I'm looking to buy a new centerpin reel next week. I got what I feel is a good deal from a member on here. But I want to check a few others out before I jump on another reel.

So does anyone know of any shops that carry a few or any of the higher end reels. Like kingpin and islander or raven sstspecifically, but any others would be nice
Okuma pins seem to be the only reels I see, which all get positive reviews. And the ross flow, which gets nothing but negative reviews

Nobody down your way that I'm aware of. Cabelas only has Okumas. Outdoor Emporium does carry Islander, but for some weird reason stocks the SeaRun and not the Steelheader. Ted's usually has a couple different Steelheader around and he's also a Raven dealer. Haven't found any WA dealer that keeps a Kingpin or Raven in stock tho. BC dealers like Fred's and Sea Run Tackle generally have a fairly wide assortment of Islanders, Kingpins and even a few customs, like Milners, on hand. Most serious centerpinners will place orders for a specific reel they want direct with a dealer for a high end production reel like Kingpin or go direct to a custom maker like John Milner or Adam Demarco to have a specific reel made. Others more concerned about quick delivery time than color or style will buy used when something comes up that catches their eye knowing they can easily sell it again at little or no loss if they don't like it. Good luck.

Buying used isn't an issue at all since quality centerpin hold their value and most reels are as nice as new.

You could venture into Canada if you want a hands on experience with those reels. It isn't local but you would probably have a good time and learn a lot. There are some amazing shops up there and it likely isnt really that far.....

Here is a "few" to view:


http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p...0&_from=R40



You don't have to purchase but gives you a good ideas of prices.....

wow:

I was going thur the above web site and found this.......


http://www.ebay.com/itm/GLOOMIS-STR1803-...=item4cf3d2e903


Does this sound right??????

Yes..

There is a good deal on a 13ft stick in the classifieds if you want to compare.

That's pretty darn expensive imo. And I hate the guide spacing and overall design of those rods

I think 3 Rivers Marine carries some Raven reels. But, it's been a few years since I've seen them, so,...

I have a somewhat related question, what line do you guys recommend? I'm also looking for a good centerpin reel.

Suffix siege is a great line. I started with 10lb siege as recommended and it worked wonderful. I've only been at it a little over a month now so I don't have alot to compare to.
Right now I'm fishing Andes tournament line in 12lb and it's working great. And the extra strength is giving me a lot more confidence fighting fish.

As far as a reel. I bought the okuma raw ii as my first reel. It's working out great and I can't think of any complaints. It starts up good in really slow flows and spinning a long time.
I would recommend any of the okumas as a starter reel
Or to anyone that just wants a cheaper good reel. I have not read many bad reviews at all.

Siglon FF is the best CP line I have used by far. I have tried a handful of others and have yet to find one that comes close. It comes in a couple of high vis varieties. The only downside is that the higher lb ratings can be hard to come by. It is a bit spendy as well. Well worth it though. High floating, very supple and easy handling, little to no memory, awesome line for the pin.

You order the Siglon ff online? If so have you found a cheaper then most spot to order it? I've heard nothing but good about that line
The only downside I hear like you mentioned is finding heavier rating.

Thanks for the info. Any thoughts on the Raven reels, matrix and sst?

I have ordered my Siglon FF online, centerpinangling.com and fishusa.com. Been a few years, I stocked up when I found what I was looking for.

I'm partial to Sufix Siege 14# Tangerine. I also use Raven, Izorline and P-Line Hi Viz Yellow lines, as well as good ol' Maxima UG when drift fishing with a pin. Not a big fan of the "floaters" and braid is verboten on my reels. Biggest issues with different lines will come if you are doing a lot of spin or side casting. Like Coley said, "supple" is the key for me.


Ravens are solid reels, a cut above the Okumas, IMO. Not that there is anything wrong with the Okumas whatsoever. There is some crap out there on ebay, but all of the better known brands produce a quality pin that will perform flawlessly in our high gradient waters. There is a saying, "if it spins, it pins', I believe this is quite true. However, just like fly flogging when you get the pin bug you'll soon understand differences in higher end reels and appreciate what makes them stand apart. The difficulty is having the opportunity to actually touch and fish them since most serious pins are not found or sold in stores, as many are finding out. The good news is that most of the pinners I know are pretty friendly and love talking pins on the river, so if in doubt, go check it out.

As is the case more often than not, there are no small differences.

Drift fishing with a pin? Veddy interesting.

With center pins and fly reels, that's certainly true when it comes to price.

That having been said, my first generation Okuma has a long and rich history both in ownership and #'s of fish. I think I am the fourth in it's ownership lineage, George Cook being in the mix. Not a Cadillac by any stretch of the imaginations, but it continues to get the job done. No real functional need to switch it up as of now, although I hear Kingpin calling my name from time to time. If it ain't broke...