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Okuma Reels Reviews [Top 3 Models In The Market]

Are you an occasional fisherman or you are a massive addict who wants to fish day and night? Probably you are one of a kind. However both types of fishermen and those in between have one thing in common.

They need the best equipment in order to get the best results, including the best fishing reels. Here we will stay focused on the Okuma reels reviews and their 3 models that are ideal for most fishermen. Let’s meet them.

Top 3 Okuma Fishing Reels [Table Of Comparison]

ProductSpecifications & FeaturesOur Rating


Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel
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Heavy-duty machine cut brass gears

Dual anti-reverse systems

Carbonite drag system

Max Drag Output: 18 - 20 lbs

Bearing System: 2BB + 1RB Stainless steel ball bearings

Available Models: 9 options

5.0/5.0



Price: $$$

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Okuma Trio High Speed Spinning Reel
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Gear Ratio: 6.0:1

Bearing: 9BB + 1RB

Dual Force Drag system

Hybrid spool design with graphite arbor and aluminum lip

1-piece aluminum reel stern and rotor arm

Graphite sideplate

Available Models: 3 options

4.3/5.0



Price: $$$


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Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel
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Gear Ratio: 6.0:1

Bearing: 6 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing

CNC machined spools

1 Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing

Machined aluminum handle knob (sizes 40-80)

Available Models: 6 options

4.7/5.0



Price: $$$

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Okuma Reels Reviews [3 Best Models]

Okuma reels reviews

This model is made of the highest and lightest materials known to man and is resistant to corrosion. It is also known for a self-lubricating system which decreases the frequency of maintenance.

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This is one of the most popular Okuma reels for sale at the moment and we understand why. The model we tested came with perfect attention to details. It is extremely affordable, yet it looks more expensive than most of the competitor models.

Besides the visual advantage, you are going to appreciate the functionality and the power of the reel. It has it all and it is suitable for beginners and semi-professionals.

The same model is available in three different versions, but all of them have the same design and the same characteristics. Precision Dual Force Drag System (DFD) has been used in order to provide advanced smoothness when the reel is used and to withstand even the most demanding operations.

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The Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait Feeder Reel is a traditional model which comes with average features and the standard design. At first sight, there are no advance systems implemented into the reel and there are no interesting specifics. We believe that this reel doesn’t need them.

It is a traditional model designed for most fishermen and offers all the essentials you are going to need. Okuma warranty is generous, another main advantage of the reel we have here. In addition, on all our tests, it performed equally well compared to more expensive models of the same type!

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The Comprehensive Buying Guides of Fishing Reels

Okuma reels are truly some of the best models the market has to offer. But, if you read our Okuma reels reviews and you are still wondering which model is right for you, here are a few factors that must be taken into consideration. They will help you choose the best and the most suitable Okuma reel for you.

Water Factor

This is the first and usually forgotten factor which only professionals take into account. It refers to the type of water where you will fish. As such, there are several differences.

We won’t explain each one. We will only tell you that a saltwater reel is designed to withstand this specific type of water and the salt which will affect the case and the rotor components. In other words, type of water where you will fish will determine the reel you are going to need.

Species and Line

Which fish you will catch will determine which line capacity you actually need. For example, if you are planning to catch bigger fish, you are going to need a reel with a higher line capacity. If you are looking for a smaller fish to catch, you are going to need less line.

This isn’t something you can adjust on the move and it is a game changer. Trust us, we have tried. Reels are labelled for the line capacity they offer. The length usually starts at 100 yards and reaches 300 yards. It is on the type of fish which length you actually need.

If Tuna is what you are going after, then you should check out these reels specifically designed for Tunas.

Type of Bearings

The bearing system will determine how effective and how durable that particular reel is. Keep in mind that you should always choose a model with 4 high-end bearings than the one with 12 poor quality ones!

The factor in question doesn’t only make the reel more durable, it also makes it smoother to use. There are a lot of variables here but always look for stainless steel bearings or those made of polymer materials. They are the best of the best.

Reel Construction

The construction of the reel can be good, better and the best. The type of material will determine the level. At the start, we have graphite and aluminum models which are extremely light, yet less durable than the other two types.

The second type is a hybrid model which has a metal and graphite component. They offer the best mixture of weight and strength and they are extremely appealing at the moment.

The last and therefore the best type is metal reels. They are the strongest of them all and they are the most suitable for advanced fishermen who need the strength and who are planning to catch big fish.

Finish Quality

At this point, we must add that Okuma Japan reels are known for a high-end of finish quality. The secret is in the tolerances between the different components of the reel. The lower the distance, the better the reel would be. It is basically the same thing as with the cars. The tolerances are slower on more expensive models. The same thing applies here.

For beginners and those who will fish occasionally, low-end models are more suitable. For those who are planning to fish daily or every weekend, a high-end construction is a must.

Bails

This is a mechanism that retrieves line onto the reel. There are so many different sub-types that we can’t list all of them. The bottom line is to choose a well-made and strong bail which will last for a long period of time. There are also manual or fully automatic models, so it is up to you which one you will actually need. Once again, the price has a huge impact on this factor!

Comfort

Your new reel must be perfectly comfortable at all times. If you are planning to fish as long as possible, always choose reel which feels comfortable the first time you hold it in your hands.

Those models that are not very practical, but look appealing are usually the second choice. Pay special attention to the handle and to the grip end on the handle. These two elements are the game changers when it comes to the quality and they can make a huge difference between an average or a high-end reel.

Gearing Ratio

Gearing ratio is a number such as 7.1:1. It means that the spool will go around the rotor 7.1 times with each handle rotation. In other words, this factor determines how fast the line will be retrieved onto a reel. There are slow, medium and fast reels. It is up to you which type you actually need. We will only tell you that this factor is closely related with the line capacity. More line requires faster reels and vice versa.

Drag

Drag can be front or read and the front one is more suitable for bigger fish. It is defined by the plates inside the rotor which are used when a fisherman is trying to stop a fish. As such, we can compare them to brakes on a car. Larger cars need larger brakes, so a larger reel, for bigger fish needs a higher level of drag. We must add that drag can be adjusted on some models.

FINAL VERDICT

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel

If you are done reading our Okuma reels reviews, you probably know that our top pick will be the Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel. We rate this reel at 5 out of 5 stars and is the best alternative made by this brand.

We liked the advanced drag system and the high level of comfort. Also, it is well-made and the attention to details is superb. The other 2 reels are a decent choice as well and they should be taken into consideration if you are looking for affordable reels of high quality.


5.0/5.0
Our Rating
  • Resistant to corrosion
  • Low frequency of maintenance thanks to its self-lubricating system
  • Carbonite drag system
  • thumbs-up
    Ergonomic design and light material
Adam Parsons

Hi! I'm Adam Parsons - a fishing enthusiast. I have been fishing for more than 15 years now and I still strongly remember that the toughest part for me was during the learning process. Most guides I read during that time was too technical to understand. Therefore, I make sure that everything I post on dream-guides regarding fishing is written well and easy to understand even if you are a newbie.

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