Abu Garcia 2012 Revo S, SX, STX

Besides upgrading the Max series, Abu Garcia upgrade their Revo Series of reel as well in 2012. Seriously, Revo indeed is the most successful series of reel from Abu Garcia and it won the heart of many anglers with its superbly smooth and good performance which has given a clear warning to its competitors how a good low profile reel should be. There are total 9 reels in Revo Series and the most popular series in Asia are the S, SX, and STX. However, there is a price to pay for this Korea made, Swedish Engineering reel as it is superbly smooth and good performance which defines why Revos are couple of times more expensive than the Max Series. With better bearings and design, the Revo can handle tougher fight with ease and making fishing a better experience. Comparing the price with the 2009 Revo, the latest series is much expensive which makes the 2009 model more affordable and attractive for anglers and can save some money for the fishing lines to go along with the newly bought Revo.

Abu Garcia 2012 Max Low Profile Bait-Casting Reel

Entry level bait-caster for amateur anglers is always a good approach for the tackle manufacturer. In 2007/2008, Abu introduce the Max series (Black [6.4:1,4+1 bearing system] , Silver [6.4:1,5+1 bearing system] and Pro [7.1:1,7+1 bearing system]) entry level low-profile reel which is a low-budgeted, Swedish engineering with acceptable performance reel that fits many angler's tight budget. Although Abu Max low-profile reels are made in China, it is smooth, nice to handle and it does it's job fairly well being a entry level reel. In 2012, Abu came out with its latest design second series low-profile Max reel which has a new exterior looks and nice designed handle that will likely to attract more amateur anglers to take a 2nd look on it. Surprisingly, having the same  gear system  and bearings compare to the first series, the price for the new series of Abu Max reel will be slightly more expensive than the first which is not a good news for amateur bait-casting anglers. 

Okuma Trio

As always, Okuma Spinning reel is not as popular compare to Daiwa, Shimano or Ryobi. In order to gain its popularity, Okuma have to work really hard on it series of fishing equipment. In year 2008, i came across the Okuma Salina and looking by the design and performance specification, it might be a nice Okuma reel to own. However, browsing through the website, i came across many negative feedback on the quality for this Salina which stopped me on purchasing one for my fishing.

In 2009, something was done to improve the Okuma new Spinning reel and the outcome is the beautiful distinctive styling Okuma trio that have caught my attention.Okuma Trio comes in 2 type of speed. The High speed "S" model which is in Orange chrome matching with black exterior and the Low speed model in 2 different tone of Black. Three sizes ranging from 30,40,55 are available on both model but only the low speed model have an additional smaller size of 20. The review from the internet seems much more better than those previous batch Okuma's Spinning reel and to make my final purchasing decision, i need to dig for more information. Finally, i found my answer from a Taiwanese Fishing documentary in year 2010 whom they conducted an interview with the Okuma China plant and tested the TRIO spinning reel reliability and performance. The Trio did score very well with pretty good results in the drag performance. The special points which i would love to mentioned on this reel is the stem of the reel which I first saw this new spinner at the ICAST show in July 2009, and this could be a winner for the Okuma. (They really have turned things around from a few years ago in terms of fresh ideas AND quality design and production). The new Trio series offer high drag capability, strong construction, made for Spectra, unique aluminum/graphite hybrid-crossover construction and priced right. The reel utilizes graphite as well as aluminum to create a new generation of reels - similar to what we're seeing on some race oriented cars these days. This allows for high strength as well as lighter weight by design. All factors combine nicely to create a very interesting series of reels.

Crossover Construction
Creativity with Innovation...the new Trio spinning reels from Okuma feature an unique crossover construction. They took the best from aluminum construction and lightweight graphite materials and created a distinctive new concept in reel design. The solid one piece stamped aluminum reel stem and rotor arm are paired with lightweight graphite sideplates and rotor housing, which provide strength where needed when dealing with the toughest situation with a big one, and weight savings where possible. the Trio spool construction utilizes a multi-piece construction, housing the drag system in an aluminum drag chamber for added stability and smoothness, while utilizing a lightweight graphite housing for weight reduction and distinctive styling.

Shimano Torium

Shimano has been a well-known Fishing equipment manufacturer that produce good quality products since 1970s. In 2003, Shimano's development team decided to come out a reel that is similar to their Trinidad series that mainly target anglers that don't wanna spend too much on fishing gears and it was a successful approach. The answer to affordable and reliable is the 2003 Shimano Torium,  a new High Speed multiplier reel that is highly affordable and yet perform pretty well that can put some much more expensive competitor's reel to shame.  Although this reel is manufactured and assembled in Malaysia, the quality is not as bad as you can imagine. It cast well, have good drag power, excellent fast line retrieve and have acceptable cranking power. Seriously this Shimano Torium is designed for years of comfort and ease of use. However, the only complaint i had for this reel is the poor galvanized coating on the spool that will get corrode easily and also the Silver paintwork on the exterior of the reel is not really that saltwater proof. If you are the "Hardworking" type of anglers who does a good reel clean-up after every fishing trip, this Torium will definitely be your best fishing partner. Shimano Torium comes in size 14, 16, 20, 30 and 50. 

Okuma Cortez

In year March 2011, Okuma introduces another new member to its offshore multiplier range, the Okuma Cortez CZ-10CS and CZ-12CS. With the help from Tiburon Engineering team since 2006, Okuma finally master the correct recipe to make a smooth saltwater reel with good powerful drag. The new Cortez is an innovative reel, made with good materials, offering very good performance at a value conscious price. The very first time when i got this reel, i was amazed by its performance, handling and design. The reel features a Multi-disc Carbonite drag system which is common on Tiburon reels, for very good stopping power. With 6.2:1 ratio, cranking fast is not a problem and there is good cranking power despite of its high ratio gear. Another welcome features on this Cortez is having a Magnetic Cast Control system that will make sure the spinning of the spool is being well-controlled. Judging from the outlook and specification of this Okuma Cortez,  it will definitely give some well-known Japanese brand a good beating and the good news for we fishing folks is that this reel seats comfortably in the price range of a Daiwa Saltist and Shimano Torium. The days of Poor drag and Poor mechanism of Okuma reels is a History that we should forgive and forget. The new Era of Okuma and with the engineering from Tiburon, a respectable USA Fishing brand for offshore gear, Okuma is set to make a strong comeback with its exciting new range of products catered for all types of fishing and demands.

Cortez Features-


Corrosion resistant graphite frame and sideplates
Machined aluminum, red anodized spool
Multi-disc Carbonite drag system
Forged aluminum, red anodized star
Anodized aluminum swept handle reduces wobble while cranking
4BB+1RB stainless steel bearings
External magnetic cast control system
Ergo grip handle knob
Dual anti-reverse system (mechanical & roller bearing)
XL Gearing: Drop down gear box with 6.2:1 gear ratio
Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
MSS: Mechanical Stabilizing System for increased durability
Recessed thumb bar for comfort
Self lubricating gear system