|
|
Posts: 661
Location: Sussex, NJ | Looking at some new reels and I'm considering the Okuma Isis 400LX which is left- handed and the Abu Garcia Revo Winch-L NOT the Revo Toro Winch. I would just like some input from guys who have fished with these reels, but they don't have to be the left handed version. Any opinions would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Brandon |
|
| |
|
| Get a Cardiff.
I don't think the Isis will be any better than the Cardiff and it's more expensive. It might be a little smoother, but as far as the reel's capabilities I don't think you are going to see any difference in speed, throwing/reeling heavy or hard-resisting lures, et cetera. I'm only going off of specs here, but I don't think you're going to see a significant difference in performance between the Isis and a Cardiff.
As far as the Revo Winch, it has its place. It's a beefed-up bass reel, but that can be just what you want at the right time with the right lure(s). It really depends on what you plan on using with it. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 661
Location: Sussex, NJ | The Cardiff is about $70-100 cheaper than both reels. Its got enough to pull the big baits with no problem? |
|
| |
|
| No, not really. Your Torium and Saltist are for heavy/big baits. The Cardiff will throw everything you would with an Isis and Winch-L as well if not better. But it won't handle hard-pulling or heavy lures very well. It's more of a mid-range, all purpose reel, as are the Isis and Winch-L.
You can get $20 off at Bass Pro during their reel trade-in in the next week or so, so the reel is about $100. Hard to beat for the price. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 661
Location: Sussex, NJ | Yeah that is true. What do you think about a Shimano Curado 301? Is that the same as a Winch-L? |
|
| |
|
| I think the 200 series is comparable to the Winch/bass-sized Revos. The 300 series is closer to the Toros. The 301 is more of a musky reel than the Winch-L, but it has a 6.2:1 gear ratio so that will limit what you'll be able to throw. It's a good reel, but it has it's time and place. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32889
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I have 2 2011 model Okuma Isis 400 reels, and throw pretty much everything except double 10s with them. Great reel, no issues.
|
|
| |
|
| What's the max on plastics it can handle? I've thrown Mag Dawgs on my Cardiff, but I wouldn't want to do so on a regular basis. I'm sure people do, but there are reels better suited for the job. I figure the Isis is about the same. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32889
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Mag Dawgs are no problem. |
|
| |
|
Location: Grand Rapids, MI | I ran three Isis last year for the entire year with many different lures, including the occasional double then. One of the reels threw magdawgs and pounders exclusively, all three are still performing flawlessly. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 582
| The cardiff, as mentioned is a good all purpose reel for $109. I have a few of them i keep on spare rods and they work well for the price point. i would put them on par with the Isis but no the winch. I also have a toro winch in which i use exclusively for pulling dbl 10's. Its made for that, but its a one trick pony as far as i am concerned. Personal favorites i use are the AC300 and the Calcutta 400b. but if one doesn't want to spend $239 on a reel the cardiff is a dandy for it's price range. You could also look at the Okuma Akena.. i have one of those as well and its similar to the cardiff just not as refined but i know there are alot of musky guys that use them. ($99) price tag |
|
| |
|
Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | I ran 4 Isis last year and beat the daylights out of them and didn't have a problem at all. I threw a lot of 10's (not burning them), ripped cranks and big minnow baits, ripped rubber, and they handled them all fine. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend one at all. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | Also that a look at the Okuma Cedros (CJ-400P). Cool looking reel with a neat power handle. I used them all last year with no problems. I think the guts are the same as the Isis, but with a power handle and a cool blue color. Had clients use them for DCG's and no one complained. The power handle helps. Doug Johnson |
|
| |
|
Posts: 661
Location: Sussex, NJ | The Isis seems it can handle just about everything. How is it after throwing baits all day? Does it bother your wrist from weight or is it ok? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 339
Location: Maryland | I would recommend the Isis,used it last year and picked up another one for this year. Also if you want a power handle for the isis (doesnt need it) Okuma is now manufacturing a carbon fiber handle that you have to call customer service to order. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 661
Location: Sussex, NJ | Do you think its in the same league as a Calcutta 400B/TE? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 582
| IMO, no its not. The 400b is a well built reel that will last a long time if you take care of it. Its not a reel for every bait, but as a general reel i love mine. Probably one of my favorities year after year. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 999
| I just won an Isis at my local musky club banquet and I look forward to using it this year! The reviews on them sound outstanding! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 661
Location: Sussex, NJ | I'm leaning towards the Isis a lot it seems like a great reel. I'm not ready to drop $300 on a Calcutta yet, but I think the Isis will be a great reel! |
|
| |
|
| I to am also in need of a lefty reel. I have been reading and searching forums for answers they all come up the same. Has anyone out there had any experience with the Okuma Solterra? The specs are posted at 29" line retrieve... Any feed back would be nice. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I bought an Isis last year. I put a powerhandle on it that I got from the Mark Rogers (California Muskie is his handle here). I used that ONE reel almost exclusively last year for everything including a good deal of double 10's, ripping Mag Dawgs, and sometimes Pounders, and overall giving the reel a very good workout. It's still going strong this year.
The Shimano Cardiff seems like a good reel too. The only difference I see is the handle throw is a bit shorter on it, giving you less power. I'm not sure if the Calcutta B handles fit the Cardiff, but even if they do you're looking at $40 for one. Maybe there are cheaper handle options out there. Not sure the deal is still going, but I got the power handle from Mark Rogers for free last year.
In short the Isis has treated me very well and I will be buying another this year. By the way, if you like regular paddle handles it comes stock with a nice double paddle handle.
Tucker |
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
Location: Bloomer, Wi | i have had two isis reels and both of them never lasted more than three days. sent them both back twice and still never made it more than a couple days sent them back again and the exact same issues. tried to send them back for the fourth time and was told not to send it back. very unimpressed! threw mag dawgs exclusively. so im sticking to shimanos. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | Hey Joe,
It's been a while. Hope you're still on fish. Those Okumas you had problems with - were they the newer Isis reel (black with gold accents) or the old style Induron (all gold)? The first Indurons did have some issues and I had to send mine in a couple times too. The Isis I have has been solid for me.
Tucker |
|
| |
|
Posts: 32889
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | They obviously were the old model first generation with the problem in the clutch that was hashed out here long ago.
What else I want to say I will not to stay within my own rules.
The Isis reel we are discussing replaced the Red Isis, which had clutch/handle issues. I fixed my red isis reels by removing the big power handle and installing a custom big paddle handle and re- assembling the reel using a light grease on the gear train, no issues since under hard use.
That said, I have a Winch and love it. The low profile is sweet, great reel.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 217
Location: ladysmith, wi | diawa will be coming out with a new low profile musky reel called the lexa 300 that will be both right and left models sometime this summer should retail around $200.00 and have models with different gear ratios ,anyone else heard of these? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
Location: Bloomer, Wi | i just wish okuma would have handled it differently steve. i wasnt completely bashing the product, or trying to change the thread to shimano, I thought you were discussing the red isis.
|
|
| |
