I also have an Omega. To tell you the truth it really is a pretty great real but I actually prefer the Platinum 33 over it. It is a little lighter and seems to cast and handle the bigger bass about as well so far. I use the Omega now as a worm and grub reel for casting under docks and such but in general use the 33 Platinum most of the time. They run about 40 bucks so are a little cheaper if that is a factor.

I was thinking of getting my Dad a different spincast, maybe the Bass Pro Extreme. Any experience?

...------

Extreme

I have the Omega Pro Z03 and it worked like a champ until one day when I needed to change the line on the spool. I found that as I was getting to it, the screwed down disc in front of it was seemingly fused on. I eventually decided to muscle it off and it finally gave away. The reel's components must have flexed under the huge pressure I had to exert to break it loose, maybe a gear was put under too much strain but it has never been the same.

I'd go with the Zebco Platinum 33 for about half the money and here is why: it is a good reel and for 35 bucks, it really isn't much above the cost of cleaning and repairing a higher end reel a time or two, so keep it greased and oiled and use it until it acts up, then just dicard it or use it for kids to fish with.

That red Cajun line in many of the Zebcos? It is the most elastic line I have ever used yet oddly has really decent breaking strength.

Brad

Is there a Cabelas brand spincast reel?

Bought the Bass Pro Extreme spincast and just now got a chance to use it. I guess I should have went with one the Zebco reels that were suggested. The Extreme reel turned out to be not so good. When reeling in fish , it seemed stiff as if the line was wrapped around the end of the pole. Tried different drag settings , line size and brand to no avail. It cast real well though. Back to square one I guess.

I got the Bass Pro Extreme Spincast for my Dad as well. We have not used it yet, and I respooled with 12 or 14 lb mono. Reviews coming once we use it! I'm obviously hoping for greatness!

...------

I look around and I will buy the used American made zebco's omegas.
The old American made Zebco 33 are winches.
These are bulletproof reels.
I a new reel I like the Abumatic's and the Diawas gold cast.

Sorry for stepping into this discussion so late, but these bass was caught on a zebco 33.

My best Bass on a Zebco went 7lb 10 oz. It was one of those Red Rhino Zebco reels some years ago. I used to tournament fish mostly with ABUs but still had a Zebco on the boat for dock shooting. Now days I seldom break the ABUs out for bass unless I'm buzzing on top or flipping or pitching in stumps.

I have a Zebco 33 for my wife also . She can't get the hang of anything else . I grew up on Zebco 33s' . I didn't know any other kind til a friend gave me a Garcia OF reel . It's at the bottom of Lake Allen Henry right now . It had some big fish on it but I'm sure it's gone now .

My Dad did not care for the Bass Pro Extreme, and I used it once to confirm, it does feel stiff reeling in, but I'll try it again before I decide if I'll take it back in for an exchange. I do like the ratio for this spincast. That's why I chose it for him.

Addendum: The handle and drag star are too close to the reel and your hand will hit them. Again, I'm not giving up on it...yet.

...------