Okuma SLV Diecast Aluminum Fly Reel

Also, be aware of the disadvantages; otherwise, you may be disappointed. I enjoy fishing and fly fishing and have done so for a long time. I also work as a product designer/mechanical engineer. So I think I have a good grasp of the product, but sometimes it's just junk. You may believe you have purchased a genuine item, but it is in fact counterfeit. The 'Big River' is overflowing with this type of product. br>br>Okuma is a contract manufacturer for a number of other brands. They have the most cutting-edge manufacturing equipment, engineering, and testing technology, and they can buy and manufacture in bulk (at lower prices), allowing them to offer products at extremely low prices if they choose to. These reels are fantastic. br>br> They perform well above their price point, especially in terms of drag and quality. The drag is extremely smooth and easy to control. Within one turn of a large, highly knurled wheel, you can change your drag setting from casting to fishing to hiking out of a canyon. I have some very expensive reels with drag that isn't nearly as linear or as easy to adjust. br>br>The fact that Okuma can offer a reel as functionally excellent as this is due to the fact that it is a cast aluminum product that is mass-produced in large quantities. It's a lot softer than a CNC-machined product made on a lathe from much more expensive and stronger aluminum 'billet. ' Here's the catch: The more inexperienced a fisherman is, the more likely he or she is to abuse reels. This Okuma cast reel's spolr or frame will most likely bend if dropped on a hard surface. You might be able to get it back into shape if you're handy, but it doesn't always work out. I completed the task and had to purchase a new spool as a result. Cast reels are also a little heavier than machined reels. br>br>So take care of it, and you'll be fine. You're fishing with a fantastic piece of gear that will never let you down.

Diego Branch

| Nov 14, 2021

To begin, I'd like to state that I've owned the 7/8 version of this reel for the past five years. It was therefore a no-brainer to purchase this 2/3. The drag on the reel is straightforward but long-lasting. The reel is a little on the heavy side, but that's not a problem for me. The reel is made of aluminum that has been cast. So be careful not to drop it, or the spool will bend and the drag will become less smooth. However, if you do happen to drop it, spare spools are readily available. If this reel performs as well as my 7/8, I'll be looking forward to many years of dependable service; it's worth noting that I fish 150 days or more per year, so I'm picky about what I buy. This is a great set of reels to play with your money. I'm hoping that this review will be of assistance to someone. Thank you for taking the time to read my $0. 02 worth of opinion.

Dylan Bennett

| Jul 13, 2021

First and foremost, don't believe the hype that this reel is on par with a $300 Sage or Ross; it isn't; Nonetheless, it's a fantastic reel. br>br>I need a better reel than the one I've been using since I started fly fishing. I fish with a 9ft 4 PC Redington medium action rod and SA 5 5 weight line. I'll most likely purchase the Lamson Liquid later, but I needed something for the fall and winter months. br>br>This reel's drag system is a washer pinch bearing system, which means the drag is adjusted by a screw that pinches a washer down onto another washer to tighten or loosen the drag on the reel. The disadvantage of this system is that if you fish this reel frequently and hard, the drag system may wear out faster than a cone system in higher-end reels (typically over $100). Another disadvantage is that if you unscrew the cap while letting a fish run and want little to no drag on the reel, you risk two things: getting the drag system dirty because dirt and water can slip past the threads, and the screw cap falling off because if you loosen to no drag, one or two threads may be all that holds the cap on. br>br>However, this is the only problem. It is slightly heavier than a lamson, ross, or sage reel, but not significantly so. The fit and finish is excellent, with no sharp burs or edges, and the drag system appears to be well lubricated with tach bearing grease. It does have a quick exchange spool, so if you want to switch from a floating line to a sink tip line, you can do so while the reel is still attached to your rod. br>br>Fishing with it is great because I can quickly adjust the drag and get good tactile feedback. It's worth noting that the retrieve has a clickable button, but there's no way to adjust it. It sends line out cleanly, and after a few casts, you'll have a good idea of what the reel wants to do and how to dial it in for the amount of line you're trying to send out. br>br>Overall, for $60, this is a fantastic reel. However, my recommendation is to save up and purchase something like a Lamson Liquid. Unless! You're not certain if fly fishing is something you want to do in the long run. However, if you need to upgrade from a kit reel and enjoy the sport/hobby, go ahead and spend a little more money on a better reel. br>br>All the best with your fishing and reel. Fly fishing is an excellent sport to participate in.

Barrett Griffin

| Jul 04, 2021

Mostly for Peacock bass, I use the SLV 8/9. Peacocks don't peel line in general, so there's no need for drag. Other fish I've caught with this reel include Himara (wolf fish) and Arowana. br>br>Once upon a time, there was a bad snag that broke the rod and warped the frame. I contacted Okuma, and they promptly sent me a replacement frame, complete with shipping, for free. br>br>Because of the low cost, I can afford to have multiple spools of line, which I rotate based on the weather or the fly.

Kamryn HYDE

| Jul 15, 2021