I first purchased ...an 8/9 wt SLV and quickly fell in love with it. I built a 10 wt rod to fish in the surf with and I did not hesitate to go back to an Okuma SLV reel for it. The quality of this reel is superb. It is well constructed. Changing the spool is simple, requiring no tools. The spool is huge and holds all the backing you can ever need The drag works well. I have tested it on several bull reds. It is smooth with no lag or jerking at the start of a run. It is heavier than say an Abel, Nautilus, Tibor, etc. but I can buy ten of the Okuma reels for the price of one of those reels with the sexy names. If you want a dependable "diesel engine" of a reel at an incredible price go with Okuma.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Excellent value. Rugged and dependable. Drag works fine. I ...use these reels for spring salmon trolling much like a mooching reel. High line retrieve rate without the worries of an anti reverse failure and the cost associated with those reels. I run 2 of them on fly rods with Cortland full sink salmon trolling 8wt and about 350 yds of backing. This is a spring trolling rig here in Maine. They are paired with 8 wt 9' rods. My brother has run a similar set-up with okuma 10/11 reels for years. He convinced me to give them a try and there is nothing on the market that comes even close.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Have only had the reel for about a month. It's winter in Main...e so I haven't had the opportunity to use it yet, but all indications it's a good reel.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
i bought the 11/12 reel for... my 8/9 spey rod, I was looking for large capacity and weight balance for a 14' rod. good drag system and the reel balances my rod well.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
Five stars all the way around.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New