OKUMA Fishing Reels, who knows about them?
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Okuma reels
Well, overall they aren't that bad (Titus Gold 30-II). I've heard of corrosion issues with the other series like the "silver".
The drag material "blows" and there are tales of the reels locking up on a hard run because of the drag material backing plate popping out. I found that it gets "gummy" when it gets hot.
I'd say with a different drag material and a little contact cement to hold that plate in (this is what I did) it's not too bad. It's very similar to the TLD30-II in most respects but I would not consider it an "aluminum framed TLD" because it's not quite there.
Well, overall they aren't that bad (Titus Gold 30-II). I've heard of corrosion issues with the other series like the "silver".
The drag material "blows" and there are tales of the reels locking up on a hard run because of the drag material backing plate popping out. I found that it gets "gummy" when it gets hot.
I'd say with a different drag material and a little contact cement to hold that plate in (this is what I did) it's not too bad. It's very similar to the TLD30-II in most respects but I would not consider it an "aluminum framed TLD" because it's not quite there.
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I don't know much about the gold offshore reels, but the inshore Convector and Contender reels are Mickey Mouse.
I bought one of the 20L Convectors last year on a dare from Cabelas - it was advertised as really light-weight and I though it might make a nice inshore tog reel.
The day I got it is the day I sent it packing back to Cabelas.
The frame is a cheap grade of graphite, the gears are tiny (Actually smaller than an Abu 5000-sized caster) and BOTH were brass, the freespool spring was just that, a spring (NOT stainless) and the chinzy handle knob was tiny and a hard, cheap-looking plastic.
The sideplate screws went directly into the resin frame - no setnut inserts and it just came across as a extra-cheaply made reel.
No way it could EVER replace one of my Newell 220s so back it went.
I was in J&H/Oakdale last week and I saw that they had the 20L reels there on a super-blowout at $29.
That's about all their worth.
Maybe.
rgds, Leprechaun
I bought one of the 20L Convectors last year on a dare from Cabelas - it was advertised as really light-weight and I though it might make a nice inshore tog reel.
The day I got it is the day I sent it packing back to Cabelas.
The frame is a cheap grade of graphite, the gears are tiny (Actually smaller than an Abu 5000-sized caster) and BOTH were brass, the freespool spring was just that, a spring (NOT stainless) and the chinzy handle knob was tiny and a hard, cheap-looking plastic.
The sideplate screws went directly into the resin frame - no setnut inserts and it just came across as a extra-cheaply made reel.
No way it could EVER replace one of my Newell 220s so back it went.
I was in J&H/Oakdale last week and I saw that they had the 20L reels there on a super-blowout at $29.
That's about all their worth.
Maybe.
rgds, Leprechaun
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3,244 Posts
this one is junk
1 trip out than the handle sheered off on the first fish
1 trip out than the handle sheered off on the first fish
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3,244 Posts
Then in for repair
and the same thing on the next fish
and the same thing on the next fish
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Last season my dock buddy and I each purchased 2 T50W's for offshore trolling. During first day of use 3 out of 4 reels would bind slightly when reeling in. We didn't run into this when we were spooling the reels. Almost felt like shaft was bent. I'm in the process of replacing them with Penn 114hlw's.
Capt. Paul
Capt. Paul
Thats a good synopsis by Mike Stallings on the Okuma reels. As i mentioned in the past, Okuma is a large overseas (China) aftermarket parts maker for various Japanese reel makers. Okuma a few years ago decided to get into both the conventional and spinning reel market, and very aggressively marketed their reels. But the problem was that their original reels, used many dissimilar metals leading to corrosion problems on the handles and binding within the reel itself. Their anodizing was considered poor within the industry, but i have heard that they have made big improvements on their newer reels. Customer service was reported as being decent, with a quick turnaround on reels sent to Okuma. Frank LoPreste owner/operator of the long range vessel ROYAL POLARIS was one of the original 'big name' field testers of their big game models. Not much was heard about their reels other then Mr. Lopreste being a spokesman! I have spoken to a few tackle store owners, who state that they do sell many okuma reels due to their reasonable price, and that they do have repeat customers on those products. Take that from where it is coming from, but if 'i had a choice' i would suggest sticking with companies that allow you to easily obtain parts from our local tackle shops.
EC NEWELL MAN*
(This post edited by EC NEWELL MAN on 03/04/2003)
EC NEWELL MAN*
(This post edited by EC NEWELL MAN on 03/04/2003)
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Over 12 years ago I had the first Titus
T100's when they were only about 129.00
I also had the 90's and 80's.I still have one 80 I use for wire line trolling.
The rest are long gone.I have repaired them and watched their new models with some interest.I just don't think they are worth it with so many better alternatives out their for around the same money.Interestingly they do look alot like certain Shimano and Penn reels.I heared a rumor that they actually were making reels for Penn and parts for Shimano.
T.T.
T100's when they were only about 129.00
I also had the 90's and 80's.I still have one 80 I use for wire line trolling.
The rest are long gone.I have repaired them and watched their new models with some interest.I just don't think they are worth it with so many better alternatives out their for around the same money.Interestingly they do look alot like certain Shimano and Penn reels.I heared a rumor that they actually were making reels for Penn and parts for Shimano.
T.T.
Reels from Asia
You can buy spinning reels in lots of 200 for less than $10 each - some less than $5 each. It's really amazing how inexpensive they are. These companies crank out over 20,000 to 100,000 reels a month for their own lines and others such as Abu Garcia. Baitcasters with cast control are less than $30 in lots of 40.
You get what you pay for - or do you?
You can buy spinning reels in lots of 200 for less than $10 each - some less than $5 each. It's really amazing how inexpensive they are. These companies crank out over 20,000 to 100,000 reels a month for their own lines and others such as Abu Garcia. Baitcasters with cast control are less than $30 in lots of 40.
You get what you pay for - or do you?
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Yeap, that's the way it gerally works.
rgds, Leprechaun
rgds, Leprechaun
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4,148 Posts
Penn
Comparing Penn to Shimano, Okuma or Abu is really a disgrace. Penn has very few junk reels, 99% of what I see in Penns line only goes down in price because of simplicity. I think I've seen one spinning reel Penn makes that is for the throw-away market.
Shimano, Okuma, and Abu all make lots of junk, with a few lines of good reels mixed in. I'm sure parts from the throw-away lines of reels end up in the top notch stuff. I won't spend any decent amount of $$ on anything that's not a Penn for that reason.
If I only had the $$ for a lever drag Okuma, I'd rather buy a star drag Penn.. less bells & whistles, higher quality. The reel will last and perform as expected.
Jon
Comparing Penn to Shimano, Okuma or Abu is really a disgrace. Penn has very few junk reels, 99% of what I see in Penns line only goes down in price because of simplicity. I think I've seen one spinning reel Penn makes that is for the throw-away market.
Shimano, Okuma, and Abu all make lots of junk, with a few lines of good reels mixed in. I'm sure parts from the throw-away lines of reels end up in the top notch stuff. I won't spend any decent amount of $$ on anything that's not a Penn for that reason.
If I only had the $$ for a lever drag Okuma, I'd rather buy a star drag Penn.. less bells & whistles, higher quality. The reel will last and perform as expected.
Jon
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i have 2 small okumas i like them but i dont see them lasting aslong as my penns i have 2 penn surfmasters that are over 20yrs old and 3 jig masters going on 15 and 2 penn no9 that are ten yrs old and except for the normal wear they work like they were brand new just use the penn lube 2x a season and i use mothers spray wax on them i dont think any reel will last aslong as penn they have a very simple design nothing fancy
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270 Posts
The Truth About OKUMA
The truth about OKUMA is that they're a company whose product line gets better every year. Granted, their best reels are not equal to the best Shimano but they do have a place. I guess it all depends on your own financial situation when it comes time to buy.
I know a company that has sold thousands of the TITUS series reels in every model over the last two years and they get very few returns on these reels.
The truth about OKUMA is that they're a company whose product line gets better every year. Granted, their best reels are not equal to the best Shimano but they do have a place. I guess it all depends on your own financial situation when it comes time to buy.
I know a company that has sold thousands of the TITUS series reels in every model over the last two years and they get very few returns on these reels.
Penn Junk
Leaky,take a penn 965-975 or 975L.D.
apart if you want to see overpriced Junk.A $300L.D. with a small drag,a cheap cast frame,and no freespool is what you get with a 975L.D. Granted for the money it's hard to compete with reels like the squidder,senator,etc.
But some of their high end stuff leaves something to be desired.Abu to me is a sad comentary. They have invented almost every modern feature found on todays reels.They have designed some fantastic products,but their execution sometimes leaves something to be desired.Shimano also like everyone else has some really good/inovative products.
But(my opinion)they live off the brainwashing of americans that Japanese products are always superior.
NO ONE MAKES A PERFECT LINE OF REELS!
T.T.
Leaky,take a penn 965-975 or 975L.D.
apart if you want to see overpriced Junk.A $300L.D. with a small drag,a cheap cast frame,and no freespool is what you get with a 975L.D. Granted for the money it's hard to compete with reels like the squidder,senator,etc.
But some of their high end stuff leaves something to be desired.Abu to me is a sad comentary. They have invented almost every modern feature found on todays reels.They have designed some fantastic products,but their execution sometimes leaves something to be desired.Shimano also like everyone else has some really good/inovative products.
But(my opinion)they live off the brainwashing of americans that Japanese products are always superior.
NO ONE MAKES A PERFECT LINE OF REELS!
T.T.
i've used by titus t-100 and t-90's (they've since been renamed to the t-50w and t-50) successfully on YFT locally to 90#. they are strong and light, graphite frame, single speed reels. not quite up to penn, shimano or daiwa quality but a reasonable reel, not junk. the t-50 becomes a more powerful reel when you install the longer power handle from the t-50w (it's available from okuma for around $12). i did change a drag washer because i accidentally dunked it and stupidly sprayed WD40 onto it; the replacement from okuma was a wet drag, not dry, as on the original and i think it performs better and smoother than the original.
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626 Posts
I asked the same question about okuma on this board last year,and got little praise for the okumas.I will stay with Penn.
Living in Queens,I can get parts for Penn anyplace.If I were to go to Daiwa or Shimano,I have to run to Freeport for parts and service.
I have never owned Shimano,but I do have 2 Daiwa Silver series spinners that are OK,but a 900 I owned ,the reel handle bent the first use.
I like Penn ,made in America.I try very hard not to send my money overseas,especially to any country that ever took a shot at the Good Old USA
Pete
Living in Queens,I can get parts for Penn anyplace.If I were to go to Daiwa or Shimano,I have to run to Freeport for parts and service.
I have never owned Shimano,but I do have 2 Daiwa Silver series spinners that are OK,but a 900 I owned ,the reel handle bent the first use.
I like Penn ,made in America.I try very hard not to send my money overseas,especially to any country that ever took a shot at the Good Old USA
Pete
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