Okuma is based out of Taiwan and has been producing quality fishing reels for both saltwater and freshwater since 1986.
While Okuma may not be as wide a known name as other manufacturers like Penn and Shimano we have been impressed with a number of their reels especially in the low-price and mid-price ranges.
As avid inshore fishermen, a few of the favorites reels we have seen from Okuma are the Okuma Inspira and the Okuma Helios SX. While both of these reels are in the low-price and mid-price ranges respectively, Okuma is also known to making some high-end reels like the Okuma Makaira which would compete with the likes of Shimano’s Stella SW.
Best Okuma Spinning Reel Reviews
- Made using the highest quality materials
- Tested for reliability and quality
- Used by professionals worldwide
- On/off auto trip bait feeding system
- Multi-disc, oiled felt drag system
- 6bb + 1rb bearing drive system
- DFD: Precision Dual Force Drag system
- Multi-disc, carbonite and felt drag washers for DFD
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing plus ratchet system
- Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
- CRC: Corrosion-resistant coating process
- HDGII: Corrosion-resistant, high density gearing
- Gear ratio: 7. 3: 1
- Max drag pressure: 14 lbs.
- Bearings: 10bb + 1rb
- Line retrieve: 28 inches.
- Monofilament line capacity: 160/10, 130/12, 95/14
- Torsion Control Armor
- Cyclonic Flow Rotor
- Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
- 8 BB + 1RB stainless steel bearings
- Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
- Rigid, forged aluminum, anodized handle
- Forged aluminum, machine cut body / sideplate.
- Forged aluminum, machine cut Cyclonc Flow rotor.
- Forged stainless steel main gear for ultimate power and strength.
- Precision machine cut 17-4 grade stainless steel pinion gear.
- Oversized 17-4 grade stainless steel spool shaft reduces flex.
Okuma Avenger
The Avenger spinning reels feature 7 total ball bearings for the ultimate in smoothness and feature up to 22lbs of drag pressure out of the multi-disc, Japanese oiled felt drag system.
Retail around $69
The Okuma Avenger is available in two primary models the B and the ABF with the latter being the bait feeding model. This is the most popular of all the Okuma reels and is a good quality inexpensive reel that is suitable for both fresh and saltwater. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-80 | 21-40 | 4.5:1-5.0:1 | 5-33 | 6+1 | 6-22.9 |
Okuma Azores
The Okuma Azores Saltwater Spinning Reels are designed specifically for saltwater fishing. These reels come equipped with precision click drag adjustment for more precise settings, as well as a dual anti-reverse system for maximum security. These reels will hold up well during any saltwater angling expedition.
Retail around $119
If you are looking for a large saltwater spinning reel without breaking the bank then the Okuma Azores is a good choice. The full metal body, sideplate, and rotor are durable as well as the dual force drag system that can deliver up to 44 lbs of stopping power. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40-90 | 34.8-46 | 5.4:1-5.8-1 | 28-44 | 6+1 | 12-25.5 |
Okuma Helios SX
Retail around $129
The Okuma Helios SX is an extremely durable and lightweight reel targeted at the inshore fisherman. The use of C-40X carbon fiber makes the frame, rotor, and sideplates extremely strong. With 9 corrosion resistant stainless steel ball bearings and a carbon fiber drag system, the reel is smooth even under heavy loads. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-40 | 21.9-32.1 | 4.5:1-5.8:1 | 13 | 8+1 | 7.1-9.2 |
Okuma Inspira
Retail around $79
The Okuma Inspira offers up a quality lightweight reel that does not break the bank. Available in 3 sizes all with C-40X carbon bodies and sideplates these reels will withstand saltwater conditions and provide you with a smooth feel. Inside the body are 8 stainless steel ball bearings and a brass pinion gear for durability. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20-40 | 22.6-29 | 5.0:1 | 13 | 8+1 | 6.5-9.1 |
Okuma Makaira
Retail around $799
The Okuma Makaira is one of the finest quality large spinning reels on the market today. Targeted towards big game fish such as GT, Amberjacks, Sailfish, and Tuna this reel is built with solid components. All the components are first forged and then machine cut for precision and durability. All of the components are protected by a hydro sealed body. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20000-30000 | 51.6-65.7 | 5.8:1 | 66 | 9HPB+1RB | 32.5-36.7 |
Best Okuma Conventional Reel Reviews
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BEST OVERALL
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: Okuma's all-new "Carbonite" drag system features a newly-developed carbon-based drag material which displaces heat and friction consistently and steadily even under the harshest of fishing conditions |
: Helical cut gears for increased torque, smoothness and improved gear meshing |
Okuma's all-new "Carbonite" drag system features a newly-developed carbon-based drag material which displaces heat and friction consistently and steadily even under the harshest of fishing conditions
Helical cut gears for increased torque, smoothness and improved gear meshing
Okuma Cortez Star Drag
Okuma's "Carbonite" drag system features a newly-developed carbon-based drag material that displaces heat and friction consistently and steadily even under the harshest of fishing conditions.
Retail around $149
The Okuma Cortez Star Drag is a very good quality reel with a corrosion resistant body that is made of black anodized aluminum. The external adjustable cast control system makes sit easy to adjust for different baits and conditions. The carbonite drag system and dual anti-reverse make this a reel that many anglers have come to rely on. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-55 | 38-43 | 4.7:1-6.2:1 | 15-18 | 4BB+1RB | 14-28.3 |
Makaira 2 Speed Lever Drag
Retail around $459
The Okuma Makaira 2 Speed Lever Drag is one of the best big game reels on the market today for any price. What sets this reel apart from others in the same class is the amazing dual drag system which can produce up to 100 lbs of drag. This combined with high end components all around makes this a solid choice when you are looking for a reel to chase billfish and hard fighting pelagics. READ THE FULL REVIEW
| Models | Retrieve (in) | Gear Ratio | Max Drag (lb) | Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 11.8" - 45.7" | 1.2:1 - 4.7:1 | 34 - 100 lbs | 4BB+1TB - 6BB+1TB | 24.2 oz - 167 oz |
