Jig Reel under $50: Okuma vs Shimano

[Fish_N_Russ]

I am looking to get jig spinning reels for me and the wife. My budget is $50 or less for each reel (total $100 or less). I have been looking at the Okuma Avenger, as well as lower end Shimano reels like the Sahara, Sedona and Sonora. Any suggestions?
thanks

[WAngler]

I have yet to buy an Okuma but I did reel in a few times with my buddies and it seems SWEEET...however all I use are shimanos..you cant go wrong with a spirex or any that have anti reverse!

Good luck!

[321mx-r]

We use the Shimano Sedona.Just stay away from the "Quick-Fire" casting setups. When you engage your reel, the spool will have to spin around to the starting point to lock. Missed some fish with these set-ups.

[jimh]

Okuma is the way I'd go. Best bang for the buck.

[wootersen]

I have 4 okuma avengers and they work great. You should be able to pick them up for about $35.00 a piece. Definitely a better investment in my opinion.

[sparkleboy]

I use Shimano Spirexes for both my jig rods. They work great. The drag is excellent, you can flip the reverse switch whenever you want (very helpful for jig fishing), and I've hardly ever had any problems with them. When I did, it was no problem to get it fixed.

[Wernergonefishin]

I have 6 okuma avengers in the 30 series with top drags. Payed 27$ for each at sportco booth at sports show, that was two years ago. If you get a chance compare them side by side the avenger to a 30$ dollar reel that shimano makes. To me they dont compare. The avenger or Epix booth have one year warranty and wont do you wrong.

[float2ber]

For that price stick with Okuma. The quality is better than Shimano at that price. If you change your mind and spend more money, you cannot beat Shimano Stradic.

[TheSteelheader]

Have you looked into the Trophy by Okuma? The TP40 or TP30 are absolutely great reels.... lots of positive feedback from users. The other replies are correct, for the money Okuma is building a large following.

[cully]

I've been given two shimano's. They both were cast off's from other fisherman. They both still work. I bought a new ef30 okuma a month ago. It's had it's share of problems already. Most of all the self bail closure has been a royal pain. As soon as I finish this post Bi-Mart will be buying it back from me.

[Norski]

I picked up a Avanger AV-30, for my dayghter and I think and so do'es she that it is a great reel for the money I payed 28.00 for it on sale at Bi-mart, I have used it up at Tanner creek and hook 1 real nice 25 nook with it and you have to play out the fish but it is a fine reel.
I would say go for it, just my 0.02 worth.
RIVER-RAT

[Fish_N_Russ]

Thanks for the imput.

[Born to be Wild]

Hey Russ, get you a couple AV-30's (Okuma Avenger).
I have several of them and they are great reels.
The best smoothest drag I have ever used in a spinning real!
I have worn a few of them out however but that was probably an average of around a hundred fish per reel.
A lot of those fish were large coho up to 23 lbs. and some accidental chinooks.
Nothing ever broke, no problems with the bail, they just start grinding and cranking hard.
I cannot complain when I get that many fish out of a $30.00 reel and they are extremely smooth until they wear out.

Now I got me a Curado (levelwind) and my Avengers will get a much deserved rest! :grin:

Dano

[Fish_N_Russ]

thanks for the info Dan :smile:

[Ty]

Shimano all the way Russel. Talk to me and maybe I can help u further. Okuma's don't hold up to Alaska fish numbers.

[Gun Rod Bow]

I've been very happy with my Daiwas for steelhead. Seem very trouble free with Fireline used on jigs, no fouling. Same with mono for side drifting. I think I paid about $45.

[greenbuttskunk]

Okumo, hand's down. Silky smooth drag, and an extra spool. I have both and for under 50 bones, the okumo is a great deal.

[Dr Strangelove]

I own four Okuma Avengers; two 30's, two 40's. Total of 8 included spools, two with braid, the rest mono. I love them. I have owned two Shimano's in similar sizes and price. Both have died. One is at the bottom of Klamath Lake and the other my daughter plays fishing with.

[blacktail]

In that price range, you may be better off with the Okumas. The "lower end" Shimanos don't do much for me.

However, I've had great luck with the mid to upper-end Shimanos and will most likely continue to buy those as they are proven performers.

Mike

[Fish_N_Russ]

I looked at some reels yesterday at BiMart. The Okuma Avenger's were sure smoother reeling and 'felt better' than the $50 and less Shimanos they had (Sedona and Sonora mdls). But I dont like the plastic frame and reel seat of either......guess ill keep looking