In reply to Post #41
When I got spare spools for my okuma 8k reels the only place I could get them was Slovakia.
When I got spare spools for my okuma 8k reels the only place I could get them was Slovakia.
Okuma Obsidian. That is all 
Daiwa 23 emblem 35 for coming from the Xte 14.000, Xtd 5500, tried 1 Okuma obsedian a few times on my 3the rod and sold it for anohter 23 Emblem 35.
Had a fair few ‘top end’ (ie expensive) reels in my time. I also on a whim bought a Penn Affinity 2 Carbon Custom.
In use it was as smooth as an original Shimmy Technium 1000XT albeit without the super slow oscillation, beautiful line lay and actually higher line retrieve. They have carbon drag washers ( I replaced one with ICE washers but made no noticeable difference) so the clutch is quick drag and still smooth.
In use it was as robust as any Daiwa but much more ‘tighter’ (no slop in anti reverse or spool wobble) just felt very well engineered.
I liked it so much I bought another two. My other set of reels are Basia 45 QDX’s costing much, much more and I’d be hard pushed over preference.
The Penn is not as light as the Basia - about 3oz heavier, which if you think about it is similar to draping your lead over the reel handle when you reel in and leave the rods - not a big deal. The only other slight negative is the handles stick out quite a bit, not a problem unless you like your rods very close together.
I mention the Carbon Custom rather than the standard version and that’s purely for aethstetics. I don’t like big black reels covered in white writing everywhere. I think they look cheap and garish. The Carbon Customs are more discreet with carbon accents and any writing is in toned down dark grey which is more pleasing on the eye.
Shop around and you can get them for around £150 per reel. Of course if you can get the standard version for a third less at around £100 each.
In use it was as smooth as an original Shimmy Technium 1000XT albeit without the super slow oscillation, beautiful line lay and actually higher line retrieve. They have carbon drag washers ( I replaced one with ICE washers but made no noticeable difference) so the clutch is quick drag and still smooth.
In use it was as robust as any Daiwa but much more ‘tighter’ (no slop in anti reverse or spool wobble) just felt very well engineered.
I liked it so much I bought another two. My other set of reels are Basia 45 QDX’s costing much, much more and I’d be hard pushed over preference.
The Penn is not as light as the Basia - about 3oz heavier, which if you think about it is similar to draping your lead over the reel handle when you reel in and leave the rods - not a big deal. The only other slight negative is the handles stick out quite a bit, not a problem unless you like your rods very close together.
I mention the Carbon Custom rather than the standard version and that’s purely for aethstetics. I don’t like big black reels covered in white writing everywhere. I think they look cheap and garish. The Carbon Customs are more discreet with carbon accents and any writing is in toned down dark grey which is more pleasing on the eye.
Shop around and you can get them for around £150 per reel. Of course if you can get the standard version for a third less at around £100 each.