Okuma EPIXOR EF50
by gunner
Let me start
this by saying that I know this is not the Metaloid reel which was
asked about 90% of the time, but there is a reason for that. The finish on that series of reel is not
designed for saltwater applications; and in the size reel which we had asked
to review, they discontinued that finish.
It seems most of the sales of that size have been used for saltwater
fishing, so the gentleman at Okuma recommended that we review the EPIXOR
EF50 series.
I also have to
say that Okuma went out of their way for this review, and replied to each and
every e-mail in a very timely manner.
By now, you should know that means a lot to us here at “Reel
Fishing”, because it shows us that they are a company who really does
care about us, the people who buy their products.
Now, on to the
review…
Okuma EPIXOR EF50:
Price:
Varies a little from store to store, but it is under $100.00
Gear Ratio: 4:5:1
Ball Bearings: 10
Line Capacity, LBS/YDS: 10 /275, 12 /220, 15 /160
EFR II
EDS—Extra Drag Surface, 30% larger
Quick Set—ANTI-REVERSE
RES II—Rotor Equalizing System
Lightweight corrosion-resistant high
modulus graphite construction
Machine cut brass pinion gear
Internal bail trip
Stainless steel reinforced aluminum
spool
Superior line lay oscillating system
This reel was
tested on the Ohio River in the tailwaters of Pike Island Dam. Needless to say, this area is a VERY harsh
environment, with swirling waters, white caps, rocks, timber…you name it, it
is there.
I had this test
reel spooled with 17-pound test and mounted on a 9 foot heavy catfish rod,
and I was fishing from both the shore and the pier.
Pike Island Dam
This has got to
be one of the smoothest casting reels I have ever had the pleasure of
casting. With just minimal effort, I
was outcasting others for distance.
The line comes off this reel like silk, and the retrieve is almost
unnoticeable. With the RES II system,
it almost completely eliminates the “wobble” you get from most spinning reels
on a faster retrieve.
The biggest weight I reeled in was 38.4 pounds, and this reel handled as easily as if it were 3.84 pounds. The drag was smooth and precise, so as I let the drag take over it I just watched the reel. It was truly a pleasure to see a reel like this work…not once did the reel malfunction in any way, shape, or form.
I have used
other spinning reels over the years; and, I must say, this beats them all
hands down. I can say with all
confidence that from now on, when I use spinning reels, I'll be using an
Okuma. They offer a spinning reel for
every kind of fishing, in many different sizes. I even went out and bought
a smaller model (the ARIA AR30) to use for walleye and
bass fishing when a spinning outfit is needed.
I've been
fishing since 1974, and I have used many spinning reels in that time, so I
really mean it when I say that for the money (under $100.00) you will have a
hard time finding one better than Okuma.
They nailed it with great quality, great precision, beautiful looks,
and a great price.
When you
purchase the EPIXOR EF 50, along with the reel you receive an
extra aluminum spool, a blue carrying bag with the Okuma name and bear logo
on the front, the warranty card, and an instruction foldout.
I would
recommend this reel to anyone who is looking for a great catfishing or
muskie/northern pike reel. This reel
gets five stars ***** from us here at Reel Fishing with gunner.
I would also
like to thank Okuma for giving me the opportunity to review this reel and get
to know a few of the people there. I
am sorry for the time it took to get this review written, but I had to wait
for a trip across state to get to use it for the big catfish. Please visit okuma on the web at www.okumafishing.com
and see for yourself the many types of reels they have to offer. And, after you get one, write me and let
me know what you think!
See you on the
water….
gunner