I own a bunch of 2009 Okuma Catalina levelwind line counters from the size 20 to the largest, size 40 whose frames were obviously machined out of solid blocks of aluminum. The "old" Catalinas are as rock solid as a conventional can be. Not the case with this Okuma line. Line the Daiwa Saltiga LWLC's, the casing and side plates are probably castings. What makes these look "cheap" is the paint job which frankly speaking, looks like spray paint. Aside from that, here are my Pros & Cons:
Pros:
- Perfect placement of the line counter above the sideplate. It's out of the way unlike the Tekotas and Saltigas which protrude from the sideplate hitting your left pole-holding arm during the fight.
- Line counter (LC) is large and very easy to read at a glance. The Daiwa Saltigas are hard to read.
- LC reset button is more recessed greatly reducing chance of accidental reset.
- Okumas winding knob is big, burly and made of rubber not plastic. Feels good in the hand.
- Star on the drag system is smooth and sensitive with positive clicks for fine adjustment.
- Freespool lever automatically snaps back into wind mode with 3/4 turn of the handle.
- Overall quality of the reels is, "Good".
- Comes with pole bracket to lock in the reel to the reel seat.
- Offerred in left hand versions
Cons:
- Cheap paint job
- noisy gearing when winding. Mines was almost as loud as the ratchet! Gonna open her up and grease her more to make her quieter?
- Ratchet was softer than Okuma's equivalent Catalina LWLC's.
The main reason why I purchased the left-hand models is because I'm used to my spinners which I crank with my left hand
Pros:
- Perfect placement of the line counter above the sideplate. It's out of the way unlike the Tekotas and Saltigas which protrude from the sideplate hitting your left pole-holding arm during the fight.
- Line counter (LC) is large and very easy to read at a glance. The Daiwa Saltigas are hard to read.
- LC reset button is more recessed greatly reducing chance of accidental reset.
- Okumas winding knob is big, burly and made of rubber not plastic. Feels good in the hand.
- Star on the drag system is smooth and sensitive with positive clicks for fine adjustment.
- Freespool lever automatically snaps back into wind mode with 3/4 turn of the handle.
- Overall quality of the reels is, "Good".
- Comes with pole bracket to lock in the reel to the reel seat.
- Offerred in left hand versions
Cons:
- Cheap paint job
- noisy gearing when winding. Mines was almost as loud as the ratchet! Gonna open her up and grease her more to make her quieter?
- Ratchet was softer than Okuma's equivalent Catalina LWLC's.
The main reason why I purchased the left-hand models is because I'm used to my spinners which I crank with my left hand
Awesome looking reel! Bought these reels for trolling dipsy's in lake Erie. Reels feel solid and well made. Ratcheting star drag very smooth. Clicker on the drag sounds noisy out of the box but once the spool is filled with line it quiet's down quite a bit. Oversized handle feels great with the dropped down gear box. The reset button on the side of linecounter will help prevent accidental "resets" when letting out line. Impressed so far! Really like it!
Great reel, bought one myself, buddies bought a few too. We all think they are great, and anyone who didn't research the reel beforehand on size, or doesn't know "L" means left, should stck to fishing with a cane pole. Used on Lake Michigan for salmon and did well, except for few fish. Not the reels fault, blame Dennis. Has enough drag for big fish. We bought on sale, still a great reel at this price, but u could wait til it is on sale. Nice grip on handle. No complaints so far, don't think you will be disappointed!
