I am thinking to buy the Okuma epix EB-60 baitfeeder reel, are they any good?
They are of a reasonable quality that can handle quite a bit of abuse, i know my smaller versions have performed well without any breakages being fished well beyond thier designed intentions. Most annoying part is they are heavier than other comparable sized reels for the most part and the chrome on plastic parts wears off fairly quickly. Overall though I would rate them about 8/10.
Jack.
i have the 80 and can not fault it, and agree with what jack has said
How would these stack up against the Penn Liveliners. I have been looking at them as a good Snapper reel
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for a bait runner type of reel,you really cant go past a shimano baitrunner.long proven history of it being a reliable,robust work horse.snap up whatever youre after ASAP as i think that shimano is not making them anymore.
The Shimano Baitrunner is a toughness class beyond most other baitrunners i think hence thier popularity. Value for money though for the average Joe, I think the okumas are a good choice.
Jack.
I don't own one but have used a mate's one a fair bit.
Out of the box, it was nice and smooth. And I preferred the free-spool/secondary drag on the Epix to my Shimano BTR6500. It had a much finer control and could go lighter than mine.
Now I will say that he doesn't look after his reels very well, but 18 months later and the whole reel is a pig. Both cosmetically(yes, the paint/chrome just sloughs off) and mechanically(you should hear some of the noises it makes). My mate is always having trouble getting his to engage/disengage the baitfeeder drag.
If you do buy one, the only thing I can recommend is to service it very regularly to try and keep it in working condition. A lot more frequently than you will with a BTR.
The Shimano BTR 6500's are great performers but use basically the same engineering as the good old TSS4's that everone seems to want to condemn to the waste bin. I think the Penn's might be worth a look. Surely someone has used them
From my experience Penn reels last longer and perform better than the other major brands especially when considering specific price brackets and value for money
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After reading your comments, I think I would just forget about the eb-60. May be I should invest in Penn slammer 560L or Shimano baitrunner 4500. Thanks
The Epix eb-60 is fine, but a bit "light" especially compared to Shimano's BTR. However the newer Salina SAF65 is a no-nonsense reel well worth a look.
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.
Okuma Epix baitfeeder
I am thinking to buy the Okuma epix EB-60 baitfeeder reel, are they any good?
Pajeromako, How did you go, decided yet??? You will find it horses for courses. I have the EB-60 and have not had concern for its durability. Mine however probably hasn’t received the ‘flogging’ some of the other guys have probably given theirs. Although a stingray of about 5ft in full flight surely did put it through its paces. Drag as smooth as the proverbial…..
My mate has also got a Shimano BTR6500 and I have used them both in tandem.
I personally have found that the rod selected will also play a role in your decision. It must be balanced to suit you.
I predominantly fish the shallow reefs around brissie and would definitely choose the Okuma each time. (chasing small snapper and the like)
For the deeper stuff both the Baitrunner and the Slammer/Liveliner win hands down.
In comparison I believe the okuma reel definitely is less bulky, much lighter and doesn’t seem to ‘wobble’ as much as the other reels.
I had owned for many years a couple of the original Shimano Baitrunner Aero 8010s and the newer BTRs do not seem to be as robust.
My suggestion would be to choose the type of fishing you want to do. If it is to go on an existing rod then take it to the shop and fit both reels to it and get a feel for their performance. If you are buying a ‘combo’ then simply choose a number of rod selections and repeat the process.
Happy hunting
Shane
I would be waiting to see what Shimano bring out to replace the baitrunner with. If they are dropping it from there line of reels i would imagine that the replacement would be better, well i hope so. I dont use baitrunners so i couldnt comment on what is the better reel but the Okuma reels if have used and my mates have all had problems, not too keen on them at all anymore.
okuma = absolute S#it
I have had 2 okuma’s in the Vsystem and still got the old interceptor 3 bearing reel which is around 5 years old.
I have never experienced any problems with okuma but I have read most issues seem to be the anti reverse on them.Either your lucky or unlucky buying one.
But okuma do have a good warranty record.
The shimano bait runners have been around a long time ,but their main down fall with age is the internals which are a nightmare trying to do anything yourself..would need to be sent for repairs which will cost a fair bit.
I know some may stand strong on owning a bait runner but after using them for quite a number of years their really doesn’t seem to be a great advantage owning one IMO.
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