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The
okuma Helios Fly
Reel is offered at the top
of
okuma's
fly reel list but at under $200 it's worth
taking a second look at.
The Helios
design is right up there with models from
different manufacturers that are offered at
twice the price.
Okuma
has introduced the Helios as the ultimate fly
reel and for under $200 they may just be on to
something.
On The Water Review
Model Tested Helios H-56
First off this let
me start by saying this is a very sleek and
attractive looking fly reel. Kudos to the design
staff. This is more than a nice looking reel
thou! How about the fact that it features a
waterproof drag system. We submerged this reel
several times to try and get the drag to slip or
breakdown. We failed at every attempt, we could
not get waster to penetrate the drag system. It
is a different drag design that we have yet to
see on a reel in this price range. The system is
accessed from unscrewing the spool release knob
(a step you will have to do in order to change
form left to right hand retrieve).
 The
drag is protected by o-rings and a rubber washer
in the release knob seal.
We found the drag to be smooth and trouble free.
One feature we did like is the knurled raised
drag knob which made adjusting the drag while
landing fish very accessible.
The reel and spool is well ventilated with holes
which will allow your fly line to completely dry
as well as reducing overall reel weight. We
found this reel to be lightweight yet highly
durable. Even the body foot had holes, my guess
is to keep the weight of the reel down.
The reel has a quiet retrieve and only minimal
drag noise once the drag is implemented. Overall
we were quite impressed with the okuma Helios
right from the start. We were even more
impressed with this reel once we tested it out.
The drag was very impressive and was very
surprised this reel is being offered at under
$200. You could easily spend more and get less
than this reel. It is also very easy to turn the
drag down to totally stop the reel. This is a
great freshwater fly reel and we highly
recommend it and we would also recommend a
larger reel for saltwater as well. We definitely
feel as thou this reel would stand up to the
abuse of the saltwater.
Construction
The Helios
features a Maintenance free waterproof drag
system multi-disk cork and stainless steel drag
washers roller bearing allows the drag to engage
in one direction only 2BB + 1RB stainless steel
drive system precision machine stainless steel
spool shaft anodized aluminum machined rigid
frame machined aluminum large arbor spool design
non-slip positive grip rubberized handle knobs
easy to change left to right hand retrieval
conversion.
Specs
|
Model |
Bearings |
Fly
Line Capacity |
Line
Retrieve |
Line
Weight |
Weight |
Price |
| H-34 |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-3, 105yds / 12lbs
|
8"
|
3,4 wt.
|
4.5 oz.
|
179.99 |
| H-45 |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-4, 110yds / 20lbs
|
9"
|
4,5 wt.
|
5.0 oz.
|
179.99 |
| H-56 |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-5, 130yds / 20lbs
|
10"
|
5,6 wt.
|
5.3 oz.
|
179.99 |
| H-78a |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-7, 150yds / 20lbs
|
11"
|
7,8 wt.
|
5.9 oz.
|
189.99 |
| H-89a |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-8, 250yds / 20lbs
|
12"
|
8,9 wt.
|
6.2 oz.
|
189.99 |
| H-34 Spool |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-3, 105yds / 12lbs
|
8"
|
8,9 wt.
|
2.0 oz.
|
84.99 |
| H-45 Spool |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-4, 110yds / 20lbs
|
9"
|
8,9 wt.
|
2.3 oz.
|
84.99 |
| H-56 Spool |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-5, 130yds / 20lbs
|
10"
|
8,9 wt.
|
2.5 oz.
|
84.99 |
| H-78 Spool |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-7, 150yds / 20lbs
|
11"
|
8,9 wt.
|
2.6 oz.
|
89.99 |
| H-89 Spool |
2BB + 1RB
|
WF-8, 250yds / 20lbs
|
12"
|
8,9 wt.
|
2.7 oz.
|
89.99 |
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www.okumafishing.com
OKUMA
FISHING TACKLE CORP.
2310 E. Locust Court, Ontario CA 91761
Tel: 909-923-2828
Fax: 909-923-2909
1-800-GO-OKUMA, 1-800-466-5862
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