Okuma Helios SX owners? Please Speak Up!

[PhishLI]

Like anyone else who indulges in buying more reels than I'll ever need, I could keep purchasing Daiwa and Shimano and be perfectly happy. I've fished with many "other than" D & S reels, but have mostly hesitated chunking down my own cashola for them myself. Thanks to the human Metronome, Dodgeguy, and his relentless promotion of the Lew's Tournament Pro LFS, I tried something different. I'm glad I did. It's a very good reel that is effective with very light lures straight through to heavier ones. It's a like Curado 70 and a Curado K in one package performance wise, IMO. No, it's not as refined on the retrieve as the K, but it's perfectly fine otherwise, and way easier to adjust on the fly. I'm in no way suggesting that owners of K's or 70s dump them and run out and buy the Lew's, just that it has the practical utility of both of those reels, and is easier to dial in, in my opinion.

 

Having been surprised by the Lew's I was inclined to take another chance outside of my comfort zone. I was curious about the Quantum Tour S3 for a while, but wouldn't pull the trigger. Quantum ran a super sale during the Classic this year and I was left with no excuses. It's not just another good reel. I think it's really great, especially if you value trouble free long casting. I bank and wade fish a lot , so covering water matters to me. I can fire average bass lures for distance with this reel like nothing else I have or have tried anywhere near it's price range. The braking isn't quirky, and it's smooth as can be on the retrieve. It's another very good option without apparent compromises, in the short term anyway.

 

I'm feeling far braver having purchased and fished both the Tournament Pro LFS and Tour S3, so now I'm eyeing the latest version of the 2019 Okuma Helios SX. On paper there's a lot to like. It has an all aluminum frame and side plates. The disengaging spool shaft sounds interesting. I'm perfectly fine with a VBS-like 6 pin centrifugal braking system. It's light. I have a good feeling about this one. Am I wrong? Is it Junk? Just OK? If you have experience with this particular reel please let me know! 

[roadwarrior]

Different model, but same family:

 

https://www.bassresource.com/fishing_lures/okuma-helios-reel-rod.html

 

[new2BC4bass]

As one of those guys who has purchased more reels than he will ever need, my Helios SX is still sitting in its box.    Looking forward to feedback from actual users of the reel.

 

I will say this...I have 2 Helios Airs and a Helios (2013 green trim model, not blue of the TCS).  The Helios took a bit longer to dial in.  On the Air I set spool tension and brakes and started bombing casts with no problem.  Was amazed at the distance of my first cast with the Helios Air.

 

EDIT:  Lots of nice reels to try if you don't mind used.  My first Patriarch XT (blue model) is spooled with 40# braid and used mostly for unweighted 10" ribbontail worms on a 3/0-5/0 hook cast into lily pads.  The only reels I can cast with fewer brakes on are the Magforce 3D reels.  If I remember correctly, I have 2 on inside and the outside dial at one.

 

Find an old Carbonlite (gold color) or Prolite.  Not used a Prolite, but would love to.  I have a pair of Carbonlites that I learned to cast #5 Shad Raps with.  I can do as well with them as my tuned and upgrade TD-Z 105H.  Unfortunately that probably says more about my ability than the reels. 

[PhishLI]

The 6 pin individually selectable brake blocks got my attention on this one. I'd be less interested if it had the dial centrififugal.

[DomQ]

I always liked the feel of the TCS helios reel, wanted to get one but again like what you encountered, not very many reviews on her and not really available unless I travel 2 hours away where I found it that one time.

[Glenn]

Yes, I have the SX and have been using it for almost a year now, mostly for frog/toad fishing. I also have 2 of its predecessors, the Helios Air.

 

The SX is easy to dial in and, just like the Air, it casts really well.  Long distances are easy and smooth.  It feels a little lighter to me than the Air, and is more comfortable in the hand.  The larger paddles on the reel are a bonus.  The drag doesn't slip on long hooksets and big hooks.

 

It acts like a reel in the $200+ range, but costs less.  I'd recommend it.

 

[PhishLI]

55 minutes ago, DomQ said:

I always liked the feel of the TCS helios reel, wanted to get one but again like what you encountered, not very many reviews on her and not really available unless I travel 2 hours away where I found it that one time.

A great shop close to me has the SX in stock, but there's no way to fiddle with it currently, as if fiddling would matter. If I show up in a moon suit maybe they'll let me in? I'll probably just wing it and buy it. I'll lose a few hundred bucks in plastics and hardbaits to the pads over the next few months, not to mention the baits I've bought that I'll never hook up on. It's odd that it's acceptable and understood that I'm going to lose baits while fishing, therefore money, but reel purchases must be scrutinized to death, affirmed by strangers, then bought on sale or else. If it ends up being a steaming pile of poo I'll just pretend it was two $100 swimbaits that I've backlashed into orbit and move on after I chuck it into the lake.

 

(sigh) Thanks for the therapy session, Doctor Dom. I needed that. You're such a good listener. On to the next reel!

[DomQ]

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

A great shop close to me has the SX in stock, but there's no way to fiddle with it currently, as if fiddling would matter. If I show up in a moon suit maybe they'll let me in? I'll probably just wing it and buy it. I'll lose a few hundred bucks in plastics and hardbaits to the pads over the next few months, not to mention the baits I've bought that I'll never hook up on. It's odd that it's acceptable and understood that I'm going to lose baits while fishing, therefore money, but reel purchases must be scrutinized to death, affirmed by strangers, then bought on sale or else. If it ends up being a steaming pile of poo I'll just pretend it was two $100 swimbaits that I've backlashed into orbit and move on after I chuck it into the lake.

 

(sigh) Thanks for the therapy session, Doctor Dom. I needed that. You're such a good listener. On to the next reel!

This was the best thing I've read all day, I'm happy I helped. You can pick up your bill at the front desk.

 

My girlfriend tells me I'm a great listener... I think 

[PhishLI]

23 hours ago, Glenn said:

Yes, I have the SX and have been using it for almost a year now, mostly for frog/toad fishing.

Glenn,

 

 Have you had a chance to use lighter baits than frogs with this reel? 

 

23 hours ago, Glenn said:

It acts like a reel in the $200+ range, but costs less

Retail is $229.00 at TW.

[Glenn]

58 minutes ago, PhishLI said:

Retail is $229.00 at TW.

Hmmm, my bad. Thought it was just under 200.

 

I did use it for crankbaits for a short period, and I liked it. Had no problems with it and would have kept using it that way. I just needed a replacement for the frog reel I was using and this fit the bill.  Seems like a pretty versatile reel.

[new2BC4bass]

1 hour ago, PhishLI said:

Glenn,

 

 Have you had a chance to use lighter baits than frogs with this reel? 

 

Retail is $229.00 at TW.

Walmart has one left at $154.99.  Of course you will have to pay tax, but shipping is free to a store near you.  Model HSX-273V.  I believe that makes it a 7.3:1 right hand reel.

 

EDIT:  Wow.  Same price on Amazon.  Double wow.  ebay as the green trim 7.3 left hand Helios (regular, not the SX) for $130.  Too bad I am overloaded with reels.  Those are some nice deals.

On 4/15/2020 at 6:06 PM, Glenn said:

Yes, I have the SX and have been using it for almost a year now, mostly for frog/toad fishing. I also have 2 of its predecessors, the Helios Air.

 

The SX is easy to dial in and, just like the Air, it casts really well.  Long distances are easy and smooth.  It feels a little lighter to me than the Air, and is more comfortable in the hand.  The larger paddles on the reel are a bonus.  The drag doesn't slip on long hooksets and big hooks.

 

It acts like a reel in the $200+ range, but costs less.  I'd recommend it.

 

The SX is heavier than the Air.  List is 6.3 oz. (SX), 5.8 oz. (Air) but Tackletour weighed the Air at 5.3 oz.

[Glenn]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

The SX is heavier than the Air.  List is 6.3 oz. (SX), 5.8 oz. (Air)

Ok, so a few tenths of an ounce difference.  Neat.

[new2BC4bass]

10 hours ago, Glenn said:

Ok, so a few tenths of an ounce difference.  Neat.

Maybe it did sound picky.  I didn't mean it that way.  I doubt I could tell the difference in 1/2 oz.  Rod/reel weight isn't everything.  Many think Dobyns rods are very light, but we know it is more about balance as they aren't always the lightest.

[J Francho]

I have an SX, and it's pretty much a set it and forget it deal.  Not fussy at all.  I use it on a general purpose 6-10 MXF rod with 15# Invisx for spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, square bills, even light T-rigs.  I couldn't say how light a bait it throws, since I use spinning for anything 1/4 oz. or less.  It palms like my Alphas platform reels.

[Bluebasser86]

I've got one as well as several other Helios (regular and TCS), all very nice reels and you can find them for well below retail I guess due to their lack of popularity? Not sure if that's the case but it's a win for me! I use mine for jigs mainly, paired with a 7' 5" H/F Okuma EVX, it'll get 'em out. Pulled this one out of brush and a Georgia cube.

 

[new2BC4bass]

Nice fish!

[PhishLI]

On 4/16/2020 at 7:21 PM, new2BC4bass said:

Walmart has one left at $154.99.

I saw that one before it was snapped up, but it was RH. Too bad. Otherwise, I haven't found a LH deeply discounted anywhere.

[Fastbee]

I can't complain about my Helios SX.  It is a strong performer.  I have a variety of reels from Daiwa, Shimano and Lew's (including the Tournament Pro) and the SX is one of my favorites.  I do like the braking system on the Tournament Pro/BB1 Pros but the SX will cast a mile without fuss.  I skip jigs alot and I will say that it didn't really like that particular application...not sure why.  I tried it on 3 different rods and several jigs but it just wouldn't be happy with it.  I have used all kinds of reels to skip jigs (no need for Daiwa SV spools or Shimano DC controls) without issue over the years but the SX just never really got it right.  Does everything else great, fits my hand perfectly and is very light.

[WesMoran]

Just thought I’d throw my 2¢ on an old thread, Incase someone comes looking in the future. 
 

I just got into baitcasters for the first time in September. I started out with a Pflueger Supreme, then purchased a Revo 3 SX, then a Helios TCS. The pflueger is still rigged up, but only because it’s the only 7.1 I have. The Revo I was not a fan of, so I sold it to a coworker. 
 

The Helios TCS (I know were talking about the SX) is so far the nicest reel I’ve casted. I literally would have 4 more if I wasn’t in the process of trying other things. I’ve had the Helios 4 months now, and bought a KastKing Spartacus at about the same time that I haven’t even spooled up to try. 
 

Going forward, I’ve just bought an Ardent Apex Elite to try, and I’m waiting on a seller to ship an original model, 10 bearing, Okuma Citrix, with the externally adjustable centrifugal brake. I can see unless I get brave and try to find steals on a couple Shimano models, or try Daiwa, I probably won’t buy any other real in the future other than Okuma. 
 

and just to instill a little bit of jealousy... I bought my TCS like new w/ box, but secondhand for a whopping $60 shipped. 

[Eric 26]

7 hours ago, WesMoran said:

Just thought I’d throw my 2¢ on an old thread, Incase someone comes looking in the future. 
 

I just got into baitcasters for the first time in September. I started out with a Pflueger Supreme, then purchased a Revo 3 SX, then a Helios TCS. The pflueger is still rigged up, but only because it’s the only 7.1 I have. The Revo I was not a fan of, so I sold it to a coworker. 
 

The Helios TCS (I know were talking about the SX) is so far the nicest reel I’ve casted. I literally would have 4 more if I wasn’t in the process of trying other things. I’ve had the Helios 4 months now, and bought a KastKing Spartacus at about the same time that I haven’t even spooled up to try. 
 

Going forward, I’ve just bought an Ardent Apex Elite to try, and I’m waiting on a seller to ship an original model, 10 bearing, Okuma Citrix, with the externally adjustable centrifugal brake. I can see unless I get brave and try to find steals on a couple Shimano models, or try Daiwa, I probably won’t buy any other real in the future other than Okuma. 
 

and just to instill a little bit of jealousy... I bought my TCS like new w/ box, but secondhand for a whopping $60 shipped. 

I have a Piscifun Saex Elite same reel different color scheme as the Ardent. Would love to hear an update as to your likes/dislikes vs the Okuma TCS not that I need it but just bought a TCS rod on Black Friday sale and I’m a sucker for color/brand matching.

[DomQ]

11 hours ago, WesMoran said:

Just thought I’d throw my 2¢ on an old thread, Incase someone comes looking in the future. 
 

I just got into baitcasters for the first time in September. I started out with a Pflueger Supreme, then purchased a Revo 3 SX, then a Helios TCS. The pflueger is still rigged up, but only because it’s the only 7.1 I have. The Revo I was not a fan of, so I sold it to a coworker. 
 

The Helios TCS (I know were talking about the SX) is so far the nicest reel I’ve casted. I literally would have 4 more if I wasn’t in the process of trying other things. I’ve had the Helios 4 months now, and bought a KastKing Spartacus at about the same time that I haven’t even spooled up to try. 
 

Going forward, I’ve just bought an Ardent Apex Elite to try, and I’m waiting on a seller to ship an original model, 10 bearing, Okuma Citrix, with the externally adjustable centrifugal brake. I can see unless I get brave and try to find steals on a couple Shimano models, or try Daiwa, I probably won’t buy any other real in the future other than Okuma. 
 

and just to instill a little bit of jealousy... I bought my TCS like new w/ box, but secondhand for a whopping $60 shipped. 

I gave up on kastking. The company put so much effort into to worlds fastest geared reel, the second it was released i haven't heard a word about it since from kastking or really anyone. I got mine but after opening it up for the first time I really just forgot about it. I remembered I had it about 5 months after getting it, spooled it up and it sat for another few months. I sold it last month.

[new2BC4bass]

PhishLI, did you buy the reel?  Would be interested in your take on the reel if you did.

[MiceNReets]

The okuma helios reels are excellent reels. Feel like they’re worth more than the price tag and very underrated.   I’ve put my helios reels through everything the past 5 years and they’re as good as the day I got them.  Even the ones that have gone through the thickest of thick stuff.  You can’t go wrong getting a helios SX or the TCS/green line.  ??

[Gary_Snyder]

I usually look for a reel that's around 7 ounces. This tip could save you a lot of money.

[PhishLI]

8 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

PhishLI, did you buy the reel?  Would be interested in your take on the reel if you did.

 I lost my marbles buying reels last year, but haven't gotten to it yet. Sooner or later. Next up is the new Zillion. Gotta have that one before anything else!

3 hours ago, Gary_Snyder said:

I usually look for a reel that's around 7 ounces. This tip could save you a lot of money.

What happens if I get one that weighs 5.7 ounces? Will I go broke?