Okuma Helios reels

[am4mu]

Has anyone had any experience with Okuma's Helios reels? What has my attention is the sealed waterproof drag. Any comments would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Doug

[gonefishin]

I tried a Okuma reel a few years ago. The experience was not good. The reel was very cheaply made, was heavy and clunky and did not make it through one fishing season. I have not bought another one since. I don't know about the Helios as I haven't tried them. I would buy a Diawa or Shimano but that is just my opinion.

[3wt]

For the price ($160 in Cabelas if I remember right) there are FAR superior reels...and I don't think a sealed water proof drag is anything special or different than most disc drags.

My suggestions:

Ross Cimmaron Large Arbor ~$160

Ross Cimmaron ~$140

Cabelas LSR ~$130 right now on sale - my brother just bought one, and I am very impressed

Orvis Battenkill Bar Stock is somewhere in the same price neighborhood

[Midge]

I do not own a Helios reel, but do own two other okuma fly reels. I haven't had any problems with them in three years of use. having said that; I would look at the Orvis Batenkill Mid Arbor reel if you want a sealed drag system. I've tried one that a friend has, and I'm just waiting for some kind of excuse to get one.