Okuma's new
"Crossover Constructed" Trio Spinning Reel
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Date: |
7/23/09 |
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Location: |
Orlando,
Florida |
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Admission: |
Buyers &
Press only |
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Manufacturer: |
Okuma |
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Reviewer: |
Team
TackleTour |
Introduction: Earlier we looked at Okuma's new low profile baitcasters
which look like the best baitcasters the company has ever built when it comes to
ergonomics and features. The company must be hard at work because they have a
number of other exciting new reels including the "Crossover Constructed" Trio
spinning reel.
Meet the Okuma Trio a new spinning
reel with a "Crossover aluminum graphite body and rotor design"
The Okuma Trio is a bold new reel which makes use
of a combination of materials including aluminum and lightweight graphite to
create a unique reel design. A solid one piece stamped aluminum reel stem and
rotor arm are paired with lightweight graphite sideplates and rotor housing.
The Trio features a one piece
stamped aluminum reel stem
The design incorporates these materials in a very
obvious way. Unlike other reels where it is difficult to see where the aluminum
and graphite come together the Trio celebrates the merging of these materials
with clearly defined layers in construction. The goal with the design was to
provide strength where needed and weight savings where possible.
Another look at the unique dual
material construction
The Trio spool construction also makes use of 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 a unique look and feel which resembles a carbon
fiber shift knob that would fit right in on a "Fast and Furious" ride.
Unscrew the top and access the
aluminum drag chamber and aluminum spool lip
The Trio comes loaded with 9 ball bearings and 1
roller bearing and the gearing is precision machine cut brass. To improve
durability the entire reel is protected with a corrosion resistant coating
process, and the graphite spool holds up to the elements as well. Though the
spool is made out of graphite the spool's lip is made out of aluminum to aid
with casting. To ensure solid leverage the Trio features a forged aluminum
handle. There are five reels in the Trio series ranging in size from a compact
20 model to a saltwater sized 55 model. The 20 weighs in at 8.8oz. and the large
55 size weighs 15.3oz. The 20-40 sizes all feature a 5.0:1 gear ratio while the
Trio-55 comes armed with a slower but more powerful 4.5:1 gear ratio.
The other half of the hybrid
spool, the outer rim is reinforced with aluminum
Conclusion: So what will the Trio cost
anglers? Following Okuma's tradition of delivering exceptional value the Trio
retails for only $74.99 to $99.99 depending on size. The distinctive looking
Trio features some unique elements that manage to make graphite appealing.
Graphite is often shunned by many anglers for lack of torque strength, but the
Trio makes use of what Okuma calls "Crossover Construction" to build a reel that
makes use of the benefits of graphite while trying to eliminate all the
weaknesses. One thing for sure IS THAT the Trio is distinctive looking, and it
drew plenty of attention at ICAST from both buyers and media looking for
something different in a sea of "same-ness."
