I'm thinkin of picking up a new reel for the spring. Anyone have any experience with the Okuma epixor or the Daiwa Black Gold series? Would be for an 8 foot Tica rated for 1/2 to 2 oz. And I'd be loading it with powerpro. Don't want to spend more then $80 or so.

I have an Epixor, one of the high speed models. Was the replacement from Okuma after the Metaloid blew up on me while on a Cuttyhunk trip. (They claim the Metaloid series was not intended for salt water use....) It is smooth and has held up pretty well. Had it reconditioned by Okuma last winter at very reasonable cost. Has 9 or ten sealed BB. Just rinse religiously and make sure bail bearing is lubed regularly.
I want to hear about their VS series.....

MUCH tougher than the Okuma's. Nothing fancy. but they WORK.

IMO the Daiwa reel will out last the Okuma hands down. The problem is the BG series is not going to be around much longer. It is outdated in it's design but still a work horse kinda like Penn.

nightfighter

The Okuma VS Sucks. Bigest piece of crap I have seen in years.There is a lot better reel out there for the money.

The Okuma VS Sucks. Bigest piece of crap I have seen in years.There is a lot better reel out there for the money.

Last year picked up an Okuma Axeon. Big, Heavy, POS... sent it back to the factory after something broke (I forget what). Told them It was a POS. I wanted to be upgraded to the VS. To there credit they did... But like mike says... it was also junk. It's in my basement. never used.

I'd try a shimano spheros

Thanks Mike. One more off the "what to get list".... I do like the weight of the Epixor, so am looking for a quality go-to reel in that weight range. Thinking Shimano, but need to test drive a real VS, just to screw me up while trying to put a dollar amount on what I need to spend. Not to hijack, but what range does the VS150 handle versus the 250?

For less than $20 more.
Daiwa Whisker Tournament SS 2600.
Great plugging reel.

I'd go with a Shimano Sedona 6000. It's in the same price range, comes with a spare spool, weighs about the same, and has an awesome drag. A 5000 would be a better size with braid, but not available in the Sedona (4000 has much smaller drag). For about $30more you could get a Spheros 5000 with metal frame, but no spare spool (an extra 25$ or so) or a 4500 Baitrunner if you need that feature. But again, no spare spool. The Sedona has 3 bb plus 1 anti-reverse bearing. Unless you are spending big money, I don't think you'll notice a difference between 3 and 9 bearings. Where are they going to put them all?

The BG is a tried and true workhorse.

If you looking to go a little more modern bluefishercat's suggestion of a Spheros is a great one.I've put an 8000 through 3 full seasons.No problems.

Sedona just isn't on the same level as a Spheros.None of Shimano's reels with a sealed drag come with a spare spool.

I agree the Spheros is a MUCH better reel (especially with braid), but including spool it is about $60 more. I was suggesting something in the $80 range.

Spheros prices.

SP-3000FA 5.1:1 12.5 170/8 $79.00
SP-4000FA 5.1:1 12.7 200/10 $79.00
SP-5000FA 4.7:1 20.0 165/14 $96.00
SP-6000FA 4.7:1 20.5 170/16 $96.00
SP-8000FA 4.7:1 19.8 160/20 $100.00
SP-12000FA 4.6:1 28.4 265/20 $117.00
SP-14000FA 4.6:1 28.9 290/25 $123.00

Well worth paying a little extra for the spare spool than settling on a Sedona when it comes to buying a reel for saltwater.

Those are good prices, below msrp. Are they mail order or local?

Thanks guys. I'll let you know what I go with and how it works out. I was going to go with a Tica 8 footer but I'd be willing to listen to other suggestions. I'll be throwing 1/2 to 2 lb plugs, jigs and I want to keep the total package around 180 for rod and reel.

Thanks guys. I'll let you know what I go with and how it works out. I was going to go with a Tica 8 footer but I'd be willing to listen to other suggestions. I'll be throwing 1/2 to 2 lb plugs, jigs and I want to keep the total package around 180 for rod and reel.

For 1/2 - 2 lb plugs... may I recommend a 2x4?:devil:

woops. I meant oz.

I agree with the spheros

Is the BG too old school for braid?

Thanks guys. I'll let you know what I go with and how it works out. I was going to go with a Tica 8 footer but I'd be willing to listen to other suggestions. I'll be throwing 1/2 to 2 lb plugs, jigs and I want to keep the total package around 180 for rod and reel.
I'd go with the spheros 6 or 8000 and one of the Daiwa sealine rods. The Daiwa's cast great regardless of price. I know my 10 footer is rated 3-6oz but will cast plugs well from B17s to 3oz. I suspect there other rods are also overrated for lure weight.

I used a B&G last year w/ 50 lb power pro. Paired it w/ an 8' Tica M/H. Good rig for short $. Had no issues w/ braid. Certainly not the Cadillac of outfits... but solid enough for me. No problems at all.
:btu:

Go to the MSBA EXPO in March, and see all the brands of rods and reels. You will get a great deal. SOme vendors here sell their wares at the show !!! Great deals and supports your local guys. Good Luck..

:kewl:

I plan on being at the MSBA show, went the past 2 years and loved it. Thanks all for the advice.