You are correct Richard. As I stated in a previous message some external
surfaces are machined and the reel painted with enamel. They do scratch
more easily than an anodized finish. As for whether a machined aluminum
reel is better the place where this might have some impact on performance is
where moving parts come in contact; the spool hub and spool. This is always
steel +/- brass bushings and in the case of the Okuma and most high end
reels, precision stainless steel roller bearings; of varying quality. Ross
Reels pioneered the use of machined aircraft grade aluminum in fly reels in
1973 when I was in college just a few miles away (in Gunnison; the name of
one of his reels.) As far as I can tell the differences in tolerances of
the remainder of the reel have no impact on performance since there is no
contact. What you get is the warm fuzzy feeling of knowing the parts were
machined not cast.
I will repeat that the Okuma reel is not the same quality as a Ross reel but
they are a very good value. Okuma has had a tough time keeping up with the
demand for these reels. I wouldn't be surprised if they come out with new
models and ratchet up the price while phasing out the current models.
Keith
-----Original Message-----
From: Richard Embry [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
Sent: Tuesday, August 15, 2000 11:32 PM
To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Subject: Re: Okuma Sierra Reels and St. Croix rods
Al, I don't believe they are machined, and I don't believe the finish is
anodized.
-----Original Message-----
From: Peterson, Allen L <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: '[EMAIL PROTECTED]' <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
Date: Monday, August 14, 2000 2:17 PM
Subject: RE: Okuma Sierra Reels and St. Croix rods
>Hi John,
>Like you, I've been following this thread on the famous Okuma reels and
from my very limited experience, $28.99 is about $7.00 short of what I've
seen them retail for in a local fly shop. The reels are made in Korea out of
machined aluminum with a light anodized black finish on the reel. They
resemble the new Scientific Anglers System reels somewhat. The drag system
picks up very smoothly and tightens down impressively on even the lighter
weight reels, such as the 4/5. They are relatively new on the scene and need
some time along with trials to pass by to see how they will stand up with
consistent usage. The sizes range from a 4/5, 5/6, 7/8, 8/9 up to a 10/11.
The spools are readily available, except for the 10/11 reel, for which you
cannot by a spool for that model at this point in time.
>They are a good value for the price and for those out there who covet their
$600.00 fly reels, the Okuma makes a pretty good back-up reel to have along
on that obscure trip to Backwater, WA
>Al Peterson
>
>> ----------
>> From: Book Master[SMTP:[EMAIL PROTECTED]]
>> Reply To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> Sent: Monday, August 14, 2000 1:13 PM
>> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>> Subject: Re: Okuma Sierra Reels and St. Croix rods
>>
>> Subject: Okuma reels
>> OK, now you've got my curosity up!
>> Sounds like some satisfied customers/fans of these
>> reels out there!
>> Maybe these questions have been answered in this forum
>> before (and maybe I missed the exchange) but:
>>
>> Where can one view/buy these Okuma reels (esp. for
>> $28.99) in the Everett/Seattle area?
>> How long have they (the company which manufactures
>> them and the reels themselves; are they new on the
>> market?) been in "existence"?
>> What sizes do they come in?
>> Are extra spools readily available?
>> Sometime a person needs a good, inexpensive reel.
>> Any help out there?
>> Thanks,
>> John Townsell
>>
>> --- [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote:
>> >
>> > In a message dated 8/14/00 12:49:51 AM,
>> > [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes:
>> >
>> > << OK, who knows where to get the Okuma reels for
>> > $28? I have a friend that
>> >
>> > doesn't want to cough up the dough for a Gunnison,
>> > but would like a
>> >
>> > serviceable reel. >>
>> >
>> > You can purchase them for $28.99 at the White
>> > Elephant in Spokane.
>> >
>> > Mike
>> >
>>
>>
>> __________________________________________________
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>
