View Full Version : Okuma Reels
Airwave(OH)
03-24-2002, 10:26 AM
I know I have always said that I am a Diawa LC fan and I still am. but for people looking for a less expensive reel I just got back from the Sports show in Cleveland and checked out the NEW Okuma reels called the CONTENDER. I think they may have something here. Made several changes and it appears to be a good solid well made reel. Can't wait to try em out. They will be around 25 bucks cheaper than the Diawa roughly. They are sorta styled after the Penn GTI series (which was always good)but with a line counter.They have 3 sealed bearing, brass gears and a new drag system. Stainless line spool too. If anyone has already had a chance to test these, Let us know.
Brion,
I've talked to your buddy about this new Okuma and I'm 'gonna buy a pair from him on Tues. I'm new to trolling gear and don't have much except a pair of 1500 shimano's, so I won't be able to compare with the Diawa, but it's good to hear you approve. I still want to do that charter this spring so you can show me the ropes, there's got to be more than drifting with weapons.
Geno
Brion, i have had a set of these reels for a couple of years now and really like them,( mine were prototypes). the ones that i have dont have the beauty plate on it, and the line guide is like the older style, but the insides are like the newer ones, and they are slick, they work smooth and the drags are better than many of the reels now on the market. but dont forget mine are only two of many prototypes. good luck and good fishin.
Den
john stieben
03-25-2002, 07:30 PM
Is it true that Okuma is offering a drag upgrade on some of the other models that are a couple of years old?
i have heard talk of it, but i havent heard anything of positive proof yet. the biggest thing is to make sure that all pressure is off of them when not in use, and make sure that there is no oil that gets on them at anytime, this is true for all the level wind reels. good luck and good fishin.
Den
FreeByrd
03-26-2002, 10:05 AM
There was an Editors note in the latest issue of Great Lakes Angler about a drag upgrade for some of the older Okuma 30DX reels I believe. It also said there were only a limited number of the reels shipped that actually needed the upgrade. It said lots of people ordered the upgrade from Okuma and found they already had the newer drag in the ones they had.
Also a nice article by ETT on early season trolling.
Steve
chuck
03-28-2002, 09:07 PM
I know a charter who ran 8 of them last year & had lots of trouble.
The counter would stop working after a short time
He sent them in a receive new one back fairly quick (about 5 days lost) but then had same trouble again.
I think I would pass on them.
Tom S.
03-28-2002, 09:15 PM
I have 14 or 15 that I have been running for 3 or 4 years with no problems. I have yet to have any of the problems everyone keeps talking about (knock on wood).
Big Winnie
03-30-2002, 07:03 AM
We use both the Okuma and the Daiwa reels side by side, Daiwa is the best, better line counter, better drag, smoother operation, this is a prime example of you get what you pay for.
Todd Kline
The Contender wasnt out last year on the market. i help on a charter that has 16 okumas and has had 1 problem with 1 reel in the last 3 years. you get good ones and bad ones in all brands. the Contender by okuma is new for this year, and as i stated before, i have had 2 of them in the prototypes , and i am very impressed by them. but this is just my opinion. i would say that if you get a new Daiwa get the 47 lc. good luck and good fishin.
Den
I have a pair of Okumas I bought last year. They have worked well but I have 1 problem. When trolling Dipsys (large ..let alone little ones) I can not get the drag fine enough to use the clicker. I can put the drag as loose as it goes and barely get a click from a fish. I have my Dipsys tight so they don't pop and this still isn't enough. If I bought them last summer do I already have the improved drag system?
Thanks,
Jess
Iwas told the improved drag system was in the new contender reels, and would be incorperated into the regular reels this year, so chances of us having the newer systems would be slim. good luck and good fishin.
Den