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Okuma Classic Pro?

8K views 17 replies 9 participants last post by  Zigarro 
#1 ·
Anyone have this reel? They added two bearings to it. I am working how castable it is. I know the normal classic's are proven boat reels pulling in up to 90 pound catfish. I never realized these cheap reels have a synched levelwind! My Catmaxx does not have that. Is it worth losing the extra bearings and cast control for this little puppy? It's cheaper too!

Just for reference:

Okuma Classic Pro 200 size
14 lb 290 Yards
5.1 ratio
2 bearings
12.8 oz

Catmaxx
14 lb 240 yards
5.2 ratio
4 bearings (3+1)
12.5 oz

Abu Garcia 6500 C3
14 lb ~280 Yards
5.3 ratio
4 bearings?
10.7 oz

I am so in the "take it back" mood with reels lately lol... I replaced my Komodo with a Citrix and then the Citrix is now replaced with a Catmaxx. I am thinking the Catmaxx would cast better than the Classic so maybe I wont need to take the Catmaxx back.
 
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#4 ·
I keep asking myself the same question. I want a reel I can use on a boat as well as on shore. I have never used a non-levelwind reel and imagine if I got too excited at a big fish grabbing my bait. I would forget to thumb the line!

All my current big fish have been caught less than 70 yards out. I may just be chasing a wild goose at this point.
 
#5 ·
Bill, we have been talking reels for a long time now. I think the wild goose is where we are at now. It seems we tend to overthinks a lot. Buy the reel you think is best, it it doesn't work the way you think it should, sell it and buy a different one. Even if it is not perfect, it will catch fish.
 
#6 ·
Even Okuma suggested I get a Classic Pro for my Battle Cat haha! I have not seen anyone with one anywhere.

Maybe I should just get it to break the ice. I still don't know what size I want. The 300 size is pretty big. At least the 200 size can hold more line than a Catmaxx and is cheaper than one.
 
#7 ·
Even Okuma suggested I get a Classic Pro for my Battle Cat haha! I have not seen anyone with one anywhere.

Maybe I should just get it to break the ice. I still don't know what size I want. The 300 size is pretty big. At least the 200 size can hold more line than a Catmaxx and is cheaper than one.
Catmaxx are great reels for the price. Just wish they made one with LH!
 
#8 ·
Even Okuma suggested I get a Classic Pro for my Battle Cat haha! I have not seen anyone with one anywhere.

Maybe I should just get it to break the ice. I still don't know what size I want. The 300 size is pretty big. At least the 200 size can hold more line than a Catmaxx and is cheaper than one.
In my opinion, if you are after larger catfish, the 300 size is perfect. You may want to take chillydigits up on that convector offer if you want a 200 size reel. I have a convector 30n that purchased from him and have enjoyed using it alot. I purchased another to go with it so it wouldn't be lonely or feel outnumbered by my fathoms. With 80 pound braid, a 60 yard toss is pretty easy with a 3 ounce sinker.
My fathoms will do alot better than that though................
 
#10 ·
...and after casting 100 times I broke my 50 pound braid on cast again (I did this multiple times on an Abu 6500c3 in the past too).

I'm going to rethink everything. Go conventional non-levelwind for bank and use Levelwinds on a boat.

I have to decide now if 141 yards of 30 pound mono is good enough or just sell this reel and get the 300 size. I still think it's a fantastic reel that is better than a Catmaxx.
 
#13 ·
As far as possible... Which I am retiring as an idea and using it as a boat reel now.

I have the 200 series. Have had it for about 3 years now and it works perfect. I run 65lb braid with a 10lb mono backing. I spool about 30 yds of mono then fill the rest of the way with braid.

I can cast mine almost as far as a 6500c3. If it had better bearings then it would do better. It makes some noise when casting but has not failed me yet. Mine is the gold cover version
I was surprised myself at how well they cast! The Classic CLX has no bearings but the Classic Pro does and easily outcasts my Catmaxx on the same length rod. On shore I want to cast further than any levelwind can ever cast so I am going to use it as a boat reel. Distance casting isn't needed on a boat and mono is cheaper and has less problems than braid for me. Part of me wants the 300 size just for the extra line capacity but I just ordered carbon drag washers so that dream may come true (I tend to break reels when I take them apart...).

All versions of the Okuma Classic have STRONG bait clickers. The bait fish would have to be sizable to pull the line. The Catmaxx bait clicker is weak.

Now if you compare these classics to the Tidewater, Mr Catfish, or other same priced budget reels... Well you can't, it puts them to shame IMO. I have seen 5 year old Classic CLX's in use. No maintenance and still going. That's one hell of an investment.
 
#12 ·
I have the 200 series. Have had it for about 3 years now and it works perfect. I run 65lb braid with a 10lb mono backing. I spool about 30 yds of mono then fill the rest of the way with braid.

I can cast mine almost as far as a 6500c3. If it had better bearings then it would do better. It makes some noise when casting but has not failed me yet. Mine is the gold cover version
 
#14 ·
I run baits out sometimes 150 yds behind the boat. That is when you have to have braid. The Okuma is one of my favorite reels besides a 500 Takota. That thing is soooo smooth and has a very good drag. If I could afford a couple more thats what I would replace all my reels with. But for the $ the Okuma outperforms most reels out there.
 
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