Looking for a new reel . Considering a Shimano Curado or Okuma Helios . Any thoughts ?

I would go with the shimano over the okuma

I'd put Lews in the mix.......ahead of the Okuma. Several models in the price range you're looking at.

I used Shimano for years then swapped everything to Lews when they got back in the business. I was not happy with Shimano simply changing the names of their reels to the lesser instead of upgrading and introducing affordable models. Not to mention that $400-$600 for their "top end" bass reel is outrageous!! IMHO Lews are much better than comparably priced Shimanos.

shimano for sure

I like the H20 Xpress series, good reels and rods, and definitely offered in "working man" prices.

Good luck on whatever you buy, and congratulations on the "gift of choice."

Addendum: Christmas is coming, therefore, the next time at least two people ask what you want, give them a name of two different reels, and with luck, they'll be two packages under the tree!

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Your username old-school says it all. If u want a reel that's gonna last look into a old school shimano Japan made or abu sweeden made reels. You can spend an extra 60 bucks to supertune them and they are cheaper will outlast and outcast any new reel on the market.
Just my opinion. I am old school when it comes to reels. I have wasted hundreds of dollars on Malaysia China and Korean made junk that breaks.

Abu Sweden all the way for me. They already cast well but the supertune makes them pretty special.

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Try this before you buy. Make some phone calls, search eBay, Google and try to find parts for the Okuma. Check around and see who would be willing to service that reel. I personally would stick with the major brands. Keep in mind, you want it to last several seasons, maybe longer. I got several Shimanos that's approaching 20 years of use. I've got an Ambassadeur reel that's pushing 40 years of abuse.

Shimano definitely

Lew's are the best for the money!

I'm going to probably be the only one to say this but if you fish salt DONT buy a Shimano. I bought a citica (brand new) and got 4 trips out of it. I clean and care for my reels after every trip and it was riding right along with my 15 year old abu 6501c3. Best I can tell a spool bearing had locked up not allowing it to cast and barely able to reel it in. I got rid of it and bought another 6501c3.

I would live to try a lews but am afraid it won't handle the salt.

Lew's

I have a few H20 Mettle's and they all work fine here along the Coast. You can buy 4 of those for price of a Curado. They really are a sweet reel for the money..around $50

This topic was introduced on Halloween night, therefore, I'd surmise a reel has already been bought, and Mr. Oldschool was only asking about Shimano and Okuma. A few other reels were mentioned, including by me.

Sports Academy has the H20 reels up for grabs at good deals should anyone choose to partake! I have the Mettle M2, the Motive and the Maxim. I'd bet they are all good reels for what is paid!

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H20 as a Consideration?