okuma baitfeeder reels

[mithrandir]

Hi all,

I know some of you have okuma baitfeeder reels, namely the interceptor and epix ones that I know of.

I am considering buying either the okuma interceptor pro baitfeeder or the okuma epix pro baitfeeder.

Just wondered what your opinions were, the epix are twice the price of the interceptors, are they worth the extra?

I have an okuma sea reel and I am more than happy with that, what is the quality and action like on these baitfeeders.

Thanks in advance

Mike

[Banana Steve]

Mike if you can afford the Epix, go for them as they have 10 ball bearings in as the Interceptors only have 3, the Epix are a fantastic reel, i wished i bought the 50's and not the 30's, However the Interceptors are still a good reel.

Steve

[Devon Born & Dorset Bred]

I have an Epix, Portland Pirate sold me!
Very happy with it! Cant beat Shimano, but does have smooth running gear!

[Portland Pirate]

As Devon born has said I sold him my Okuma and replaced it with a Shimano 6000 GTE bait runner. If you can afford the Shimano buy it. I now operate as a professional fishing guide out in Spain and use my reels all the time. Never had to do anything to them after a year of hard abuse. My Dad's Okuma gave up the ghost after about 2 years of normal use.
The main reason I got rid of the Okuma's I had was that the drag is far from smooth.
When you do hook into a decent fish the last thing you want is your drag to start snatching if you have to adjust it mid fight.

[biggun]

I have had the Epix pro but have also upgraded to a Shimano Aero GTE 8000B.



I must say I can not fault the Epix at all. I only upgraded because I needed some retail therapy after putting in the overtime for a couple of months at work!

Just to confuse a bit more Mike, the new Powerliner Big Pit reel is also good value for money if you need something that big!



Heres what Okuma have to say about it:

POWERLINER BIG PIT REELS
The new Okuma Powerliner will be the must have reel for 2007!
After 2 years in the development stage, Okuma has changed their mould to incorporate the patented Elliptical Oscillation System giving the angler not only the perfect line lay, but also making the reel more durable when playing fish at long distances. The reel has 7 SUS Bearing (Stainless) which enables the reel to cope well under pressure and also ensures an ultra smooth fight. The long cast spool allows the angler to really hit those distances with minimum effort and will carry up to 310 yds of 15lb nylon or approximately 500yds of 25lb braid. The high speed gear ratio will enable the angler to retrieve a lot quicker than the conventional bait feeder. The spool supplied is made from high grade aluminium and there is also an extra graphite spool supplied within the package. The bait feeder system has been based on the award winning Interceptor series but upgraded to perform well at distance. For speedy packing away, the reel also comes complete with an aluminium one-touch fold down handle that will fit any carp rod bags.

The Best Value Big Pit Bait Runner on the Market!
Patented Elliptical Oscillation System.
Lightweight Graphite Constructed Body.
Aluminium Long Cast Spool.
Oversized Roller Bearing.
Graphite Spare Long Cast Spool.
7 SUS (Stainless) Bearings.
1 Quick Set One Way Clutch Bearing.
One-Touch Folding Handle.
High Speed 5.8:1 Gear Ratio.
LINE CAPACITY

PL-860 - 290yds @ 15lb mono
PL-865 - 400yds @ 15lb mono

You can pick these up brand new on eBay for about £39!

[mithrandir]

Oh no! Choices, just when I had narrowed it down to two, now I have 3 to look at.

Well I suppose I will have to save up and then decide.

[Greenheart]

I've got a pair of Interceptors that & have found them to be excellent reels. Definately can't fault em for the price. They had a good write-up in the angling press too. I think with Shimano, a lot of what you pay will be for the name. If you are planning a carping session in the near future Mike, feel free to borrow my reels & see what you think.

[mithrandir]

That is a very kind offer Ian, thank you.

I have sort of decided that I might buy a pair of interceptors in say a 40 size for general carp work on a 2.5lb TC rod and then get a set of 3 powerliners to go with the 3lb TC rods I have for France and use that on the big lakes when I do them.

Just a matter of getting the doggies to pay for them!

I am happy to go with recommendation so the offer of a loan I will decline because I would never relax with borrowed gear in case I damaged it.

[Greenheart]

Check this post Mike...

Okuma interceptor Baitrunner.