

 

""We are looking for some comments and constructive criticism on the reel with regard to aesthetics and operation..."

 

info@islander.com "

 

j

Good info. Two more questions - is the reel fully caged? and is the spool rim exposed for palming?

[jack]

Good info. Two more questions - is the reel fully caged? and is the spool rim exposed for palming?

 

Back side:

 

 

Spool/Frame view:

 

 

As you can see, the spool has a nice large, smooth palming rim.

 

I set the clicker drag on maximum and it IS loud! Everyone on the flow for 500 metres will know it's an Islander !!

 

j

[SilverDoctor]

Or a Hardy, could you post a pix of the inside .

[jack]

Or a Hardy, could you post a pix of the inside .

 

Don't you find Hardy's have that annoying "British Accent" ??

 

 

 

j

 

[headscan]

Don't you find Hardy's have that annoying "British Accent" ??

Only the older ones. The newer ones have a different accent that I can't quite place...

[jack]

Only the older ones. The newer ones have a different accent that I can't quite place...

 

 

Upper crust Seoul, I believe.

:rotflmao:

 

j

 

[SanJuanWorm]

God I love Islander reels.

[SilverDoctor]

Are there plastic parts in there?

[Jayhad]

That's not plastic... it's composite.