I have six Okuma Sierra reals in all sizes and, obviously I am very pleased
with them. I've used them for all types of fish, in Washington state, and have
had no problems of note
Oh sure the powder coat finish isn't as strong as anodizing and the early model
bearing could be a bear to reverse, I'm left handed, but they've
changed/upgraded the bearing casing on the newer models. Okuma was very prompt
in responding to my request for replacement bearings, good people. As for the
performance of the reel, i.e. the disc drag, all I can say is that last april
on a trip on the north fork of the Stillaguamish with guide, Dennis Dickson, I
caught to native steelhead, the second being a fresh 14# hen that had me into
my backing instantly with no reel problems, their are many high priced that
have fallen short when tested like that.
Don't get me wrong, I' m not saying the Okuma is perfect or that if money is no
object it would be my first choice, but, until the wife wins the lottery, I
can't think of a better reel for under a hundred bucks.
just my two cents,
Jimmie e. Girganoff
