Okuma Helios casting rods

[WPCfishing]

I need some up to date information.

Are these Helios rods still breaking or was that the early release?

I'm looking at buying two of them from Tackle Warehouse. Not the CM. I like the larger guides.

Any information will be helpful.

 

Thank you. 

[new2BC4bass]

I hadn't previously heard of problems with the Helios rods breaking.  Did a little research.  Two on Amazon had a rod break while fishing.  A third opened the package to find the rod in two pieces.  He said he had read in other reviews of this happening.  Gave it one star.  That is ridiculous.  How can you blame the rod because the carrier broke it in transit?  That's like blaming your wife for you getting food poisoning because she drove the car to the restaurant.

 

Everyone else loved the rods.  I bought a Medium.   (Mini guide.  Prefer standard guides but that was what was on sale.)  I liked the rod well enough to buy a second.  Neither have seen a lot of use, but that is because I haven't been getting out much the past two years.

 

I have a feeling the reason the rods that broke could have been caused by a handling issue.  i.e. something like hitting the rod against the corner of a solid object.  I've never read of a breakage problem on this site or the other two sites that I frequent.

[WPCfishing]

3 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I hadn't previously heard of problems with the Helios rods breaking.  Did a little research.  Two on Amazon had a rod break while fishing.  A third opened the package to find the rod in two pieces.  He said he had read in other reviews of this happening.  Gave it one star.  That is ridiculous.  How can you blame the rod because the carrier broke it in transit?  That's like blaming your wife for you getting food poisoning because she drove the car to the restaurant.

 

Everyone else loved the rods.  I bought a Medium.   (Mini guide.  Prefer standard guides but that was what was on sale.)  I liked the rod well enough to buy a second.  Neither have seen a lot of use, but that is because I haven't been getting out much the past two years.

 

I have a feeling the reason the rods that broke could have been caused by a handling issue.  i.e. something like hitting the rod against the corner of a solid object.  I've never read of a breakage problem on this site or the other two sites that I frequent.

I kinda figured it was nonsense. I ordered the 7 and 7’6” C HF from Tackle Warehouse. Looking forward to the light weight and larger guides. 

My Abu Villian 7’6” is getting heavy and the I don’t like the reel seat on my 7’6” Powell. 

Both Lews rods are solid but they sticks. Not great for frogs and toads all the time. 

I hope the Okuma’s work for me.. 

[Bluebasser86]

I have several Okumas, including some Helios rods. They've been great for me. I have a theory that the majority of people that post reviews are the ones that have negative reviews. It's so hard to judge how many have them and love them but never bothered to say anything about them.

[Hammer 4]

4 minutes ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I have several Okumas, including some Helios rods. They've been great for me. I have a theory that the majority of people that post reviews are the ones that have negative reviews. It's so hard to judge how many have them and love them but never bothered to say anything about them.

And..re: the negative reviews, you kinda have to read between the lines. Some people just have an ax to grind.

[WPCfishing]

On 9/4/2019 at 2:57 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

I have several Okumas, including some Helios rods. They've been great for me. I have a theory that the majority of people that post reviews are the ones that have negative reviews. It's so hard to judge how many have them and love them but never bothered to say anything about them.

That’s true.. I got the rods. They look and feel very nice. To much rain to get out on the water so I wait. 

[WPCfishing]

Finally got out on the water yesterday. I was throwing a toad with the 7’6” and had a medium frog on the 7’. Both rods did week. I’m hoping to get more distance with them. Probably comes down to line choice and reel settings.

The light weight is what I wanted and these rods delivered. Was nice to fish some long hours and not get so worn out. My Villian 7’6” does me in.. twice the weight. Huge difference after 4-5 hours of casting long. 

 

Now I'm considering a reel. Helios SX reel.

There’s good deal on eBay right now. I don’t need it but I’m very curious. Interesting how the spool disconnects from the axel. I’m thinking it will be quite a bomb caster. 

Any opinions or experiences out there that can be shared?

[Bluebasser86]

3 hours ago, WPCfishing said:

Finally got out on the water yesterday. I was throwing a toad with the 7’6” and had a medium frog on the 7’. Both rods did week. I’m hoping to get more distance with them. Probably comes down to line choice and reel settings.

The light weight is what I wanted and these rods delivered. Was nice to fish some long hours and not get so worn out. My Villian 7’6” does me in.. twice the weight. Huge difference after 4-5 hours of casting long. 

 

Now I'm considering a reel. Helios SX reel.

There’s good deal on eBay right now. I don’t need it but I’m very curious. Interesting how the spool disconnects from the axel. I’m thinking it will be quite a bomb caster. 

Any opinions or experiences out there that can be shared?

https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/210517-okuma-helios-sx/?tab=comments#comment-2364422

[WPCfishing]

Ok so while using the two rods I was hearing some tics and creeks here and there. Typical of new rods but here’s the catch. Went out yesterday and as I casted more I was getting more and more distance. These Okuma rods have definitely meet my needs. Still ticking and creeking but it’s lessening.. The rods definitely require a break in.. more so than other rods I own. If you buy one be patient. The rod will exceed your expectations.

Bought the SX reel Thursday. Should arrive tomorrow morning. Really looking forward to pairing with the 7’6”. 

[new2BC4bass]

I think you will like the SX.  Large handle and paddles, but not heavy.  I just went and tried it on three rods: OG Tatula 7' MR, Recon2 7'1" ML and Villain 7' MH.  Balance on the Tat about 3/4 inch in front of the cap.  Closer with the other two.  No line on the reel.  Been sitting on the shelf (other than to look at a couple times) since I got it.  It and a few other reels.    If fishing were halfway decent in this area, I would have gotten out a little more regardless of work and other obligations.  Put unused rods and reels to use.

 

I've got a couple Helios Airs and a Helios (the one with the green trim).  First cast with the Air amazed me.  Really good distance.  Easy to dial in.  Overruns are rare.  The Helios took a bit more time to dial in, but also gets good distance.  I fish from shore so I like distance.  I have high expectations for the SX.  I think Okuma gives you good value for your money.

 

Be sure to give us your thoughts on the reel.

[WPCfishing]

5 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I think you will like the SX.  Large handle and paddles, but not heavy.  I just went and tried it on three rods: OG Tatula 7' MR, Recon2 7'1" ML and Villain 7' MH.  Balance on the Tat about 3/4 inch in front of the cap.  Closer with the other two.  No line on the reel.  Been sitting on the shelf (other than to look at a couple times) since I got it.  It and a few other reels.    If fishing were halfway decent in this area, I would have gotten out a little more regardless of work and other obligations.  Put unused rods and reels to use.

 

I've got a couple Helios Airs and a Helios (the one with the green trim).  First cast with the Air amazed me.  Really good distance.  Easy to dial in.  Overruns are rare.  The Helios took a bit more time to dial in, but also gets good distance.  I fish from shore so I like distance.  I have high expectations for the SX.  I think Okuma gives you good value for your money.

 

Be sure to give us your thoughts on the reel.

 

I’ll be sure to post my experience with the reel. I bought from the Okuma Store on Amazon. Delivery is scheduled for tomorrow. Obviously if the reel arrives early enough I’ll braid it up, set it on the 7’6” and make my way to put it to test. Thanks for the reply. 

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

@WPCfishing: I originally thought about an Okuma TCS reel, but finally chose the SX reel. To be honest, it took me awhile to get used to it, but as I use it more, I love it more.  I think the 100 mm handle is excellent and the reel seems to be solid as a rock.  Had to calibrate my thumb a bit because it really free spools!  I eased up on my casts to prevent squirrel fishing and paid more attention to using my thumb toward the end of the cast. This thing just doesn’t want to stop rotating!!  I love casting 3/8- to 1/2-ounce lures with it. For me it’s also very comfortable to palm for long periods of time. My only experience with Okuma rods is the TCS Frog and Swimbait rod which I use for jigs and large Texas-rigged worms as well as S-Waver 168s.  Don’t know if this’ll help but I am a fan of Okuma.

[WPCfishing]

On 9/15/2019 at 9:38 AM, GrumpyOlPhartte said:

@WPCfishing: I originally thought about an Okuma TCS reel, but finally chose the SX reel. To be honest, it took me awhile to get used to it, but as I use it more, I love it more.  I think the 100 mm handle is excellent and the reel seems to be solid as a rock.  Had to calibrate my thumb a bit because it really free spools!  I eased up on my casts to prevent squirrel fishing and paid more attention to using my thumb toward the end of the cast. This thing just doesn’t want to stop rotating!!  I love casting 3/8- to 1/2-ounce lures with it. For me it’s also very comfortable to palm for long periods of time. My only experience with Okuma rods is the TCS Frog and Swimbait rod which I use for jigs and large Texas-rigged worms as well as S-Waver 168s.  Don’t know if this’ll help but I am a fan of Okuma.

 

Well, I got the reel, spooled it with power pro 30# line. 

The brakes were inoperative. They were either all set on or nothing. 

The thumb knob was doubling up at times. The line guide was extremely loose so the line was stacking to the right. Got a Lemon! I shipped it back today. Going to stick with Lews or Shimano. The Chronarch or a Team Custom Pro. The Pro is only 5.8oz. I kinda like that idea.. The reviews are very good on both reels. 

[new2BC4bass]

6 hours ago, WPCfishing said:

 

Well, I got the reel, spooled it with power pro 30# line. 

The brakes were inoperative. They were either all set on or nothing. 

The thumb knob was doubling up at times. The line guide was extremely loose so the line was stacking to the right. Got a Lemon! I shipped it back today. Going to stick with Lews or Shimano. The Chronarch or a Team Custom Pro. The Pro is only 5.8oz. I kinda like that idea.. The reviews are very good on both reels. 

Sorry to hear that.  However, bad reels do slip through from every brand.  I received a Daiwa that the cast control didn't work.  I've purchased several Diawas since then and had no problems with any of them.  You can find posts with someone complaining about receiving a bad reel from any brand you care to look at....including Lew's and Shimano.