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Putting this unknown European reel to the test!

Data for Review

Date – July & August, 2005
Manufacturer – Okuma
Reviewed by - Andrew Ragas

About Okuma reels:

Over the years, Okuma has emerged as a leader of rods and reels for the Saltwater Fishing Industry. However as of late, Okuma has been supplying goods for the freshwater angler such as an extensive line of spinning reels and a newly formed line of casting reels. In-fact, Okuma produces more spinning reels in the world than just about anyone else, including Shimano and Daiwa. We especially found their reels to have become globally popular in the European market, especially in Lithuania.

Impressions:

The reviewed Okuma Lodestar reel is a fishing reel that I have never heard of, nor is it listed anywhere on Okuma's website. What makes this review unique is the fact that this reel is neither listed on the internet. This review here may not make any sense, especially to the angler in search for a quality product, but in the end, I hope to show everyone the value found in this reel, purchased from a small black-market outlet near the shores of the Baltic Sea. It's always educational to learn about foreign products.. Right?

See for yourselves.

On the water uses (Casting, Retrieving, Drag System and Presentation)

The Lodestar was reviewed during the summer of 2005 and I intended on using it for my river and creek fishing. With its low profile, near featureless design, low gear ratio and small line capacity, it was very noticeable that this reel would excel and perform well in that department.

Casting & Retrieving.

Overall, this reel produces excellent casting distances, thanks to its ceramic line roller, which lays the line you retrieve, evenly. However, one fault was noticed after a short period of time. Whatever 6lb line I had on this reel, a large amount of memory built up within the line. I doubt it was the line I had on this reel because this same line (Sufix Elite) was being put to use on another reviewed reel and it was performing perfectly on that other reel.

In regard to the retrieving department, the Lodestar performed to perfection until the end of it's first month in action. It suffered a dunking and has not performed to the same standards as the first day I used it. Lets just say that this is not a quality reel if you're looking for a flawless retrieve. Despite its "Quick-Set" anti-reverse system and its RES balancing system, these features did not help one bit with retrieving.

Drag System.

The Drag System is the highlight of this reel. Supported by a seal drag design with felt washers, the drag system is nearly waterproof and it will handle whatever is seen at the end of your line. This, I can guarantee.

Presentation.

As previously stated, this reel was mainly used on small rivers & creeks while in search of Bass and Crappies.

This reel excelled while fishing small ultra-light minnow baits and when fishing jigs with twisters while using a simple cast and slow swim retrieve.

Along with that, the only time I had any pleasure of fishing this reel was while fishing for Smallmouth Bass. My favorite method for targeting river smallies with is using tube jigs. In this department, the low gear ratio excelled! Here's all the visual proof you will need to see.

A collection of Smallmouth Bass taken on the reviewed reel - July, 2005.

Extra Features:

Nothing much to report on for this department, other than the one touch aluminum handle knob is economical.

Based on this review, it seems as if European-designed fishing reels such as this are lacking in the amount of technology put into other reels, such as Shimano and Daiwa, which are two other worldwide & prominent fishing reel corporations. Overall, this was nothing special of a fishing reel.

Okuma Lodestar Spinning Reel - (0/5)

Construction & Quality: I think the lowest-end Daiwa spinning reel (Regal) is better for the money than this reel, especially when you compare the price and features, it's nearly the same. However, that may not be too important. All you need to know is that this reel held up after its review period, not counting the grinding it encounters after that one infamous dunking. 3/5

Design (ergonomics): Design seems to be the norm. for a European market reel. What may hurt my analysis is the fact that I am unfamiliar with the construction of other European reels. However, I'll be generous with this analysis, considering this is an Okuma product being reviewed. They have a reputation, althogh they're not a personal favorite. 4/5

Presentation: Great reel for skinny water fishing and for working lighter baits. If you're looking for using a reel such as this for power applications, don't count on it!

3/5

Price: Estimated at $40-45 for the US. market, this reel suits well for the entry-level angler. If you're searching for a reel that is dependable and long-lasting, look elsewhere! 3/5

Total Score - - - 3.75/ 5


Positive and Negative Thoughts

Positive
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- Excellent Drag system.

- One touch aluminum handle is convenient.

Negative

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- Apparent grinding occurs while retrieving.

- A reel this size and with low line capacity should weigh less.

- Line memory persists on the spool.