Okuma Reels

[fillet1]

Anyone use and have any opinions on Okuma spinning reels?

I was looking at the baitfeeder models (Coronado and Experior). I am more intersted in durability and drag performance than anything else. I use Mostly Diawa BG's and Penn SS's but neither have a baitrunner feature. The Okuma's prices are right.

I question their quality b/c I used two of Okuma's Titus trolling reels in a 50 size that were really bad, and really beaten up after a season of use. I have never used their spinning gear!

[Seakindly]

Have you checked out Penns Slammer with the liveliner feature? I don't live bait (except eels) with spinning reels, but I heard these were pretty good.

I heard okuma was low quality stuff, but I have absolutely no experience with the brand. Shimano's TLDs and Charter Specials are time tested workhorses that have come down in price in the past year or so.

[fillet1]

The slammers are priced at about $130.00?? thats almost twice the cost of the Okuma, which is why I was curious.

I was going to use the baitrunners for chunking bunker for stripers in the fall. They work well for that. I also use conventionals for striper chunking. I've been using abu-garcia 6500's(?) and the frame strength sucks on them. I guess you would say they are "crummy" :P ;D ;D They are a much better flounder/weakfish reel.

I hear ya on the charter specials. They are good solid reels with a lever drag.

Every time I pick up a TLD they feel so cheap to me that i cant accept that it is actually a durable reel. Japaneese engineering!!

[chumbucket]

I have an Okuma CD65 Baitfeeder Coronado. Much like the Shimano Baitrunner's. The reel was given to me as a present. I've only used it about 1/2 dozen times and taken some decent Stripers up to 20 -22 lbs and the reel performed well. I really never use it because I have other favorites. I'd say that for the money, they are a fairly good value. I like the handles a lot.
This thing is just sitting in the box. If you're interested, I'll sell you this one and you can save some money for other goodies. ;)
btw, I've got a TLD 15 and it definately is a workhorse.

[chumbucket]

http://www.okumafishing.com/products/reels/coronado/coronado.htm

$50.00 shipped and it's yours. Just say the word. ;)