Okuma X-series

[12poundbass]

As if the wait for ice out hasn’t been bad enough, I got my hands on the Okuma X-series reel. I’m looking forward to putting it through the motions. 
 

First impressions, it’s light weight and has a small profile which translates to all day comfort.

 

Come on ice out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

[NorthernBasser]

Awesome reel. I got one in the fall last year, so haven't used it a ton. But I'm quite happy with it. And like you said, disappears in your palms.

 

The X-Series rods are amazing as well. And look gorgeous. People should give them more love. 

[TnRiver46]

Gotta be about to melt ? My bro in law in Toledo said Lake Erie finally thawed. It froze 95% this year 

[Bigbox99]

Chinease reels have come a long ways.  That looks like a Histar but a high end platform I havent seem before.  I've been singing the praises of these reels as budget alternatives to cheap plastic reels like the Black Max with the aluminum frame and side plate Histar Black Mamba and Johncoo Ares (also a Histar reel).  

 

 

[12poundbass]

@TnRiver46 I saw my first fully thawed lake yesterday. With the temps in the 70’s yesterday and today, the winds, and rain the rest should be open very soon!

[little giant]

I have a 100 size Hakai. 7 speed, 6 ounces, magnesium frame. I changed the nylon bushing on the pinion to a stainless bearing. Casts a mile and great mag brake.

[Bird]

My fishing partner used mine last year and ordered 3 over the winter.

I can't say anything bad about Okuma reels.

[Eric 26]

I’ve shared my fondness before for my Dream Tackle Formula D reel which is an Okuma Hakai with a short shaft spool. I liked it so much in 8 speed I bought the 7 speed version as well.

[Bigbox99]

39 minutes ago, Eric 26 said:

I’ve shared my fondness before for my Dream Tackle Formula D reel which is an Okuma Hakai with a short shaft spool. I liked it so much in 8 speed I bought the 7 speed version as well.

These keep tempting me.  Are they any good?  Smooth? 

[Eric 26]

@Bigbox99 I don’t own any of the brands you usually mention so I can’t compare most of them to these reels but I can say they are extremely light and as smooth as my Daiwa Tatula CT and better than my Piscifun Saex Elite which is a different colored Ardent Elite, the one thing that initially caused me some concern is the weight which makes it feel like it’s not made well but that’s in my head only and I quickly got over it. My only complaint would be the handle has a bit of play that someone who likes to tinker with their reels could probably alleviate. I will add the main reason I bought the second one was after I realized this reel was absolutely sending an 1/8 ounce inline spinner bait which I’m aware isn’t that hard but it was the ease of which that impressed me. Lastly I will say I bought the second one on Ali Express when they had a sale but I’d still recommend it at their current prices. If you do buy one I for one would like hear your opinion.

[little giant]

Dream tackle design:

YES!! I have an 8 speed regular. Upgraded the bearings and its smooth as silk. They lowered the amount of drag, the Hakai is 20 lbs, but drag compares with a tatula.

Liked it so much, bought 8 speed bfs shallow spool. Loved that so much, bought another that's on it's way. Right now they can be bought on

Ali baba, $110 + 12 for shipping.( to Florida)

I don't care for my SLX bfs, doesn't cast all that great, ( with upgraded spool bearings no less!)

[Eric 26]

@little giant Although you can’t see the spool my 8 speed is a regular/deep spool also. My biggest concern is not being able to get parts but I was able to order a part albeit a cosmetic frame part for my Saex Elite from Ardent and as a bonus they sent it for free. I’ve said it before as @Bigbox99 points out a lot of these Chinese reels are “clones” of other mass produced reels and if you can figure out which you may be able to fix them on your own if you’re mechanically competent which I am not unfortunately. Although I don’t remember the reel brands there is a video from a you tuber who’s name I won’t mention who tore down 2 Chinese reels and created a Frankenstein reel to prove the point that a lot of these reel parts are in fact interchangeable.

Edited Saturday at 11:57 PM by Eric 26
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