Thinking of changing from my 10 year old ultegra ci4 xtb reels and seen the obsidian reels whos spec seem too good for the money - any owners confirm what they are like

In reply to Post #1
https://youtu.be/zkyyp8gSBiM?si=zxmZzilrn20rzjio

https://youtu.be/WVYOehrrymI?si=poYt-rgbYYpb6poZ

https://youtu.be/zQ9-wPwm14M?si=8fhow6mAaz4oB-Yt

In reply to Post #1
Citykoi on here had a set im sure he would tell you what he thinks

In reply to Post #3
I'm sure he's sold them, curious to know why tbh as they seem good on paper

I was tempted to buy a set of Okuma Obsidian, but a few carp tackle shops and other carp fishers told me that Okuma reels are not of the same quality level as Shimano/Daiwa, so I decided to keep the 14,000 XTE.

After playing a few fish on the XTE, still not completely satisfied with the reels, on one of them the line guard flew out while casting, and yes the spool was turned all the way down, and now i always have to turn the spool once after casting to get it loose again, I'll have to take it to a Shimano center soon.


On paper the Okuma Obsidian 12000 looks top, but I still hesitate to buy them to replace the XTE

I can buy them at a shop in Germany near me in Belgium for 162.22 (£140.80) which seems like a fair price to me

In reply to Post #5
Nothing wrong with okuma have had 2 sets of the interceptors for years no probs the poweliners ive had a number of years, inceptions i have also no probs.

In reply to Post #5
Told you a load of ******** then,Okuma are better than the cheaper shimano range

In reply to Post #7
Also better then the Ultegra CI4+ XTC because thats the next on my list.

In reply to Post #8
I'm not sure on that but if Tony at Future Fishing rates these Okumas they must be a very good reel

I have just bought these, sold my Penn Affinity III's for them, when I receive them, I'll report back, should be out on the bank with them this weekend coming too.

Seen and heard good things, so let's hope it's a good swap!

In reply to Post #10
Little update, as I've been out on the bank with them, wasn't casting at all though, few flicks and poling out rigs.

The reels look and feel great on the rod, I have them paired with customised Aircurves, the balance on these are perfect, they're unbelievably light, but robust feeling too, my only negative which I think would be most peoples positive, is I think the clutch is a bit too quick, I'd rather a half a turn from tight to loose, these are around a quarter of a turn, but each click makes a difference!

Hope that next time I'm out, I can do some casting, and catch one or two, if anyone's interested, I'll update again afterwards.

In reply to Post #11
Maybe you could try adding a little more/different grease to increase the range?

Im looking forward to getting a set of these to fish pits near me

In reply to Post #12
Would this be a good idea with the carbon washers they use?

I purchased a set, used them for my first fishing trip to France, had 10 fish upto 46lb, these reels not only looked brilliant, they performed great, great line lay, clutch does have a fast response and I didn't have any issues playing them with the clutch doing its job,, smooth as silk for me, I'm not the most experienced as had shimano XTD before and fancied a change.

In reply to Post #14
only gripe is how quick the drag is, if it was another quarter of turn they'd be absolutely perfect and at £160 a reel an absolute steal.

i am going to look into replacing the carbon washers with regular felt ones at an attempt of slowing the drag down, it is currently a lovely and smooth drag though, so hopefully felt doesnt ruin that.

i do really rate them though, absolutely perfect size, nice deep spools with line reducers, extremely smooth, lightweight, don't feel flimsy, had zero issues with line behind the spools.

Omg, they're now €147.46 (£127,94) in that German store and it's not even Black Friday...

In reply to Post #16
I read somewhere that nearly all black Friday deal prices had been cheaper in the weeks prior to black friday

In reply to Post #17
Last year i bought my 85'' tv €560 cheaper in october vs 25 november black friday price

Think i gonne order the Okuma Obesdian reels now

In reply to Post #11
Still haven't caught anything to really test the clutch out, it is a bit quick, but the weight of these reels is unbelievable, and casting seems to be a breeze, it just seems to fly off the spool! Very glad I bought them 🙌🏼

I'm still unsure about the Okuma Obsedian 120000 now that I've seen the Daiwa '23 Emblem 35 SCW QD

I really want to get rid of my Shimano XTE 14000 quickly

In reply to Post #20
What's up with the shimano xte reels?

In reply to Post #21
Was thinking the same???

I have the 14000 XTEs and they are superb.

In reply to Post #19
I've now replaced the carbon washers with felt ones supplied by Andy at Weston, has now reduced the drag from the 2-3 clicks to about 1/2-3/4 of a turn much happier.

In reply to Post #21
XTE are my 5th pair of Shimano reels that I have had over the past 30 years and the XTE are the first that I am not satisfied with at all, the Shimano reels I had before the XTE were the XTD price quality okay I didn't expect too much from them, but the XTE is not worth the Ci4 label imo a lot of plastic and the line safety guard is also a joke.
​
With the XTE it is also the first time that I am not comfortable when I cast far , had 1 time where the line safety guard simply popped out together with the spool when hitting my rod very hard (+130 yard)...


Daiwa '23 Emblem 35 SCW QD is on it's way also

In reply to Post #24
Think I will have a look as well, that was about the same turn on my shimano, if so, sounds perfect 👍🏻

In reply to Post #22
Strange, have been using Shimano reels for the last 45 years, and think the XTE series is great, have been using them since their introduction, no problems whatever, excellent price-quality ratio,

In reply to Post #26
Yep totally agree

In reply to Post #1
Just to throw a spanner in the works and give another option to check out; these have not long been released - look alright on paper

PennVantageXT

In reply to Post #28
These look interesting, Any idea when they are available?

In reply to Post #29

No idea m8 think its just preorder at the mo

In reply to Post #19
I've now used mine for a couple of sessions and they are superb. Bought mostly for long range work abroad, I decided to put them on my pike rods in place of Entoh's. The Okumas are half the price of the Entoh's but perform twice as well.

Super smooth and for me the clutch speed is just right. Not to mention how light they are and the fact you get a spare spool with them. Also, like the method to fold the reel handle (similar to Basias). I really used to struggle loosening the screw on the Entohs on a cold day. Big thumbs up from me.

Mid term review now I've had them a while.

I really like them, I've got used to the quicker drag, I now know each click does make a difference and I can count clicks to set the clutch when putting on the rests.
They're lovely and smooth in the fight, my favourite thing about them though is how light they are! I'll be keeping hold of these long term now, I've been a switcher in the past, but I can't be dealing with all that I'm happy with these. I would recommend these to anyone thinking of Daiwa or Shimano etc they're much better than those in the bracket.

Hi All,

Any further reviews on these?

I've currently got a set of Okuma LS-8K's but thinking these would be a significant upgrade on those which have served me very well for the last 4/5 years.

Thanks!

In reply to Post #33
My mates got a set and had a go with at the weekend and superb reel, if I didn't use the original Shimano XT10000 techniums I would buy a set in a heartbeat 👍

In reply to Post #32
I second this, bought a set shortly after they came out as fancied a change from the ci4's, I prefer the obsidians, butter smooth with a great clutch, superb line lay and amazingly light.

Thanks both!

I saw the Okuma Obsidian reels whilst I was fishing the other day. I think the company is owned by Rapala who also now owns Dynamite baits. I was very impressed with them and they are super smooth and incredibly light. I am debating whether to switch from my Ci4 XTCs to these but the name puts me off. Shimano have the reputation for quality reels whereas Okuma don't - certainly not at the moment! Anybody made the switch from either Daiwa or shiimano?

In reply to Post #37
I've got an old Okuma baitrunner reel I bought when I was 14/15 years old, I'm 41 now and the reel is still working fine.

I've used INC 6000's ( still have a pair ) and more recently the LSK reels which have been faultless. I switched from Shimano and Daiwa and certainly haven't felt like I am missing out hence my interest in the these ones.

In reply to Post #37
Okuma has a very good name for reliability and quality.

In reply to Post #37
Absolutely nothing wrong with okuma been using them since the early 90s

In reply to Post #37
If the Okuma had a Shimano or a Daiwa badge on it,it would be twice the price at least.The Obsidian is a seriously good reel especially for the price

I went from ultegra ci4 xtb to the obsidian no regrets at all
Lightweight lovely smooth clutch

More than happy and a bargain at the price I paid

In reply to Post #41
I paid for my Daiwa '23 Emblem 35 SCW QD £124.

Came from Shimano 140000 XTE before that I had XTD and XTC, Shimano never again but Daiwa 23 Emblem is 100% worth its money.

Had the chance to buy the Obsidians at £107 last year but wasn't convinced when I compared them to the Daiwa's

In reply to Post #41
Also don't discount the Penn Tidal or Vantage XT

Fantastic reels IMO

In reply to Post #1
At £150 your better off buying Shimano 14k xte's no doubt.

I would be ripping someones arm off at 150 for an obsidian, love mine. where are they listed at this price?

In reply to Post #46
Several places doing sets of 3 for £450. Take a look on eBay

In reply to Post #45
Had the XTE's and prefer the Tidal XT's personally.

Smoother and no line getting stuck behind the spools which I found was an issue in the shimmi's.

I'm considering the Obsidian's or INC 8000's. Anyone experienced both? Is the premium on the Obsidians worth it?
I was considering secondhand Ultegra 5500's but reviews of the Okuma's look promising.

In reply to Post #49
Hi, been using Shimano ultra XTE for a while and much prefer the obsidians. Super Smooth and light. Also got the Okuma Rockaway 6000 which is the sea version of the INC with more bearings etc. Again really good but the obsidians are definitely better, quick drag and super smooth.
Will be retiring the XTE's as the obsidians are a far better reel as far as I'm concerned

In reply to Post #50
Thanks for your insight! Strange that the Obsidian isn't a popular reel, unless I'm living under a rock . Might change soon

In reply to Post #49
Not what you asked but close:

I have the Obsidian's (only recently) and the INC 6000's on smaller rods.

From what I have seen side by side the Obsidians seem a far superior build, but then again they are a lot more expensive.

I also have the Okuma LS 6K reels which I've had a used a lot over the last 3 or 4 years and they have been really good, the Obsidians seem a nice step up though on first impressions!

I've previously owned mainly Shimano and Daiwa reels but honestly don't feel like I'm missing out.

Hi all.
Apologies for hi-jacking this thread, have any Obsidian users found the front drag too quick on these reels, I had a look at them at a show and they look a decent reel for the money.
Is there an after market dodge, to slow them down by adding washers or such like?

Thanks.

In reply to Post #51
Great to get insight from someone who has owned Shimano before. I still have a set of Daiwa Crosscast 5000c Qd's (not bad reels - my first set of 'mature brand' carp reels. The look of the Obsidians and the fact that they are lighter makes them attractive. Want to pair them to my 10ft Fox X3 rods mainly for boat angling; and they seem great if I need to cast fair distances. Also heard that the cranking power on these are great!

In reply to Post #53
I believe there have been users who have installed felt washers to slow down the drag. Worth trying Weston or someone who can cut them for you.

In reply to Post #54
They are very light reels for the price point

In reply to Post #56
only 10g heavier than a mgs xtd which costs £600, 5g lighter than a power aero that's £350.

so really 520g for a reel that costs £130 is crazy really. I really do like mine, I did change the washers over to felt though and wish they gave two sets of spool reducers. I ended up 3d printing my own

In reply to Post #57
I really want to buy these reels but the drag being too fast is the things that's stopping me. Where did you buy the felt washers please? And are they easy to fit?

How much did it effect the drag for you, for example is it now more like one full turn from loose to locked? Or half ?

I've heard the original drag is all done in about quarter of a turn which I really don't like
Thanks for any help
Best
D

How big are these reels.
For weight they are much lighter than my old 5500 xtbs.
Are they14000 size ?

In reply to Post #59
Yea I'd say there close to a 14000, think there stayed as 12000

In reply to Post #58
Im in the same boat ready to buy these but the drag is off putting. Seems a quarter of a turn to locked up from FS isnt a lot to play with

In reply to Post #58
the original carbon washers are roughly 28.5mm, I replaced with daiwa felt washers which were 26mm, I replaced one carbon washer in each spool with felt to give roughly half a turn of adjustment. im sure if you replaced another you'd get even more adjustment

In reply to Post #59
14000 power aero xtb spool is 76mm, spool to bail arm is 115mm. obsidian spool 77.5mm, spool to bail arm 114mm, so yeah pretty much identical in size

i do wish they were the proper 12000 size, dont really need 14000 size

In reply to Post #62
Thanks, do you have a link for the washers used. Did you need to grease them. I think the Obsidian has Carbon fiber did these have grease. Any tips for changing is it just a case of screws washers and metal plates like shimano?

In reply to Post #64
I brought some to replace my much beloved xtd 5500 which were just not big enough / didn't hold enough line for French trips.
Only used them for a week in France but just to echo the below really, crazy light for thier size, super smooth clutch, great line lay.
Also found the quick drag to be a little too quick for me, all my fishing would have been done between 2-3 clicks of the drag. Changed out 2x carbon washers for felt and now much better. Still quick just gives a bit more choice for drag settings.
Yes you need to grease the felt, I used slippery eel but believe you can also use 3 in 1 oil.
I got the felt off some random on fb who sent it to me but believe many use vacuum / hoover felt off ebay which is pretty cheap, just have to cut them yourself, I brought a hole punch for the centre hole.
Really like them 👍🏽 very happy with the purchase
Very easy to change them out, just need a screwdriver.

In reply to Post #65
Thanks. Seems a little complicated. Im not familiar with changing washers. Such a shame about the drag its the only thing holding me back. Might go for the Shimano Ultegra XTE 14000

In reply to Post #66
Videos on you tube how to do it,it's a doddle

In reply to Post #67
Link for the felt washers to fit these reels?

In reply to Post #66
It's not even a 5 minute job and super easy. Remove spool, remove 3 screws, that gives you access to the drag washers. Pop them all out, make sure you keep them all in sequence, then take out 2 carbon ones and replace with greased felt ones.
I took out the top and bottom carbon washers, not sure if that was right or not, think there's a 3rd in the middle from memory but that worked for me

In reply to Post #69
I'd give Weston a call or email if you don't want to cut them yourself. They only have 2 sets of felt washers on thier page, neither state they are for the Okuma, these look similar but you'd need to check with them
https://westondevelopments.com/shop/carbon-drag-washers/original-daiwa-felt-washer-ss-tournament/

In reply to Post #68
speak to future reel servicing google their website for phone number they probably do felt washers for the okuma obsidian reels

In reply to Post #71
Cheers, spoke to them. They do not have felt washers in the right size and only stick to OEM parts.

However, something like below has been suggested cut the right size.

https://www.digikey.co.uk/en/products/detail/keystone-electronics/3117/57503

I've been to have a look at the reels. To be honest the drag is quick but its not as bad as initially thought side compared side by side to the shimano 14000 xte. The XTE you go from locked up to FS in around half a turn.

The obsidian just over a quarter. Very similar to daiwa QD

In reply to Post #1
Just to update. I went with the Okumas. Ive only had one session so far. I really like them. Line lay is great and the reel feels smooth. The drag is quick and it took me some getting used to you need tiny one click adjustments. I will give them a few more sessions and see how I go.

In reply to Post #73
They are absolutely superb reels,im loving mine

In reply to Post #74
How are you finding the drag

In reply to Post #75
I don't find it too bad if im honest,I don't thinks is quick as some have said

How do these compare size wise to shimano or penn reels. The closest place with them in stock for me to look at is 60 miles away

In reply to Post #77
They hold more line than my Tech mgs as for reel size they are smaller than the reels you mention but are very light.They are only 10grams heavier than the mgs and for the money are ridiculous how nice they feel,super smooth drag and feel really well made.Time will tell if they stay that way but for around £145 a reel im really impressed so far

In reply to Post #78
Thank you. I have been looking for reels to replace my penn 8000's which I don't use much but these sound smaller. Glad I didn't order them blind.

Hi,

https://www.bristolangling.com/clearance-zone/okuma-obsidian-big-pit-reel.html

£130

Bob

In reply to Post #76
You definitely get used to it, I thought it was too quick, but after a few uses it comes up quite useful in the end.

In reply to Post #81
I didn't mind it for playing fish, but I often fish a fairly tight clutch when rods are sat on banksticks and the difference between 2 clicks was just too much.
1 was not far from being locked up and the next click down was too loose.
Couple of felt washers and much better (for me)

Has anyone else noticed after a few uses any noises coming from the gearing.If you reel in fast or are bringing in weed they have a sort of whining noise,only one of mine is doing it so far.I have been told the other reel will do it once the grease dissipates,its something to do with the teeth on the gearing being straight(stronger this way)just want expecting it

In reply to Post #82
Why don't reel manufacturers field test them and respond to feedback like bait makers do.
Probably more profitable to bring out model 2 0, then 3.0. I'm getting too old and even more cynical than I was in my teens. I just can't eat b@lls@it any more.

In reply to Post #84
Does anyone know a company that makes self fit wooden handle knobs for the obsidian? Weston do folding handles but don't really want to spend £240 on those and FAF Customz don't do self fit.
Thanks.

In reply to Post #82
Did you re grease yours / sort that noise out? 1 of mine is doing it now, only been used for 2 weeks in France.

In reply to Post #83
I've noticed this on one of my reels now after slight use. Did you find a solution?

Noticed one of my bail arms is loose or has dropped in compared to the others.. It looks like it's dropped down. Not sure if the screw is loose. The roller seems aligned though. Maybe it was made this way. Anyone noticed if all their reels aren't identical

In reply to Post #87
They all do it eventually apparently,its the gearing inside

In reply to Post #89
Yeah looks like the grease has ‘come out' more on this one with noise

https://imgur.com/a/ADAsOYH

In reply to Post #90
So.. Can we re grease them? Or no point as it will come out again?

The first thing I noticed on my Obsedian reel is that it makes a lot more noise when spinning compared to my 23 Emblem 35 QD, time will tell if i keep it/replace my emblems with them

I can't say anything about the fast drag yet because I had two runs on my other rods with the Emblem reels

Looking at buying a set of these to upgrade my Shimano 5500 xtd. Slight concern with the reports of noise and re greasing though

Only used mine maybe 5 or 6 session. Plenty of fish on them but zero noise yet

Had mine over 12 months with zero issues so far

Two months in with mine and can't fault them at all. My 5000ts don't come out the cupboard.

Absolutely love mine, incredibly smooth, line lay is excellent, make my emblems feel like coffee grinders. I dont think for the money you'll find better, I think other brands that charge more are no better than the obsidian, I spoke with future reel servicing and they compared the build quality to a power aero but at alot less money. They see reels everyday so I trust their judgment.
Matt

They may not need it, just like some of the Penns, but I'd like to see one of the reel companies doing upgrade kits for these, like they do other reels. It'd be a much cheaper route to a very good, well priced reel.

Looking to get some new Spod reels - would these be up to the job??

Any links to washers for these reels please?

In reply to Post #99
They make a dedicated Obsidian Spod reel now, f.y.i.

In reply to Post #100
Future reel servicing for the washers look up their website for contact details

Has anyone else had theirs making a funny noise on retrieval if under any sort of load

Early days for me yet but absolutely love mine. I have only used them 3 times but I can't believe how much reel they are for the money. Originally loaded them with Korda Kaizen mono and it came off after 2 trips. Stuff is awful. Gone over to Synchro and I am very happy.

No noises so far. I did hear about this before buying but realised it was only a limited amount doing it. May well have just been an oversight on a set batch.

Buy with confidence. Brilliant reels

In reply to Post #103
Good place to start,
Line roller bearing.

On the Okuma Obsidian 12000, the line roller bearing sits inside the line roller assembly on the bail arm the small roller the line runs over during retrieve.

You'll find it here:

* Open the bail arm.
* Look at the side opposite the line clip/spool lip.
* The line passes over a small cylindrical roller.
* Inside that roller (or directly beside it depending on the exploded layout) is the bearing.

Typical assembly order is:

1. screw
2. outer shim/washer
3. line roller
4. bearing
5. inner bushing/shim

Symptoms of a failing line roller bearing:

* high-pitched whirring,
* grinding on retrieve,
* line twist,
* roller not spinning freely,
* noise gets worse under tension.

A quick test:

* Remove tension from the line.
* Spin the roller with your fingertip.
* It should rotate very freely and silently.
* If it feels gritty, sticky, or barely turns, that bearing is likely your noise source.

Be careful when opening it:

* there are tiny shims/washers,
* and they must go back in the same order.

In reply to Post #105
I got rid of them,i was told it was how the gearing is.I lost confidence in them completely after it happened

In reply to Post #106
What do you mean?

In reply to Post #107
What about the noise or getting rid (i returned them to the shop)

In reply to Post #1
love mine and use them on my small water rods - Black MGs on the others. Awesome reels for the money

I really like the reels - but what is the point of the 15000 spool reducer? There is no space for line!

In reply to Post #110
Braid

I have just received a set of 3. Can anyone tell me how much line the larger reducer allows on the spool, filled 1 up on top of the smaller reducer with 12lb 0.32mm shimano technium black but forgot to put the reducer on the 1st reel