Daiwa’s Isla series of saltwater spinning reels hit the market this fall, and were introduced earlier in the year,
like at ICAST.

One reviewer described the Isla as a pared down version of Daiwa’s Saltiga spinning reel to make the reel more affordable.

Another called the Isla one of the best pieces of fishing gear for 2014.

While the Saltiga costs about $1,200, the Isla costs about $800.

Isla reels benefit from the technology and design pioneered in the Saltiga, the company says.

These are reels meant to handle strong fish and to be super-smooth but rugged and durable.

The Isla’s aluminum spool is forged, instead of machined like Saltiga’s.

The spool holds lots of line

The Isla’s carbon-fiber rotor, named the Air Rotor, makes the reel lighter and stronger (see the graphic below).

The drag is carbon and can handle very strong fish.

The 66-pound drag on the biggest reel in the series “is a crazy amount,” one reviewer said. “Rip your arm off.”

Three of the reels, in the series of four, feature a high, 5.7:1 gear ratio, and the largest, named the Bull, features a strong, 4.3:1 ratio.

Like the Saltiga, the Isla is Mag Sealed (see the other graphic below).

That uses magnetic oil that can change shape and density to create an excellent seal for a rotating shaft.

Mag Sealed reels are water tight, keeping water and debris from entering the rotor and gears.

The oil creates less friction than rubber seals, too.

The reel comes with nine ball bearings, including two that are corrosion-resistant, and a roller bearing.

Eight-hundred bucks isn't exactly econo.

But the Isla is a more affordable high-end reel.

For more info, visit Daiwa's Isla reels Web page.