Okuma Axeon Surf Reels

[basswipe]

Was talking to guy at the airport this morning who says this reel is the greatest thing since sliced bread.He's used it for a season without mishap.

The price is certainly affordable and I like to have backups for all my gear.But I've always been leary of Okuma products
as I've also heard horror stories too.

I researched the reel and it sounds to good to be true.Great features,decent warranty.

Anybody here have any experience with these reels.I need more than one guys opinion before I commit.

If this reel is as good as it sounds on paper its makes the Spheros I was going to get an inferior reel.I've fished the Spheros extensively and its a good reel.

[leptar]

I used the Okuma Inspira IS50 almost all season last year... only problem is the drag is smoked don’t know what picked up the tin never saw the thing.. It nearly spooled me PP50 with 10' of 20# i could see the backing when the split ring failed. I have dunked this reel, yes it did get a little grindy but it's still smooth. (I'm currently looking to replace the internal bearings with aftermarket sealed ones.)

I was leery of Okuma as well but they make a decent product for money. I know 2 other guys that use the Axeon, i think 90 series and they love them.

Reason why i bought the okuma was i got a good deal on it and needed a light reel to keep in the truck for them days where 'drive by fishing occurs' lol...

I've fished the sphero's as well... but your talking apples and oranges now... if you can afford the Spheros get it, if you want 2 axeon's or 1 Axeon and 1 Inspira do that.. heh... the okuma's are about 1/2 the price of the shimano's all day long.

Aluminum quality (spool) is a little weak IMO... i think i should point that out... but if you care for your reels you shouldn't have any problems... I've dropped shimano, Penn, daiwa spools on the garage floor while stripping them the old way without any issues... did that to the okuma and it dented (now i strip from on the bench into a box with 2 towels on the bottom) nothing to affect performance but i think from an inch higher fall it would have been rubbing the rotor.

[CANAL RAT]

i think they are pieces of crap IMO. they break all the time i will never use okuma ever again. if you want a good Inexpensive quality reel get a daiwa black gold or penn Z series

[basswipe]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by leptar
[B]I've fished the sphero's as well... but your talking apples and oranges now... if you can afford the Spheros get it, if you want 2 axeon's or 1 Axeon and 1 Inspira do that.. heh... the okuma's are about 1/2 the price of the shimano's all day long.

Actually the Axeon runs about $30 more than a Spheros of comparable size.I was actually looking at this reel as a backup to a Spheros or vice/versa depending on which performs better.Since I've never had a problem with my Spheros its not a pressing issue.It was more just thought since I spoke with that fellow at the airport.

[basswipe]

Originally posted by CANAL RAT
i think they are pieces of crap IMO. they break all the time i will never use okuma ever again. if you want a good Inexpensive quality reel get a daiwa black gold or penn Z series

I would agree that the BGs and Zseries are fine reels but not exactly suited for what I was looking for.I'm looking for a reel that can throw light stuff like bombers and get good distance.The spool design and weight of the Okuma reels are much more suited to that purpose.

Which Okuma reels were you using?Was one an Axeon? What parts broke all the time and since it happened "all the time" I'm assuming you replaced the parts several times?Why continue to use reels that break all the time?Or are you forming your opinion strictly on what others have told you?