#219662 - 11/19/03 11:02 PM
Is OKUMA junk?
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Juvenille at Sea
Registered: 11/22/02
Posts: 102
Loc: Poulsbo
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Some fellow told me he thinks Okuma rods and reels are pretty decent given their low price. Another guy tells me to forget it because anything they sell for that cheap must be crap and that it comes from China. I know "Made in China" and "Made in Taiwan" used to be synonymous for "crap", but in the last two decades many people argue that the quality of such products has greatly improved. My buddy bought an Okuma rod, 8'6", supposedly fishes 8-20 pound test and is a good starter salmon/steelhead rod. He says he likes it and says I ought to get a couple for back-up rods. Anyone have any serious, constructive comments on Okuma rods and reels? I would be interested in hearing opinions as long as they are backed up by experience or some sort of evidence. Brass
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#219663 - 11/19/03 11:13 PM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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River Nutrients
Registered: 05/06/01
Posts: 2959
Loc: Nisqually
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I have been using the Okuma Avenger series reels for a couple of years now. I can tell you after a couple seasons of wrestling with chums Okumas are not junk. Probably the best reel on the market for the money.
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Carl C.
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#219664 - 11/19/03 11:14 PM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Spawner
Registered: 01/07/02
Posts: 919
Loc: Everett,Wa
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I've got an UL trout reel and a steelhead reel made by Okuma. I think for the price they are a pretty darn good reel. I bought both mine from ebay,and got them for about 25% less than in the stores.
_________________________
- the sun and the sand and a drink in my hand,with no bottom...no shoes,no shirts,no problems.
- no boss, no clock, no stress, no dress code...no shoes,no shirts, no problems. - Kenny Chesney -
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#219668 - 11/20/03 12:00 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Returning Adult
Registered: 12/10/02
Posts: 436
Loc: Everett, WA
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I've had an Inspira spinning reel for 2 seasons and am quite happy with it. Float fishing in both fresh and salt, plus I throw a lot of spoons wiith it. Wasn't cheap but compares well to Shimano's & Daiwa's that cost $40 more.
_________________________
It's wonderful to be good. But it's better if you're lucky and good!
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#219670 - 11/20/03 12:09 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Returning Adult
Registered: 05/09/03
Posts: 368
Loc: Florida
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I have several Okuma (Fina and Epixor) that I couldn't be more pleased with. I also have several Calcutta's and have fished with Shimanos for 20 years. They are made in Japan, and very high quality. The Okumas are smooth as silk and for the money quite a good deal. Made in China for the most part anymore means an American company that has their stuff built in China to avoid taxes and expensive labor. The goods though are built under the same QA that they would be if built in this country. Have to say that I believe that Asians tend to have more pride in their work than a lot of American workers. I believe that is why Japan is so well known for their fine quality of everything any more......
Buy the Okumas and you wont be disapointed, but I would by the upper-end of their product line.... Gotta love the solid anti-reverse of their reels and the 5 to 7 ballbearings make for VERY smooth retrieves! Cannot speak for the rod's though, as I have never purchased those.
MC
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MasterCaster
"Equal Rights" are not "Special Rights"........
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#219673 - 11/20/03 01:36 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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The Renegade White Man
Registered: 02/16/00
Posts: 2349
Loc: The Coast or the Keys !!!
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Pure JUNK !!!!!!!!! I had to deal with them when I worked at Sportco and I think we took more back then we sold. Stick with the Name brands in the rods and reels, Shimano on reels and Allstar, Rainshadow and Lamiglas in rods and you won't go wrong.
Peace Superfly
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#219675 - 11/20/03 01:39 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Parr
Registered: 11/09/03
Posts: 35
Loc: Olalla
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I have a avenger 30 that I've used for 3 years now on silvers and chums. It has been seriously abused and has given me no problems at all. Also have 2 fly reels ( sierra and integrity). Both have performed flawlessly.
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No matter where ya go... There ya are.
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#219676 - 11/20/03 01:43 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Juvenille at Sea
Registered: 08/15/00
Posts: 107
Loc: Longview, WA
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I am very happy with my mettaloid, once you get past the pastel purple color anyway.
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#219677 - 11/20/03 01:49 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Three Time Spawner
Registered: 12/24/01
Posts: 1877
Loc: Kingston, WA
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I take kids and newbies out fishing fairly often, so I bought some Okuma rods as beater boat rods for them. I have to say that they have fished and held up quite well. I've got my "snooty" favorites, but the truth be told, I've found myself picking up the Okumas more often myself. Pretty decent. My all time favorite rod for steelhead (may it rest in peace) was a similar kind of a product in it's day, made by LCI. So IMHO, price doesn't always tell the whole story. I say fish the "value" product till you KNOW specifically what you want, then pay whatever it takes to get it.
Haven't tried the reels. I might just have to give one a whirl. Anti-reverse feature, you say? Hummm.
_________________________
Matt. 8:27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!”
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#219678 - 11/20/03 02:00 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Three Time Spawner
Registered: 03/13/00
Posts: 1830
Loc: Kelso Wa.
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I have never used an Okuma but I did sale quite a few of them, as far as I can remember only 1 was returned and it was obviously abused (I hate it when the customer is always right, we never should have returned it but we did) If I didn't already have upwards of 30 reels I would probably buy 1, doubt I could get another 1 past the wife though.
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#219679 - 11/20/03 02:16 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Captain C/22 - Team Stay Up Right!
Registered: 01/13/00
Posts: 4194
Loc: Hurricane Ridge , Wa.
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Mooch, I've got an old LCI rod in my "stack o rods" that I'm not using. Answer my question and throw in a clue or 2 on your other post and I might make you a deal..... <img border="0" alt="[wall]" title="" src="graemlins/wall.gif" />
_________________________
Apocalypse Steelheader. Chucking gear as the end draws near.
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#219681 - 11/20/03 10:42 AM
Re: Is OKUMA junk?
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Returning Adult
Registered: 12/19/02
Posts: 274
Loc: Oak Harbor Wa
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I have a granit 20 which I use for trout and 2 classic okumas that I use for down rigger reels, I have had no probles with any of them....DJ
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