planning on buying one this week and would love imput from others who have one. i never owned an okuma before. i mostly use daiwa zillions but since daiwa raised the price of the zillion to $320, i have decided to try to find a new reel.

I've owned 2 lower end Okuma baitcasters and have been satisfied with them (nothing special) but for a $200 plus price tag, I wouldn't spring for a Helios. A lot of mixed reviews on that model. I'd look into the new Revo STX gen 3 or Shimano Chronicle 200e or a Lews speed spool at that price range.

thank you but like i said im looking for input from anglers who actually own THIS reel...not previous lower end models. while past okuma freshwater offerings have been mostly junk, it appears okuma has finally shown the desire to provide serious fishemen a high quality, tournament reel. and in my opinion, the helios passes the eyeball test. furthermore, the helios is currently for sale on ebay for $160 w/free shipping...$40 cheaper and about 1 oz. ligter than the "chronicle" (Chronarch*).

The lack of responses here and across the internet from those people that actually own the reel kinda answers your question. On paper, it looks great, and most reviewers like it out of the box. We'll see if it stands the test of time and usage. Best phishes

I have a several okuma reels alumina and citrix these reel are well made with metal clutch parts.
I would not be scared of these reels.
I have felt the helios and I don't know if the weight reduction is worth it.
I like reels with brass gearing.

well like i said i own mostly zillions, which weigh in at almost 9 ounces...so to me the weight reduction is worth it. however, im with you on the brass gears as well. in defense of the lightweight alluminum gears, i would refer you to the review of the helios on tackletour.com, in which they mention the usage of aluminum as oppposed to brass. all in all i agree the test of time will truly determine the durability. but i would still like to hear from somebody who owns the reel and has put it through a few battles.

I own and operate TackleRight Rod & Reel Repair. Recently I evaluated all the OKUMA Freshwater Reels for a local store.

Okumas are a very good reel. They are very well built. The materials are as good if not btter than many of todays reels.

All those reels were given to several very experienced fishing guides to use and evaluate for several days. None of the guides were dis-satisfied with the reels or rods for that matter and there were very few complaints about any of the Okuma Equipment.

I give them two thumbs up.

Rtee

I used my friends when i was in arkansas and it was actually super light and felt strong

I have several of the Helios reels and have had nothing but great things to say about them. They are very light and can cast with any reel on the market. The reel only weighs about 6.3 ounces and has aluminum plating and gears. The reel is exceptionally powerful and can handle just about anything you rig up. I love to spool it with braid and throw hollow and Ribbit frogs with it. I can make very long casts into the deep cover and it has the power to winch them out. VERY satisfied with mine.