Interest in Okuma Helios SX

[aPaul19]

Anyone have any experience with this reel?  Or Okuma reels in general for that matter, I don’t have any experience with the brand.  I’m looking for something new, with Shimano having some delays/back orders I’m poking around at other brands and this seems interesting, thanks in advance for any input! 

[roadwarrior]

Great Reels!

 

https://www.bassresource.com/content/search?SearchText=okuma+Helios&BrowsePageLimit=30

[new2BC4bass]

Haven't used my SX yet, but have used the Helios Air and Helios.  Helios took a bit longer to dial in.  All reels used straight from the box.  First cast with the Helios Air and I said to myself, "Man, this thing can cast."  Excellent distance.  Set brakes and cast control before making first cast.  Worked fine from first cast.

 

My experience is limited.  Have two Helios Airs, but only one has seen much use.  Love the Helios Air.  The Helios got used on my vacation trip to Florida two years ago.  Both are very nice reels.

 

Also have two Helios casting rods.  So far I have to say that I've gotten good value for my money from Okuma.  I don't think you will regret the purchase.

[aPaul19]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

Haven't used my SX yet, but have used the Helios Air and Helios.  Helios took a bit longer to dial in.  All reels used straight from the box.  First cast with the Helios Air and I said to myself, "Man, this thing can cast."  Excellent distance.  Set brakes and cast control before making first cast.  Worked fine from first cast.

 

My experience is limited.  Have two Helios Airs, but only one has seen much use.  Love the Helios Air.  The Helios got used on my vacation trip to Florida two years ago.  Both are very nice reels.

 

Also have two Helios casting rods.  So far I have to say that I've gotten good value for my money from Okuma.  I don't think you will regret the purchase.

This is very helpful thank you.  The Okuma products seem solid but it’s tough to find people that have real experience with them so this is appreciated! 

[Fastbee]

I've got two Helios SXs and a regular Helios.  All are great reels.  I really like the longer handle on the SX though.  The amount of metal in these reels is nice as well, not much "carbon" or plastic at all.  I will say this, right out of the box they need to be disassembled and all the excess grease cleaned out.  I really struggled getting them to cast near as good as my Tatulas or Curados.  I decided to change out the bearings and upon disassembly found that there was a lot of extra grease on the spool shaft ends as well as the pinion yoke.  I cleared all of that out, put a drop of oil on each shaft end and a very light coat of grease on the yoke.  They cast like different reels now.  I'd recommend them to anyone!

[Bluebasser86]

The SX is a great reel. I've been using one for one of my main heavier jig rod reels now for a couple years and it's been great. Also have a Helios, a couple Helios TCS, a RTX spinning, and an Epixor spinning as well as several bait feeder spinning reels I use for catfish and wipers. Okuma is a very underappreciated brand but it works out in your favor because you can find them well under retail all the time with a little looking.

[GrumpyOlPhartte]

I have used a Helios SX for a couple of years and agree with the positive comments above. Primarily use it with a 6’8” M/F rod for 3/8- to 5/8-ounce lures and unweighted Senkos.  Don’t mean to imply it can’t handle heavier stuff - it just happens to be an excellent arrangement for my need. Solidly built and I love the 100 mm handles. Actually found the reel for $60 less than retail through Walmart online!  Only regret is that they only make one speed IF you prefer left-hand reels.  Great reels, in my opinion. (Actually have to credit @roadwarrior with clueing me in on these.)

Edited September 16, 2020 by GrumpyOlPhartte
Oops! M/F, not M/L rod!

[aPaul19]

Thanks for all the feedback, decided to pull the trigger so we’ll see how it goes.  Thanks again!

[new2BC4bass]

6 minutes ago, aPaul19 said:

Thanks for all the feedback, decided to pull the trigger so we’ll see how it goes.  Thanks again!

Please be sure to give us your opinion once you've spent some time with it.

[Mbirdsley]

Okuma in general is pretty good stuff. I’ve never had anything that expensive from them. but, I have had a lot of their $40-60 spinning reels.  I currently have a cemar c-30 on my m/l finesse rod and I think it’s a better/cheaper option than a president for most things.
 

 We have a bunch of okuma level wind reels for salmon fishing on Lake Michigan and they have never skipped a beat with  basic maintenance once in a while.