In this review of the Okuma Azores, you will hopefully understand why I think this reel is one of the best deals going for a giant spinner designed for offshore use.
If you don’t have a big budget or don’t fish offshore regularly and still want a good quality reel without breaking the bank, then look at the Okuma Azores spinning reel.
This reel is a good choice for everything from trolling, baitcasting, stick baiting, popping, and jigging on the reefs. The Azores are available in 5 models, from a size 40 up through a 90, and they pack a lot of features that you would only expect to find in a reel that is 2 to 3 times its cost.
Some of the features I like are the extremely smooth drag provided by the dual force drag system and the dual anti-reverse system that provides a solid hook set every time.
This reel is designed for saltwater. Okuma has put several features, such as their MSS or mechanical stabilization system, that minimize the possibility of disparate metals inside the gearbox falling prey to the effects of electrolysis and corrosion.
This reel is designed from the body up to withstand the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing, and from what I can tell so far, it does an excellent job of just that at a very affordable price, starting at just $129.
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.
- DFD: Precision Dual Force Drag system
- Multi-disc, carbonite and felt drag washers for DFD
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing plus ratchet system
Features
ALC: Rigid die-cast aluminum body, side plate, and rotor
The body, sideplate, and rotor are solid, strong, and rigid aluminum.
DFD: Precision Dual Force Drag System
The precision dual force drag system uses a stack of felt drag washers on top, and under the spool is a carbonite drag washer. When you combine the two of these, you dissipate the drag pressure over multiple washers and, in turn, spread the heat over several washers, making for a smoother drag when under a heavy load.
Drag adjustment
The Azores uses a click drag adjustment for a more precise drag setting that allows you to dial down the exact drag you need when you need it.
Oversized spool shaft
The Azores use an oversized spool shaft and spacer that allows you to put lots of pressure on the drag system and distribute that evenly so you do not overload it. This creates balance, stability, and durability over the long haul.
6HPB + 1RB corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings
One anti-reverse roller bearing combines six high-performance bearings to create an exceptionally smooth retrieve. I would almost put the retrieve at the same level of smoothness as a Shimano reel and for a fraction of the price.
Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing plus ratchet system
When you are ready to set the hook on that big pelagic, you can not afford to have any play in the reel, and that is just what is accomplished with this dual system that comes on all of the models except the Z-40s.
Brass pinion gear
The precision machine-cut brass pinion gear is solid and will last years of heavy use.
Elliptical oscillation system
Okuma’s elliptical oscillation system means that you will have a remarkably even line lay when retrieving, and you will, therefore, be able to cast further.
Corrosion resistant
The CRC: Corrosion-Resistant Coating process provides an extra layer of protection for this dedicated saltwater reel.
MSS: Carbon Mechanical Stabilizing System
It prevents the spread of corrosion by separating the aluminum components from the other internal components with their C-40X long-strand fiber to create a gasket that will make for a reel that will last a long time.
Machined aluminum spool
The 2-tone anodized spool with LCS lip provided for smooth release with no noticeable wind knots when we were testing. The spool is also knurled so that if you load it up with the braided line, you will not have to back it with mono first.
Machined aluminum handle
The machined aluminum handle is not only super strong but also lighter than what can be achieved with carbon fiber.
Hydro Block water-tight drag seal
The extra sealing here makes for a near-water-tight seal around the wide drag adjustment knob. We all know that this is one of the major penetration points on a reel where water gets in and ruins your reel.
Features at a Glance
- ALC: Rigid die-cast aluminum body, side plate and rotor
- DFD: Precision Dual Force Drag System
- 6HPB + 1RB corrosion-resistant stainless steel bearings
- 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
- MSS: Carbon Mechanical Stabilizing System
- Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool with LCS lip
- Heavy duty, solid aluminum bail wire.
Okuma has delivered a dedicated saltwater spinning reel geared towards larger species of fish at a very affordable price.
This reel is perfect for the angler who might only get out a few times a year and does not want to break the bank but wants a reel that will withstand the harsher elements of saltwater fishing and the strain put on equipment by larger fish.
I also think the Azores are an excellent choice for a guide who wants a reel that can withstand client abuse and be used regularly.
While this reel is not waterproof, it is very watertight and corrosion resistant when you combine the hydroblock watertight drag system, high-performance ball bearings and aluminum body, side plate, and rotor that are separated from the other internal components with the mechanical stabilizing system.
With gear ratios of 5.8:1 in the Z-40s and the Z-55s and 5.4:1 in the Z-65s, Z80s, and the largest of the bunch, the Z-90s, you will achieve line retrieve rates of 35″ to 46″ with every turn of the handle.
One of the things that the Okuma Azores are best known for is the dual-force drag system. Combining a stack of felt washers with a secondary carbonite washer under the spool allows for an even dispersal of pressure and creates a smooth drag.
One thing I have heard suggested and might try myself is to replace the stack of felt washers on the top of the spool with carbonite washers to create an even smoother drag and add some durability.
I do not think this is necessary on the smaller Z-40s and Z55s unless you were going after oversized bull reds or other fish in the 40 lbs+ class, but for the enormous reel. I think I will try this.
The felt and carbonite washers will give you a hefty drag of 28 lbs on the Azores Z-40s and will take you up to a whopping 44 lbs on the Azores Z-90s.
Pros
- Price
- Watertight design
- Smooth retrieve
- Corrosion resistant
Cons
- Not fully sealed
- Weight
Alternatives
I recommend looking at the Penn Spinfisher VI, as this reel has genuinely stood the test of time and only runs about $25 more than the Okuma Azores. Personally, I would choose the Okuma Azores as it is lighter, but the Penn Spinfisher VI is a fully sealed reel.
Another reel to check out would be the Daiwa BG SW Spinning reel, which, for a few dollars less, is an excellent choice and one of my favorite reels.
Last but not least would be the Fin Nor Lethal, which has excellent drag like the Azores and good water protection. The Fin Nor reel is also in the same price range as the Okuma Azores.
In Conclusion
If you are looking for a great saltwater reel that will withstand the harsh elements of large pelagic species and not cost you your firstborn child, then I think you have a winner with the Okuma Azores series of reels.
The more I learn and use the Okuma brand, the more I am impressed. Okuma seems to get left out of most people’s lists when shopping for a reel, as they are not covered in the press, as are some of the other major brands like Shimano, Daiwa, and Penn.
For the money, I think you will be hard-pressed to find a better reel with all these features. I would give the Okuma Azores 4 stars out of 5. The only reason I do not give it five stars is that it is not fully sealed.
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.
- DFD: Precision Dual Force Drag system
- Multi-disc, carbonite and felt drag washers for DFD
- Quick-set anti-reverse roller bearing plus ratchet system
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Marius
Tuesday 4th of September 2018
Hello there and thanks for the review. Just a question: can the Azores-4000 be used with thiner braided lines, like 0,18mm or even 0,16mm? Or is not conceived for such small diameters?Thank you.
Chris
Wednesday 3rd of October 2018
Hi Marius,
That is no problem but why would you do that? I use it with a 0,42 JBraid at 103 lbs. That is my reel for everything when I travel. Catches halibut, big cod, tuna, GT. And when I fish it for smaller fish I just change the flouro leader. That way I just pack one reel for all I need. If you planning to go only smaller species then this is overhead.
Salted Angler
Wednesday 5th of September 2018
That should not be a problem, there are some nice thin braided lines available today.