Okuma Reel "junk" warning

[P Gottshall]

I bought an Okuma "ultralight FS10" for $10 or so off e-bay.  JUNK!!!  The spool on this reel is made of plastic, & the casting seam is very visible & catches the line as it spools off.  If you're considering one, save your money!

My only worst e-bay experience was the "$250-$300 value" Kinghawk OX-380 (open water).  This thing doesn't lay line across the whole spool, & is a mess when I try to cast it.  The worst part was I got it for $0.01, but then paid $39.99 shipping!  It was in the fine print, I just missed it. . .  I wouldn't pay $5 for this reel if I'd seen it ahead of time.  Probably wouldn't take it if you tried to give it to me.  Not a good $40 investment.

I have been using my Shimano 1000's on the ice.  They're a bit large, but what excellent quality.  Even the $15 ones.

You pay for what you get get what you pay for,
Paul

[eyedoktr]

Paul, sory to hear about your bad luck with Okuma. I've been using the Okuma Epixor reels for a few years now and they are the best reels I've ever owned.

[P Gottshall]

Paul, sory to hear about your bad luck with Okuma. I've been using the Okuma Epixor reels for a few years now and they are the best reels I've ever owned.

I assume they make good reels, as I see Cabela's sells them.  All I know is this particular reel is very disappointing.  Many manufacturers have different levels of products, but I know you can't buy a junk Shimano.  I'm surprised you can an Okuma.  Sure doesn't make me want to invest in any of their other products.

Paul

ps - I'm only $15 upset - not like the end of the world!

[Dizzy]

Paul, sory to hear about your bad luck with Okuma. I've been using the Okuma Epixor reels for a few years now and they are the best reels I've ever owned.

I'll "second that"... the Epixor is BY FAR the best spinning reel that I own, and it is BY FAR not the most expensive.

[miller]

I've had the exact opposite experience.  5 years ago I bought a cheap Shimano ultralight spinning reel for trout and panfish and was one of the worst reels I ever purchased.  I ended up switching to Okuma and now own 6 and wouldn't think of buying a diffrent brand, much less a Shimano spinning reel (still love their baitcasters though).

[chumster]

I use okuma reels too. I have 7. 4 diffrent models of spinning reels. The only ones i've ever had a problem with is the ultralites. The bail springs dont hold up very well. Only get a couple years from them. I told the company about this problem and they sent me 5 springs and instuctions on how to put them in, for free. They also apoligized for the inconvenience it caused me. Very nice company to deal with. I believe that reel you got off ebay was used as the extra spool that comes with a new reel is black plastic. If you want to see one of them, go to the fishusa.com website and check out their reels.

[Greenglo_Bob]

I Have a pile of Shimanos from years  back, broken bail springs etc.  Now I own over a 16 Okumas, linecounters ,metalloids epixors, ul10, fs 15', love em!

[JigAwhopper]

well,  what did you expect,  you get what you pay for.  It's like getting the icefishing combo for $24 an expecting the reel to be anything but a piece of junk.  I'm not exactly rich,  but I try to buy most expensive reels I can afford and will never again go below the 65-70 dollar level.  I own few $120 daiwa capricorns and few shimano stradic and the 'cheapo' daiwa laguna that has an aluminum frame and is smooth as silk. I had 'em for a long time and they still run as good as the day I bought them. I heard things about Okuma, that the finish comes off of them and stayed away.  I would also never buy another Fin-noir or a Pinnicle.  Expensive and nothing but problems with drags and sloppy action. I think everybody got burned once or twice buying fishing equipment i guess.    

[Tim Hanford]

I've been using Okuma spinning reels for almost 3 years, and use 'em hard.  They are worth every penny.  The inexpensive ultra light reels leave a lot to be desired but their mid to upper range reels are awesome!

Okuma just came out with two new low profile baitcasters this year that I can't wait to try.

[C.C.]

I've fished okuma reels in the ocean for three years now and it doesn't get any harder than sand and salt! My next one will be the same thing. By the sound's of this thread okuma should be a sponsor here
               Jim

[richstick]

Paul, just a piece of friendly advice - why don't you research products more before buying them off of Ebay?  The FS10 is a very low price point reel, bottom of the barrel stuff.  I have 2 Avenger AV-15s that I got off of Ebay for 24.95 apiece, and they are phenomenal reels.

[fishuhalik]

I wouldn't trade my Shimanos for anything.  All of my ice fishing reels have the 750 Symetry.  Smooth as silk, drag's as good as they come for the money.  Retail is $80, but I get 65% off from the manufacturer since I work @ Gander & use them for "product evaluation." 

[billditrite]

IMO i use an OKUMA EB65 for striper fishing and dollar for dollar there is no better reel for the big boys.they make small ones too check out the entire EB line

[ChenBassHead]

Okuma makes some reels that are pure junk. These are the reels that my local tackle shop has in little baggies, hanging on the jig rack for $10-$15. These are pure crap, and I wouldn't waste my money. HOWEVER...for open water, I own an Okuma Epizor and Metaloid, and these are great reels. Good drag system, smooth, and good looking. The one complaint I have is that they are heavy compared to some of the Shimanos that I own....but that's just fine, because I can pair them with a rod that has a longer butt section, and it becomes a nice, balanced combo. For the money, you won't find a better reel PERIOD.

-Zach

[oakorchardfishking]

i have 5 okuma's myself and love them all... they take the abuse too! i have 2 avengers, 2 epixors and 1 fly reel (cant remember what its called)! i also have 2 diawa regals which i love too!

[fredoo]

My only worst e-bay experience was the "$250-$300 value" Kinghawk OX-380 (open water).  This thing doesn't lay line across the whole spool, & is a mess when I try to cast it.  The worst part was I got it for $0.01, but then paid $39.99 shipping!  It was in the fine print, I just missed it. . .  I wouldn't pay $5 for this reel if I'd seen it ahead of time.  Probably wouldn't take it if you tried to give it to me.  Not a good $40 investment.

You pay for what you get get what you pay for,
Paul

I too bid on one of those but luckily someone bid higher than me so I was saved. And anyway, I saw a KingHawk OX-180 in a store for $35.00.