Okuma unleashes four new low profile baitcasters, and yes... there are lefties

Introduction: Okuma had a great showing this ICAST with a complete assortment of new reels and rods addressing both freshwater and saltwater categories. In addition to the "buff" Makaira we covered yesterday the company has introduced four brand new low profile baitcasters for bass anglers.

Meet Okuma's newest low profile baitcaster... the Citrix

Just four months ago Okuma's Serrano baitcaster won our Best Value Award and proved that performance doesn't always have to come with a high price. While anglers that prefer cranking with their right hand quickly adopted the Serrano those anglers that prefer a lefty reel were out of luck. The single biggest complaint about the Serrano was a lack of the left hand retrieve, and though the market is bigger for right handed baitcasters the chorus from the lefty community sent the message to Okuma loud and clear. This time around the company made sure to build each one of their four new low profile baictasters in both left and right hand retrieve.

Okuma's Citrix next to the popular Serrano

Citrix: Kicking things off is the new Citrix which is the highest end of the for new reels yet is positioned below the already very affordable Cayenne. This new reel showcases Okuma's direction in baitcaster design which is smaller and lower. The Citrix has a diecast aluminum frame and graphite sideplates on both sides, just like the Shimano Curado. The spool is machines aluminum and the reel is loaded with 7BB+1RB and weighs in at 8.4oz.

The Citrix features an aggressively styled profile

Again learning from the feedback from the Serrano Okuma wanted to make the handle longer and the knobs larger for greater grip and winding leverage. Note that the Serrano will also be getting these larger knobs moving forward as well. 

All metal knobs/handles and an aluminum frame and graphite sideplates make up the Citrix

The Citrix is available in 7.3:1 and 5.4:1 gear ratios and the 7.3:1 version will be available in left hand retrieve. The drag system is a multi-disc composite system capable of delivering 11lbs. of drag pressure.

The Citrix sits very low on reel seats

The Citrix sits very low on reel seats and the compact profile makes it very easy to palm. When it comes to cast control the Citrix features an external adjustable centrifugal cast control system. This is a nice upgrade from the Serrano and makes adjustments on the fly quick and easy.

The Citrix makes use of an externally adjustable centrifugal cast control system

All Citrix reels come backed with a one year warranty and perhaps best of all is that Okuma is offering this feature packed reel for a very aggressive price of only $119.99. If your looking for a rod to pair the Citrix reel up with look no further than Okuma's own Citrix rod line. These rods not only match the reel cosmetically but are designed to balance out well with these new reels. The Citrix rods feature IM8 graphite blanks, light EVA grips, split grip design and ALPS stainless steel guide frames with zirconium line guide inserts. The new rods will retail for exactly the same as the reels for only $119.99 which means an entire combo will retail for only 240 dollars, which is around the range of many competing reels just on their own!

The Citrix reel and Citrix rod together make a great looking combo

Next Section: Moving on to the Okuma Alumina