Abu Orra Sx30 Spinning Reel Review

[craww]

I have never been able to justify spending much on a spinning reel. I much prefer casting reels, but I use spinners quite a bit and my pflueger presidents and Abu Cardinals have given me zero issues over the years. Recently when my 6 year old cardinal had the handle broken (clumsy buddy lol). I decided I would like to get another spinning reel and set my budget of up to around 125 bucks. After looking at the offerings from Daiwa, Shimano, Pflueger and a few others I ended going with the Orra SX30. I came close to getting a supreme MGX or Daiwa Aird. I initially wanted to get a Shimano Symetre, but the cheap looking non bearing knobs on the 3000 were a deal beaker for me. Im sure their great reels that will stand the test of time, but its hard to enjoy a reel that you don't like the handle on.

 

I have only had it out twice, but so far I am impressed.

 

-Looking at schematics, the reel has two opposite bearings in locations other reels have one. Abu also uses their HPCR bearings, which are utilized in more high end reels. Also worth noting is how well sealed everything is, the drag, bearings, handle etc is quite good. Ive noticed on a few spinners rust stains coming from the area on the roller bearings, where water gets in. I was happy to find a neoprene washer protecting the HPCR bearing...Nice touch!

 

-It has a one piece frame, I honestly haven't had issues with 2 piece graphite in my presidents but nice to know its there.

 

-One pet peeve of mine is a lot of spinning reels seem to take greater force to turn, regardless of whether a smooth reel or not it bugs me if takes much effort to get that handle going. Several reels that I fondled in this range have that issue. This reel doesn't take much to get going, and is smooth cranking even when winding in a bandit 200 crankbait.

 

-The reel doesn't have the "wobble" a lot of spinners have. Not sure of the proper name for it, but the tolerance between the spool and the "bail support arms" is tighter than a lot of reels.

 

 

 

 

A few negatives:

 

-There is a washer under the spool that can get off center when the spool is removed. Combined with the closeness of the bail arms to the spool and it isnt as easy as it usually is to replace the spool.

 

- The line lay on the spool seems to stagger more towards the bottom. This is a common problem. Not the reels fault, but as always you need to watch overfilling the spool. I filled the braid spool up nice and full at home, (1/8 from the spool lip, maybe a hair less) once out on the water when the braid was spooled a bit looser on the reel I had issues. I removed about 40-50 ft of line and everything was great. Totally my fault for slightly overfilling a spool with brand new "unbroken in" PP8, but remember to watch the bottom of your spool when spooling line.

 

 

 

 Bottom line, I am very happy with this reel and recommend anyone in the market for a moderately priced spinning reel to give them a look.

[Felix77]

Own 2 Orra SX 30's and one 20.  Love them.  Great reel for the price.

[craww]

Felix

 

Out of curiosity have you tried flouro on your reels yet? If so how did they handle it?

[Felix77]

Felix

 

Out of curiosity have you tried flouro on your reels yet? If so how did they handle it?

 

I have.  I used Seaguar InvizX fluorocarbon (10lb and 8lb) and it worked fine.  I find that FC on spinning reels has a ton to do with the quality of the FC you use and how you spool it on to minimize memory.  Gene has a video on this and it's essentially what I do.  Don't forget the KVD lure and line stuff!  Use liberally.  One other tip is to avoid overfilling it or else you will deal with issues.

 

I tried braid too and ultimately switched them all to PowerPro 10lb Braid and use FC leaders as I need to.  On my 2nd spool on the Orra 20 I still have straight fluoro.