One of my favorite spinning reels acted up during an evening of fishing and all efforts to repair it failed. I needed a new reel and I needed it within the week. By accident I found the Okuma AV-30a here at Amazon. I had never heard of Okuma but the specifications and the price tempted me to try the reel.
The reel arrived within 5 days, just in time for another trip to the old fishing hole. The reel looked good and was quickly installed. Casting was a breeze and the retrieve smooth. This reel has features normally found in reels that cost twice as much. This reel is a bargain. Okuma AV-30a Avenger "A" Series Graphite Spinning Reel (10lb/110yd)
I finally decided to buy some decent reels this year, and have purchased 2 of these, one for an Ugly Stik Lite, and the other for a St. Croix Triumph. These reels are great. If you use the graphite spool, they're so amazingly light on the rod. The retrieve is smooth, as well as the drag. I don't think that you can find a better reel in this price range (and FYI, Amazon seems to have the best prices anywhere on the Avengers). I would recommend these reels to anyone who wants a good reel but doesn't want to spend big bucks.
Although I have not had the reel out for a true test, it appears to be a smooth and well-constructed item. The line capacity is a bit more than I had anticipated, but hopefully I will come across a fish big enough to render the capacity useful.
We do a lot of saltwater fishing (and freshwater) so we need a reel that can handle the abuse of having 100-200 yards of string being ripped off it when the fish hits. We've gone through plenty of reels that just couldn't take it too many times before they gave out on us. With the Okuma series we've had the 80a, 65a, 40a, and 50 baitfeeder reels for over a year now and they have taken everything that these 6 and 7 foot sharks that we've been catching can give them. These reels have never even thought about messing up and they are still reeling just as smooth as ever. If you are not currently using these reels you need to try them out. They are hands down the best reel you can find for your money. I'm sure you can spend $100's of dollars and get the really high end stuff but there is nothing else at this price point that can compare to the durability and dependability of these reels. We've had several of our Shakespeare, Daiwa, Abu Garcia and Shimano reels fail on us lately and we've replaced each one with the Okuma Avenger series. Pretty soon everything we have going into the water will be one of these reels.If I ever have an issue with these reels I'll update my post. Until then, happy fishing!
When I received the AV 65a I was surprised to find the cover plate on the drag adjustment wheel on the front of the spool broken. The reel was well packed by Amazon, so I assume the breakage occurred prior to packing at the Okuma factory, or during shippment to Amazon's warehouse. I have limited experience with Okuma. A MAGDZ Pro MA 30DX trolling reel is the only other Okuma product I own. It was very well packed from the factory, with cardboard spacers bent and cut-out to fit the reel securely and not allow any movement in the box. I am surprised the AV 65a was not similarly packed. The MAGDA Pro is a more expensive reel and that may be the reason for the better packaging.
I'm not sure if the breakage on the AV 65a is an anomaly or an Okuma problem. I offer this review just in case others have experienced the same type of problem. Both reels seem to be well made and very smooth, although I have not put either reel into use to date. I'm returning the AV 65a.
This is my 5th Okuma spinning reel and second Avenger model. The AV40a was originally purchased from Amazon two years ago for saltwater fishing. The reel and drag is smooth, but either due to the thin body or graphite handle either the handle and/or body of the reel flexes when reeling under load. Due to the flexing, I am looking to replace the reel with another. I would not recommend purchasing for larger game fish and limit my recommendation to pan fish/bait fish.
I was very disappointed with these reels. I ordered 2 of the same reel. One for me and my father. the one reel didn't work right out of the box. We examined the reel, there is no easy way to open it up for maintenance (ie: oil the gears, etc) Okuma has definitely went down hill over the past few years. After the return I bought a very nice Pflueger Trion for the same price. Much better construction and over all superior product for your money. Avoid Okuma!'
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