MR3- versus MR2

[pescador]

I've got a couple of MR3's and find them fine, but, want to buy a couple of MR2's as I've heard some folks prefer them. Would appreciate comments from folks that have used/own both on the pros and cons of each reel. Islander products are all good, I'm not questioning the quality or engineering, just usability.

 

[Derby]

MR-3 all the way... haven't had a fish that I haven't been able to keep up to yet....

 

[leftcoast]

My buddy I fish with has 2 of each I think thats the best set up you can have the 2 MR3's for trolling and the MR2's for jigging when things are slow and your bored, which happens alot around my fishin grounds. My boats not as big nor do I have the funds to have both I only have an MR3 and love it amazing reel love fishing with it, but hate having to hull around another reel and rod just incase I want to jig. So if you can afford both go for! Big pro of the MR2 is the free spool if not planning on using that function stick with the MR3.
My 2cents

 

[ChoveyRoller]

I’ve had three experiences where rookies (and one veteran) on the boat have been fighting springs on a MR2 and they accidently bumped the sensitive “free spool” switch and didn’t realize it. The squirrels nest happened really fricking fast and locked up the reel resulting in the inevitable line break. One of the occurrences happened in Renfrew with the fish 8ft away from the net and it was a fish of a lifetime. We don’t mooch very often so my vote is MR3 all the way! No free spool switch, just pure engineered performance.

 

[Mighty Sylvan]

I was open to buying a MR3 but ended going to the MR2 simply because I liked the looks and most of all the sound better.

 

[Cuba Libre]

Only have one MR2-----but I did find it helpful to put MR3 handles on it. Easier on the fingers.

 

[beemer]

I've got a couple of MR3's and find them fine, but, want to buy a couple of MR2's as I've heard some folks prefer them. Would appreciate comments from folks that have used/own both on the pros and cons of each reel. Islander products are all good, I'm not questioning the quality or engineering, just usability.

I have fished and owned both and I prefer the mr3 s. The mr2 s have a smaller arbour so a lot more reeling. The mr2 has a free fall which has its pro's and cons. The mr2 tensioner can be really hard on your fingers especially on a wet day. If you got the scratch get a set of mr2 s and try them out ,many guys love them.

beemer

 

[pescador]

Thanks for the input guys. Think I'm going to go with a couple of MR2's. I like the look, the option to free spool, and, I can get them in green (special order).

 

[Sea Ranger]

The m-2 are great reels but I find they experience drag creeping where as the m-3 have a much better drag system and only an m-3 can be made left handed.

 

[pescador]

I had creep with my MR3's. Cleaned them up well with swabs, micro fibre rags, re oiled the cork and what a difference. Almost zero creep now. Weird though, creep seems to be a common problem with all reels except cheap Diawa's (which are cheap to buy, but not cheap in quality).....

 

[profisher]

I prefer the 2's...the drag on the 3's isn't incremental enough...either to much drag or not enough. You have way more ability to fine tune the drag tension on the 2's.

 

[J-GLOBAL]

Don't know the sound of the MR2s, but just got my first MR3 as a birthday present.

Wish the sound was reversed. Reeling, the sound is pretty loud. Line going out against the drag sound is quiet. With a bit of wind and the kicker revved up I can see a fish running, and me not paying attention, for a while before I notice fishon.

If the sound for in/out could be reversed it would sound better.
Anyone know if that is possible?

Out of the box, the drag on the MR3 is AMAZING.

I was open to buying a MR3 but ended going to the MR2 simply because I liked the looks and most of all the sound better.

 

[Aces]

Don't know the sound of the MR2s, but just got my first MR3 as a birthday present.

Wish the sound was reversed. Reeling, the sound is pretty loud. Line going out against the drag sound is quiet. With a bit of wind and the kicker revved up I can see a fish running, and me not paying attention, for a while before I notice fishon.

If the sound for in/out could be reversed it would sound better.
Anyone know if that is possible?

Out of the box, the drag on the MR3 is AMAZING.

Agreed with the sounds.

BTW, that's a nice rig you have. Saw you at Wilf, also known as the salad bar on Monday

 

[hambone]

If only islanders has the same SCREAM as a Hardy reel......

 

[pescador]

Ditto on the reel sound JGlobal. I think they got it reversed. I thought it was just my MR3's that did that. Also, I'm finding the more I use my MR3's the better they get. A recent thorough cleaning seems to have made a big difference in their performance after the first two years usage. They only get better with age I guess...

 

[Cuba Libre]

Need sound?? Go to a GT 4000

 

[scott craven]

Need sound?? Go to a GT 4000

Yup, for reliability and simplicity they are the best...
no creep, no oiling corks, just use them and abuse them !

 

[Big Green Machine]

Yup, for reliability and simplicity they are the best...
no creep, no oiling corks, just use them and abuse them !

True. I have one but I also have a MR3. Because I fly fish mostly, I just can't seem to get used to the clunky sound and bulkiness of the Shimano. But as you point out, it's 'set it and forget it.' On the other hand, the engineering, sleekness, and finesse of the MR3 is more familiar to me as it resembles my fly reels, which I use mostly. I had the drag system on the GT serviced after I bought it new, free of charge, because the reel froze. Works well now.

 

[Chaos]

Threw my 4000's out last week weren't worth a shat

 

[J-GLOBAL]

Have 2 x 4000s, 3 x 2000s, and Daiwa Ones, Moocher Plus. 9 reels that all work, the drag better on some than others - and I like the older drag knobs better, but now seem "clunky" next to the MR3. -Although they all "sound better".
I've had the Shimano's forever it seems and they keep on going. I had to replace 1 small spring in 1 reel this year, can't remember which, and I think I did one a few years ago.
For the price, they perform unbelievably well. I've never had any 'serviced', or done anything to them, they just keep on working.

Gonna have to find a rod to mate with the MR3. Any Suggestions?

I have more than 10 downrigger rods, that seem almost equally bulletproof, I think the most expensive one was $29, maybe. One from the 70s that I still use every outing - although I thought she was a goner last trip. Gonna have to find some duct tame to strengthen the joint that's lost all its wrap and has a little crack in it now. It was definitely <$10 back when it was bought.