In this review of the Okuma Avenger reel, we will look at the two different models in this series.
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.
First, there is the Okuma Avenger B and then there is the Okuma Avenger ABF “B” series.
I did not do a separate review on the two different models as the primary difference in the ABF is the bait feeding system, other than that the two reels are pretty much identical.
The Okuma Avenger is the bread and butter of the Okuma brand claiming to be responsible for “putting more fish on the bank or the boat than any other Okuma product”.
The Okuma Avenger is a very affordable reel with a price point in the $59 – $69 range.
I find it to be an average quality reel that almost anyone can afford, but is this the best reel for your hard earned money?
Features
Overall the Okuma Avenger appears to be a decent quality reel. Out of the box, it feels pretty smooth which I am sure can be attributed to its 6 ball bearings. Let’s take a look at the features a bit closer.
6 Ball Bearings – 6 Ball Bearings is actually a bit misleading as there are actually a total of 7 ball bearings, 6 for the reel and the 7th for the anti-reverse which is there to make sure that the drag is engaged properly.
The drag will allow the line to spool out at a certain speed based on how tight you have set the drag and how much pressure the fish is applying to the end of the line.
Oil Soaked Washers – Okuma has incorporated oil-soaked felt washers into the drag system which provides for a very smooth feeling as the line is pulled off of the spool. With some reels that have a lower quality washer system, you will notice that the reel jerks when a fish is taking line – this is not the case with this reel.
Sealed Gear Box – The gearbox is sealed and should keep water, sand, and dirt out but as with any reel, you need to rinse and take care of it to provide a long lifespan.
Graphite Rotor and Body – This reel incorporates both a graphite body and rotor design which means that you can expect to have a longer lifespan than an aluminum body. The graphite is also stronger and lighter weight that is the aluminum counterpart.
Even though the body is graphite, you still need to rinse the reel after each use especially if you are using it in saltwater conditions.
Reversible Retrieve – The reel can easily be switched between a left hand and a right hand retrieve by simply unscrewing the handle and switching sides.
On/Off Bait Feeding System (ABF Model Only) – The Okuma Avenger ABF model has a very simple on/off switch that allows you to simply flip a switch to put the reel into the bait feeding mode (See Bait Feeding Model Below).
Features at a Glance
- Six ball bearings
- QuickSet anti-reverse bearing
- RES II Rotor Equalizing System
- Lightweight, 2-tone aluminum spool
- Elliptical Gearing System
- Precision, machine cut brass pinion gear
- High quality Japanese oiled felt drag washers
- Corrosion resistant graphite body and rotor construction
- Corrosion resistant stainless steel bail wire
- Reversible right and left hand retrieve
- Standard handle grips on models AV-10b through AV-30b
- T-shaped handles on models AV-35b through AV-80b
Bait Feeder Model ABF “B”
The Okuma Avenger is probably best known for the bait feeder model which is essentially the same reel as the Avenger B with the addition of the On/Off auto trip bait feeding system switch.
If you are not familiar with a bait feeder, it is a unique design that allows you to place the rod in a non-manned mode when using multiple rods particularly when fishing from the banks. When you switch the rod into the bait feeding mode, it will let the line run free with minimal drag when a fish takes your bait.
You will still hear the line playing out from the reel, however there is not enough drag to permit the fish to pull your beloved rig into the water to never been seen again. Once you pick up the rod and reel and turn the handle slightly you will engage the normal drag system and can now bring your fish into the bank or the boat.
If you are the type of fisherman that likes to take your favorite beverage to the riverbank and have 2-3 rods in the water at the same time, then you should definitely check out a bait feeder reel system.
For those of you who want all the details I have provided the following charts below.
Avenger Model B
| Model | Mono Cap (yds/lbs) | Line Retrieve | Max Drag lbs | Gear Ratio | Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AV-10b | 210/2 110/4 70/6 | 21 | 5 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 6 |
| AV-25b | 180/6 140/8 100/10 | 25 | 8 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 8 |
| AV-30b | 200/6 160/8 110/10 | 25 | 13 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 8.2 |
| AV-35b | 325/6 260/8 180/10 | 29 | 13 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 9.5 |
| AV-40b | 270/8 190/10 170/12 | 29 | 13 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 10 |
| AV-55b | 380/10 340/12 240/15 | 30 | 18 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 14.2 |
| AV-65b | 420/15 350/20 260/25 | 36 | 22 | 4.8:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 20.6 |
| AV-80b | 420/15 350/20 260/25 | 40 | 22 | 4.8:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 21.4 |
Avenger Model ABF “B”
| Model | Mono Cap (yds/lbs) | Line Retrieve | Max Drag lbs | Gear Ratio | Bearings | Weight (oz) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABF-20b | 190/4 110/6 90/8 | 25 | 8 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 8.9 | ||||
| ABF-30b | 200/6 160/8 110/10 | 25 | 12 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 9.6 | ||||
| ABF-40b | 270/8 190/10 170/12 | 29 | 13 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 11.3 | ||||
| ABF-55b | 380/10 340/12 240/15 | 30 | 19 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 15.6 | ||||
| ABF-65b | 430/12 310/15 260/20 | 36 | 33 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 22.1 | ||||
| ABF-80b | 420/15 350/20 260/25 | 40 | 33 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 22.9 |
Pros
- Nice one handed bait feeding system
- Sealed gear box
- Graphite body
- Smooth retrieve
- Corrosion resistent materials
Cons
- Line does not always lay evenly on the spool.
- Bail does not clear top of spool in all positions
- Some plastic parts which can wear
- Spool is not braid ready
Alternatives
If a bait feeder system is not something that you are particularly looking for, then I think that I would probably take a look at the Pflueger President reel which is actually a few dollars cheaper and I think is a nicer looking reel and has similar quality features.
Since I am usually fishing with a braided line, I like the braid ready spool of the Pflueger President. Read the full review of the Pflueger President HERE.
Smooth performance plus toughness – a great value! The Pflueger® President® Spinning Reel's lightweight graphite body houses a rugged, corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft and components. 
If you are looking for a bait feeder system in particular, then I can suggest that you take a look at the Penn Fierce II Live Liner Spinning Reel. Read the full review on the Penn Fierce HERE and look for the model numbers that end in a LL for the live liner version.
Featuring a full metal body, stainless steel main shaft, thick aluminum bail wire, and braid ready spool the Fierce II was engineered to provide unwavering performance in the roughest conditions.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for a bait feeder reel, then I think that the Okuma Avenger ABF “B” series is a great reel particularly for the money. Finding a quality reel in the $59-$69 price range can be difficult and I think that Okuma delivers on this quite well.
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.
- Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel Review - February 14, 2023
- Abu Garcia Revo STX Baitcast Reel Review - February 8, 2023
- Quantum Smoke Inshore PTs Spinning Reel Review - February 8, 2023
Gary Williams
Tuesday 29th of December 2020
Are the bearings stainless steel? Why was this not in the review?