Okuma Epix baitfeeder

[wilcara]

Iv'e got a heap of Okumas. No they are not the best in the world, there are better reels. However for the money I don't think there is, although ########## looks interesting...... As a very generalised observation based on cost and how mine are wearing I would put Okumas at about number three out of ten with only shimano and diawa ahead.

If you want the best reel in teh world go and get one but if you want some decent value knockabout reels go Okuma.

[Bassmaster1]

Its interesting to see so many mixed opinions about the Okuma reels. I think there is always one thing you can be sure of in life and that is you get what you pay for.

I purchased an Okuma EB 80 Epix bait feeder 3 years ago and dont think I could have gotten better value for money from any other biatfeeder reel at the time. I compared the model to the shimano baitfeeder 6500 & the Penn Range, then made the decision based on features & price, I think i paid $120 for it on EBAY with a spare spool.

Now I do not use it every weekend, but have certainly recieved great value out of it. Best catch to date has been a 35lb Long Tail Tuna in Moreton Bay which the reel handled perfectly. I have landed large bull sharks on 50lb braid (loading the drag right up), large snapper, pelagics etc & I have always found the drag to be very smooth & so far reliable (touch wood). I have maintained the reel from purchase date & probably use it once a month if i averaged out useage over the year so I dont know how it would go if you flogged it every weekend & refused to maintain the reel.

I have often thought about purchasing a smaller series, (Okuma have some fantastic small baitfeeders) for bait fishing for squire etc in the bay. I would have no problem recommending an Okuma based on my experience.

Cheers,

[Chong]

I have one, and after 2 years use, it gave up. When under load it tightens up and is difficult to wind. Then springs back to normal once the load is removed. I have been thinking about sending it back to NSW as a warranty claim. What a pain.

I would not get one again.

Chong also has one and similar to mine, getting enough drag can be a problem as well.

Have had an epix 80 for 5 yrs, use every second week, no services exepct yours truley (which is why i had drag prob, forgot to put washer back on..) but $$ for reel, great, fished morten, swains, sunny coast. pulled snapper from 80m no prob, just needs a good squirt of cats piss every now and then, is showing signs of use, but still goes as good as day one. Have two smaller ones for bream and snapper, no prob. Like said, not the best but i cant complain for the $$$. caught just as many fish as any other reel.
Cheers