The latest additions to the party are their new series of Metaloid reels, with a six-pack of right-hand versions introduced late last year, and a duet of left-hand models that made their debut at the recent ICAST tackle show.
EVOLUTION
Okuma took a step up the evolutionary ladder about five years back when their Makaira and Andros lever drag technology hit the market, turning a lot of heads and making them serious contenders in the high-end, light tackle saltwater fishing reel market. In the beginning of 2015, key features of these advanced platforms took shape in the all-new Metaloid family of saltwater reels, making available the power, performance and latest technology to everyday anglers at an affordable price.
The Metaloid family includes three sizes, an M-5SN (narrow), M-5S and M-12S, with each available in either single speed or 2-speed models. These six reels cover the range from vertical jigging to live bait, casting to light trolling and chunking for a variety of species including moderate size makos, threshers, dorado, tuna, sailfish and white marlin. I spoke with Okuma’s Marketing Manager Brandon Cotton about these new reels and he responded that the Metaloid series was part of Okuma’s larger strategy to launch new technologies and forward-thinking designs in their ongoing mission to advance the angler experience. Fisherman readers can relate to that, and from my initial impressions, these new Metaloid lever drag reels are totally consistent with this game plan. These are some good looking and extremely functional fishing reels.
SOUTHPAW SPECIAL
For 2016, Okuma has successfully addressed a pet peeve for many of the left-handers in the coastal fishing community, with the introduction of a pair of “southpaw special” Metaloid 2-speed models. As a charter boat captain that specializes in light-tackle, big-game sportfishing experiences, I have seen the frustration on the faces of some of my left-handed anglers when they are trying to crank down hard on a large shark, tuna or billfish with their “weak” hand. The new family of left-handed Metaloids includes the M-5IILX and the M-12IILX models. The #5-size holds 400 yards plus of 50-pound superbraid line, with a whopping 24 pounds of drag at full, while still getting total free-spool. The model 12 carries a similar load of 80-pound braid (or 600+ yards of 50-pound superbraid, if you need more line capacity), and ups the stopping power with 34 pounds of full drag. The MSRP of the lefty 2-speed model 5 is a reasonable $229.99, with the larger model 12 going for $299.99. Like I mentioned earlier, Okuma has done a great job producing high-quality gear down at sea-level prices.
FAMILY FEATURES
Lefty or righty, Okuma’s Metaloid lever drag reels offer some unique common core features that are shared across the family tree. Metaloid’s powerful foundation begins with a one-piece 6061-T6 machined aluminum frame with integral left side plate for maximum strength and rigidity. Like big brother Andros, Metaloid’s Type-II anodized aluminum spool maximizes line capacity within its compact frame. And like both Andros and Makaira, Metaloid is driven by 17-4 grade stainless steel helical cut gears for absolute strength and confidence when pulling in the big ones under maximum load. Four stainless steel bearings keep maintenance simplified while Okuma’s Corrosion Resistant Coating process delivers a penetrating seal coat of Corrosion-X HD to all internal parts. The drag system is made from Carbonite washers, which are factory-treated with Cal’s drag grease. The maximum drag outputs mirror those of the higher-end Andros reels, with max drag ratings of 24 to 34 pounds. The silent retrieve system contributes to cranking smoothness, and the on/off bait clicker is a handy feature for tuna chunkers, sharkers and trollers. One really neat feature that I liked about the Metaloid reels is that the side plate features built-in detents in the lever drag guide frame, so when you shift the lever back and forth, it “ratchets” into these detents and stays where you put it.
When it’s time to bend the rod on a large, stubborn pelagic, Metaloid’s long 3-inch plus (78mm) handle arm and oversized ergo grip combine to put massive amounts of torque in the angler’s hand. With every turn of the handle, the single speed Metaloids swallow up as much as 48.4 inches of line (This depends on your reel’s spool diameter and the amount of line on the spool at that moment.). Two-speed models gobble up as much as 42.1 inches with each crank. The gear ratio of the Metaloid two-speeds is 6.4:1 and 3.8:1 for the model 5s and 4.7:1 and 2.1:1 for the model 12s. If you are a single speed fan, get ready to drive in the fast lane – the gear ratio on both the 5 and 12 is a lightning fast 6.4:1.
All Metaloid lever drag reels are backed by a 3-year warranty. The MSRP of the single-speed right-handed Metaloid is $189.99 for the M-5NS and M5S, $259.99 for the M-12S. MSRP of the two-speed Metaloids is $219.99 for the M-5NII and M-5II, $299.99 for the M-12II. For more information on the entire family of Okuma reels, visit the website.
