I have had one islander (my first pin ever) for around 10 years now. I have absolutely sheet kicked it. It's unbelievable. I've never cleaned it, throw it down, etc. Never done the bearings. It looks terrible at this point, but it's still a great reel. Kitty got one new out of the box and it was actually pretty terrible. Seems to spin well, but something is definitely off about it, because it casts way different than the other (old) one. Got new bearings put in on it, same thing. It just seems to be a dud. Got a third one now, and it is seemingly just as good as the first original.
I also had a buddy who had one that was a dud. He hated it. One day he had everything stolen out of his car (a few different rods, waders, boots, etc). He grabbed a new islander with the insurance money to replace the old one, and his new one is great. They definitely seem like the can be hit or miss. It really is unfortunate, because the good ones I have had would make me recommend them to anyone and everyone. My first one ever has been an incredible workhorse.