Tell Me About Your Helios Air.

[new2BC4bass]

Not a lot about them, but what I have read seemed to be all good.  Ordered one.  Should be here Saturday.  Don't know if I'll get to use it before my annual trip to Florida.  Hopefully the weather will stay warmer than usual.  If it does, I'll try to get to my practice place for a few casts.  Have done it with leather gloves on before, so guess I could do it again. 

 

Help keep my anticipation level up. 

[fishballer06]

While they do look nice, I think the reason you don't see much on them is because of the price point. At $250 retail, there are some great reels out there from "The Big 3". Okuma just doesn't seem to have the same stronghold on the freshwater market as Shimano/Daiwa/Abu does. 

 

Please let us know how you like it. I was tempted to buy one of the regular Helios reels about a year ago whenever they had one on sale at my local shop. In the hands at the shop, they didn't feel bad. 

[JustinU1X]

I have two Helios Tcs reels (6.6/7.3:1) and they're my favorite reels. The breaking system can be a little cumbersome the first few times because you have to take off the faceplate but you get use to it. Other than that they cast extremely far, palm well, and they're really light.

[new2BC4bass]

Well, this is a bit of a surprise.  I knew not many use (or admit to using) Okuma reels, but figured there would be more than one guy using them.  There are 2 reviews on bassresource, but they don't get into the reel hardly at all.

[Glenn]

I have one, and have no issues recommending it.  Smooth casts, works for both light and heavy lures, and is strong enough to winch them out of the heavy stuff.  It's a light reel and easy-to-palm.

 

As a few have said, the first time setting it up is a bit cumbersome due to the need to remove the plate to set the pins, but there's a ton of Shimano reels with the same system.  Once you set it up, you forget about it.

 

I'm really happy with mine, and I'm sure you will be to!

[faygo1979]

I have a citrix 300 but I use it mainly for pike and swim baits.  I think for the price it is a good reel,  well put together but I find the brakes on it inconsistent enough that I have not bought any other okuma reels.

[new2BC4bass]

I have one, and have no issues recommending it.  Smooth casts, works for both light and heavy lures, and is strong enough to winch them out of the heavy stuff.  It's a light reel and easy-to-palm.

 

As a few have said, the first time setting it up is a bit cumbersome due to the need to remove the plate to set the pins, but there's a ton of Shimano reels with the same system.  Once you set it up, you forget about it.

 

I'm really happy with mine, and I'm sure you will be to!

 

Thanks.  Where should I set the brake to start?  I'm not the world's best caster, but have managed to do okay with reels from Abu, BPS, Daiwa, Lews, Pflueger, Pinnacle and Shimano in various models with weights as low as 1/8 oz. now that I have my PXL. 

 

EDIT:  Reel arrived late this afternoon.  Weather sucks.  The reel doesn't.    As stated in a bassresource review, the handle knobs are thicker than I am use to.  However, I don't think that is going to be a problem for me.  The reel is pretty small.  No measurements taken, but it appears to be the same length as an Alphas, but is narrower.  I'm guessing by at least a 1/4 inch or more.  The gold trim isn't bad, but I would prefer a different color.  Personal preference.  Feels smooth cranking it, but then it should since there is no load on it.  Side cover is a snug fit.  Tolerances are very close.  Has to be worked back-and-forth to get off.  I set the brakes at 3 (of 6).  Hopefully that will be sufficient.  I worry that the finish may not be very tough.

 

Tomorrow I'll spool it with some 12# AN40 after mounting it on a 7' MF Techna AV rated 1/4-1 oz. and 8-20 lb.  Listening to the weather forecast tonight, I would say it isn't going to co-operate.  Doubtful I'll get out this weekend to make a few casts.  Plus my daughter and 3 grandsons are spending the weekend so not a lot of free time.  I am thinking I need a new rod for this reel.  One that is very light to compliment its lightness.  Should be easy to find a combination that will weigh less than 10 oz. total...with line spooled.  Looking forward to taking it with me to Florida next year.