As many of you know, for some time now I have been kind of harsh when it comes to the Okuma line. Boy, have things changed over the last few years, and Okuma has become a serious contender in the world of rods and reels. One of their new reels for 2013 is the “Helios”, and I am very excited about this reel!
The Helios reels feature:
- Light weight C-40x carbon frame, sideplate and rotor
- Multi-disc Carbonite drag system
- 9HPB + 1RB corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
- ALG: Precision AlumiLite alloy main gear and oscillating gears
- Machined aluminum, 2-tone anodized spool
- 1-K woven carbon fiber drag knob and sideplate inserts
- Precision Elliptical Gearing system
- 1-K woven carbon fiber handle design for reduced weight
- Light weight EVA handle knob
- Hydro Block watertight drag seal
- Durable 1-pcs solid aluminum, gun smoke anodized bail wire
- RESII: Computer balanced Rotor Equalizing System
- Helios reels are backed by a one year limited warranty
The Helios is available in four sizes: Hx-25, Hx-30, Hx-35, and Hx-40. With a MSRP of $139.99 across all the sizes. these reels have a great price point. But that’s not all… The Helios also comes in two different speeds. The Hx-25S and the Hx-40S are available in 6.0:1 gear ratio, and the rest of the series have a 5.0:1 gear ratio. Also the Helios are light weight and have a good deal of drag for such a small reel. The Hx-30 to the Hx-40 have 13 lbs. of drag, so fighting big fish on these powerhouses shouldn’t be a problem. The reels are very cool looking, as well, with carbon fiber bodies and green accents, I hope to give one of these a home as soon as they are released.
