Kent,
I bought an Okuma Helios (7/8 model) last September (2005), and it was my first reel purchase since 2000.

Having taken myself out of the reel market since buying that Orvis CFO six years ago (and spending a bunch of money on it), I have to admit feeling a bit gun shy when I picked up an Okuma and Pflueger for the first time.

These weren't names that I initially associated with performance and quality.

Things sure have changed a lot in the industry.

I settled on the Helios from among the pool of Okuma, Pflueger and Scientific Anglers. Admittedly, the decision was solely based on aesthetics. It's a sweet looking reel. In my mind it was dirt cheap ($129 for a bar stock, large arbor reel? Are you kidding me?), and it has performed extremely well for me.

Since moving from Montana to 8 and 9 wt. country, the Helios has become my go-to reel.

I have a couple of gripes, but nothing major:

1. There seems to be a lack of fine tuning the drag in the area of "no drag" to "just a little." I realize this is sort of a subjective opinion. Sometimes there's a certain resistance I'm looking for, and the Helios' screw-in type drag system is either slightly too loose or just a tad too tight. I notice this more on smaller trout than salmon or steelhead. I usually use more drag on the bigger fish and it's not a problem.

2. I miss the audible reel click when the reel sends out line. When a big fish makes a run, my Helios is almost silent. Not that I'm trying to attract attention that I have a fish on, but compared to the scream of my CFO, the Helios is a bit of a let-down in that department. Again, this is only a small gripe.

The only sound the reel has made has been a squeaky door noise when I really had the drag engaged heavily on some bigger chinook last fall. Maybe it was a new reel thing, because I didn't notice it this season.

Hope this information helps.

--Seth

 

I've got the SLA in 5/6 weight and really like it. besides being a pimp looking reel it has a really smooth drag. can't speak for the bigger size or the rest of the reels

 

Thanks guys. Not having had to mess with any of the larger reels (always just fished lakes), it's nice to get some other comments on the performance of, or problems with, the higher end reels to look out for before I buy.
I like the look of the Cabelas SLA as well. I'm trying to talk myself out of reaching for the shiney eyecatcher. But, if it performes as well as the others, why not. "Bonus!".
I'v always had good luck with Cabela's stuff. But, I know the pfluger name is tried and true.
Okuma is the wild card for me. I don't know there stuff. They look nice, and talk good catalog talk, but "they" can say anything.
Keep the comments coming. :thumb:

Thanks
Kent

 

I have been more the happy with my Pflueger Trion, I would expect the same from the President

 

look on ebay before you buy anything. have gotten some great deals on reels.

 

Put out the little bit extra for a Ross and you will never have to look back or buy another. Cimarron 4 makes a great 8wt reel.

 

This is very timely for me as well as I'm setting up my first Steelhead/Salmon rod. Just bought a used Sage XP on ebay and have been scratching my head over so many choices on reels. Thanks.

 

Check out the BPS Gold Cup too. I find them comparable to the ones mentioned. I use it in saltwater all the time here on Chesapeake Bay. Only complaint is there is no quick spool change.

mike

 

I agree with Flyn'dutchman. Save a little more money and just get a Ross. The CLA 4 is a great reel for a 8wt $230. You wouldn't need to worry about another reel. You could also look at a Ross Cimarron 4 $165 if you want something cheaper than the CLA. I don't know how this compares to the ones you mentioned, but it can't be that much more.

Sly

 

I'd stay away from Cabelas reels. They work great and the price is right, but Cabelas doesn't support them for long. If you want to buy an extra spool a few years after you buy the reel, you'll probably be SOL. I was.

 

Here's the unvarnished truth about reels, rods and most other fishing gear: you get what you pay for.

There's a reason that some reels cost $59 while others cost 3, 5, or even 10 times more. Much of what you're paying for is quality and durability.

If you can't afford to pony up $250 for a reel, at least look on eBay for a higher-quality one than those you've mentioned. It's hard to wear out a reel and there's many a good deal to be had buying a used one. (About half the reels I own are used and came from eBay or a private party. I've never had a problem with any of 'em.)

Nervous about eBay? Simply pay via PayPal. In the unlikely event of a problem, PayPal insurance will make good if the reel's trashed and the seller ends up being a flake.

If you're in the least serious about sticking with our sport, eventually you'll come to see the difference between low quality and high quality gear. So get the crying over now by buying better quality than you think you can afford. You'll be much happier in the long run.

K

 

Just thinking about A new reel for steelhead / Salmon.
I'm looking at the ones listed below in the 8-9wt line class.

Cabelas "SLA"
Pfluger "President"
Okuma "Helios"

Without starting A "my reels better than your's" war. I'm interested in personal experiences. Returns, poor performance, wish it had... that kind of thing.

Thanks

Kent S.

This depends on how long your expected lifespan of the reels.

Each of these reels are very aesthetically cool and attractive. I have been considering the Helios because of it's light weight relative to reel size, but I can't pull the trigger because I'm concerned about parts and product longevity.

Each of these reels uses a one way bearing as drag engagement. Though not necessarily bad, water left (particularly salt) in some of these reels can end up rusting and seizing the bearings. That means the reel won't work any more.

The Cabela's reel will be replaced with another model in the next year or two, and you won't be able to get extra parts or spools. Ditto with house brand reels like the Bass Pro Shops Gold Cup previously mentioned (have one).

In this price range, check out the Ross products. The drags work great, and the drag engagement systems are very simple. You will get a product made by a reel company that will give you great customer service, a quality product that will perform well and last a long time, and have parts and spools available for years and years.

 

You might also want to consider Orvis. I have a battenkill mid arbor on my 9wt and I'm very pleased with it. It also happens to be in the same price range as the other reels you're interested in at $129.
Derek

 

Thanks all.... Food for thought. Good thread.

 

When it comes to gear, my motto is:
Buy right the first time and you only cry once.

You may want to look at the Lamson Velocity 3.5. They are on close-out through many places, including Madison River Fishing Company, which has the best prices I have seen. The V3.5 is now $160. The good folks at Lamson told me that the spools from the new versions of the Velocity and the Lightspeed will fit the current versions on close-out.