View Full Version : Okuma reels
eyedoktr
03-20-2002, 03:50 AM
Just in case anyone is interested, Dick's has the Okuma Aria reels on sale at 50% off. I picked up one for $35. I generally don't like a reel this heavy but after all the glowing reports here on WC, I thought I'd give it a try. It balances nice with the new 8'6" lite rod that I bought to go with it. I just can't buy a reel and not have something new to put it on. :P
TBO/MN
03-20-2002, 07:39 AM
What kind/style of reel is this, Okuma doesn't list it on their website?
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN
eyedoktr
03-20-2002, 08:27 AM
TBO, it's a 10 BB spinning reel. I too checked the web site and did an internet search on the reel, with no success. It's a front drag, infinite anti-reverse, the other features I can't remember without the reel in front of me (man it's tough gettin' old). There are 3 different sizes available, I bought the #20 (smallest). I'm going to check the local Galyan's after work to see if they carry them. With the 2x difference rebate that Galyan's has, I figure the price will be almost nothing. If they do have them cheaper, I may buy out the inventory. I'll post more tomorrow when I can look at the box and find out more. My guess is that it is a discontinued style.
TBO/MN
03-20-2002, 10:01 AM
I have the Epix which is a 10 ballbearing Okuma spinning reel. I wonder if they maybe changed the name, or as you said, the Aria may be an earlier model of the Epix. I love my two Epixs, and would really like to see the Aria. I paid $54.00 for the Epix.
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN
Hey TBO, I know you use alot of Shimano stuff, how does the epix compare to a symmetre? I assume that it's similar in size. I've never used an epix or even been able to pick on up and try it, but I'm curious about them because of the price.
Thanks,
Eyez
TBO/MN
03-20-2002, 10:39 AM
You are right, I fish mostly Shimano, but last spring I had the opportunity to use one of the Epixs, and I was really impressed. So, I found one on ebay and bought it. I got the EF-20 model, and found it to be about the same size as the 2000 series models of the Shimanos. The size is about the same, but the Epix is slightly heavier. The weight of the Epix isn't much of an issue, because it still balances well on the rods I have them on. Comparing the Epix to the Symetre is apples and oranges, the quality, solidness, and the smoothness of the Epix is much superior to the Symetre. The Stradic is closer to the Epix, but I would say that the Epix is still smoother. I have not used the Stella series of Shimano reels, to rich for my blood, but that is the 10 ballbearing model that Shimano puts out, and it retails for over $400. For my money, the Epix is the best in it's class.
Good Fishin'
TBO/MN
All,
I went through the same thing with Okuma Epix vs. Stradic. I have both and for the money I will take the Okuma everytime. It is extremely smooth.
BTW my Epix was an early one. First time out with FJH1 he got to say "I told you so" when I threw my first cast and the handle broke. He handed me a Shimano and we fished the rest of the day. Took the reel back and they swapped it at the local store. Handle broke a second time and I emailed fishusa.com and they gave me the contact at Okuma. Only reason I didn't toss it in the garbage the second time is because it is so smooth. Called Okuma and spoke to a very nice customer support person. They admitted the design problem sent me two new handles. Put the new handle through the ringer and no problems. Sold on these reels and want to try a baitfeeder model.
Time will tell on the longevity.
BRS1
Stump
03-20-2002, 04:00 PM
I was wondering if anyone has tried the Okuma Metaloid high speed spinning reel?I posted earlier but had no response.How does it compare to the Epix.
Stump
Just bought the Okuma Metaloid for $65 at local show. Have not fished with it yet, but it feels great on the rod. Very smooth.
eyedoktr:
Went through the same deal you went through. Results: Okuma puts the Aria name on the reel strickly for Dick's but it is the same identical reel as the Epix. Dick's reel however, doesn't come with the extra spool as does the Epix.
eyedoktr
03-21-2002, 04:30 AM
Joe, thanx for the info. I talked to the mgr. at Dick's and all he knew is that it was not an old(discontinued) model. I guess for $35 I should go buy a couple more huh??
suzuki115
03-21-2002, 05:13 AM
eyedoktr
Do you have a phone number for Dicks. Thanks
Bryan
eyedoktr
03-21-2002, 06:15 AM
Bryan, just go to www.dsports.com and find the store nearest you. I was surprised to find that there is not a Dick's Sporting Goods in MN. The ad was in this past Sunday's paper so I assume it's nationwide but the online site didn't have them. Good luck and let me know if I can help further.
eyedoktr
03-22-2002, 03:52 AM
I went to Dick's Sporting Goods after work last night to pick up a couple more reels and they were sold out. They offered me a rain check but..............they don't expect to get anymore in for 65-75 days. I'm not sure that I want to wait that long, even if it is a great deal. The Mgr. then told me they (the Okumas) will be on sale through next week so I have time to decide. Also, Dick's is putting a bunch of Daiwa and Shimano reels (and other makes) on sale starting this Sunday. I just wanted to update everyone.