Okuma Helios TCS Aluminum Frame Lightweight Baitcaster

I now exclusively fish okuma reels because of their reliability and quality. I worked at a discount outdoor store for several years and no other company could match the free spin time on their bearings right out of the box. The only thing I've noticed is all the helios tension adjustments are extremely touchy out of the box. I didn't have that issue with the citrix or komodos. Like most high end reels there is a ceramic plate inside the tension knob which can change in consistency over time with wear and the amount of lubrication on the spool rod. Essentially, the reel needs more breaking in than others I've tried and you have to keep your adjustments a little tighter initially. The oval guide is an improvement vs. the old helios models and does benefit for more consistent casting distances. All of their top line low profile reels have kept the same centrifugal brake system for decades. I did have an issue once with the brake adjustments not wanting to turn and click respectively on a helios before. No matter what weight you throw or how well you cast, you will probably have to keep the breaks at a 3 or 4 out of 6 initially. Those systems are mostly plastic but you still want to keep it oiled along with keeping a consistent greasing on that brake plate. The c40-x composite they've been using is excellent and whatever paint job they've been doing, I've never had any boat rash issues. Where I've had breaks with some of Lews and Quantums carbon frames, I've never even seen a crack. the 8:1:1 speed is excellent for pitching and football jig fishing where the fish will often walk back towards you with the bait. Other than the helios-sx spinning reel which is awsome, Okuma hasn't released many bass specific reels the last several years. The TCS model is really only a helios with blue trim and the oval/pill guide they added to all of the new ones. This reel is about where it should be priced and I would recommend it to any intermediate or advanced bass fisherman.

I own 12 different casting reels manufactured by all the top companies in the world and this one is my favorite. I have two and want more. It doesn't have magnetic cast control but, to my amazement, it doesn't need it! Smooth as silk, zero backlash and casts farther than most of my $300+ reels.

Well, I've had this baby almost a year now and I am totally pleased. Very smooth, can cast a mile and light weight. I have several reels in the $150 - $200 range and this is one of my favorites. After almost a year I am totally satisfied. Great reel at a great price!

Pros: smooth, fairly light for all aluminum construction, looks great, fits and feels great in my hands (I wear a size small batting glove)Cons: price is a bit high at $199 but every once and while Amazon has them for $130-160

Very very light weight. Handles 65lb braid and 17lb fluorocarbon no problem. Casts a mile when setup with proper line and lure weight. If I had 1 complaint it would be access to the breaking system however, all the positives make up for this minor inconvenience. I've bought 8 of them now.

Not impressed with this reel. Feels cheap. Spend the extra money and get the SX. Much better quality

Spinning reels are much easier to fish with. Good reel but kept fish nesting. Not fun. So had to return this. This isn't for beginner fishermen

Best reel i have ever used! I have 3 of them!