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The best Okuma spinning reel yet, the technologically
advanced VSystem
| Date: |
7/17/06 |
| Tackle type: |
Reels |
| Manufacturer: |
Okuma |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 9.05 +
BEST VALUE AWARD!
Introduction:
Okuma’s spinning reels
continue to grow in popularity due to a strong portfolio of quality products at
very attractive prices. The Okuma VS (V-System) reels are the new marquee spinning
reel for the company, and makes use of a plethora of new-fangled technologies,
including Okuma’s own patented EOS elliptical oscillation drive gearing and an
exciting dual force drag system.
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Okuma VS-20
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
4/190, 6/110, 8/90 |
| Gear
Ratio |
5.0:1 |
| Line
retrieve per crank |
22
inches |
|
Weight |
8.8
oz |
|
Bearings |
12BB, 1RB |
|
Additional Features |
All aluminum construction,
dual force drag, elliptical oscillation system, corrosion resistant
bearings, spare matching aluminum spool, hydro block water tight drag seal
|
|
Origin |
Made
in China |
| MSRP |
$149.99 |
The sharp looking Okuma VSystem 20
Impressions:
Okuma has transitioned
from a primarily OEM manufacturer to a bona-fide branded solution. It has been
over three years since we last reviewed an Okuma product, and in that time Okuma
reels have gone from just having mainstream products to producing a full range
of solutions from value to full fledged premium offerings. The VS (V-System)
reel represents the new flagship spinning reel for Okuma, a position once held
by the Metaloid just a few seasons back.
The VS reel looks quite different from
Okuma's in the past, and features a more compact body
The VS
reel comes with an assortment of features that not only set it apart from the
rest of the Okuma lineup, but from just about any other spinning reel out there.
The company has put a lot of resources into designing not only new reels, but
new technologies that improve both the durability and performance of all their
spinning reels.
Okuma bundles a nice carry pouch
which is great for storage
I was eager to see just
how much of an improvement the VS reel represented over the Okuma’s that I have
field tested before. For our tests we decided to look at the VS-20, which is the
second smallest reel in the VS series. In all there are actually eight sizes
available to anglers, ranging from the tiny V-15 to the saltwater oriented V-80.
The V-15 through V-20 sizes all make use if 12BB + 1RB while the V-30 size and
up all have three additional bearings. The V-15 through V-40 all feature a
faster 5.0:1 retrieve ratio while the larger reels make use of either a 4.5:1 or
4.8:1 ratio for extra power
That's right, 13 Bearings in this bad boy
Our initial inspections of
the VS-20 yielded some pleasant surprises. For starters this is one of the only
packages that actually include two equally high quality spools in the box. Most
reels at the 150 dollar price point come loaded with one scaled back spare
spool.
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Zander tests
the casting ability of the reel
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The next thing we observed
was just how solid this reel felt. The VS-20 weighs in at 8.8oz, that’s a bit
heavier than some of the competition. (example: .9oz heavier than a Shimano
Stradic ST1000FH which has the exact same line capacity) So why the slight extra
weight increase?
We tied on small jerk baits on our 8lb line
and proceeded to test the drag against stripers
The answer rests in the
Voss's
liberal use of alloys. Unlike some of the lighter competition the VS reel makes
use of metal throughout. There is no graphite on this reel, in fact the frame,
sideplate, and spool are all made out of aluminum.
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The Voss's
retrieve feels "even and powerful"
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When we go back and compare
the reel versus the Stradic you also need to take into account that the VS also
makes use of many more bearings and a dual drag system…all of which all add
minute amounts of weight to the overall package. But that’s not all…also unlike
most reels out there that even cost twice as much the drag knob on the VS is
also aluminum as is the eye-catching forged 1-touch handle.
A bearing supported line roller
helps lay down line evenly
Next Section: Get on
to the tests already!
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