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The best Okuma spinning reel yet, the technologically
advanced VSystem (continued)
 Real World Test:
To test the VS-20 we
decided to target both largemouth bass and striped bass. The VS-20 is actually
small enough to be used as a trout and panfish reel, but we also believe that
the reel’s robust gearing and drag design allow it to match up nicely to much
larger fish. To complete the combination we spooled up with 8lb and 6lb Trireme
XL and paired the VS with a Glooms Drop Shot rod.
The VS20 features a coated bail
and titanium nitride coasted spool lip
Casting:
When it comes to
casting the VS reel performed well. Key to proper casting is spool diameter and
an even line lay. Even when we spooled up the reel we noticed that line was
distributed evenly throughout the spool, no funneling here. The reel features an
oversized roller mounted on a ball bearing to help reduce line twists.
The reel was powerful enough to pull bass out
from wooded structure
In
addition there was no discernable rotor wobble to cause irregular line
distribution. The Voss's spool is deliberately equalized with second generation
REES II technology. What this essentially means is that a computer balanced
weight is placed within the rotor for precision balancing. Not only does this
benefit casting, but also helps give the reel a smoother feel during fast
cranking. To help line spool off with less resistance is a titanium nitride lip
found on both spools.
The tiny anti-reverse switch is
positioned directly behind the rotor
Retrieving:
During our tests we drop shotted for bass, threw cranks, darter heads, and even
retrieved jerk baits in pursuit of stripers. The best way I can describe the
Voss's
retrieve is “even & powerful.” The VS makes use of both E2BB (Extreme Elements
Bearings) and HOB (High Performance Bearings). E2BB’s are high grade stainless
steel bearings and make use of ceramic balls which generate less friction and
are more corrosion resistant. HOB bearings are the same as E2BB’s in design, but
make use of high-grade stainless balls, both are designed to last over 10 times
the normal period of traditional stainless bearings.
A look at the underside of the micro-click
drag adjustment knob
While the bearings play into
the smoothness equation the VS feels different than traditional reels due to
their exclusive oscillation system. The reel feels smooth, but not fluid-like
smooth similar to a Shimano. Instead the VS feels very connected to the gearing,
a bit more like a Van Steal or an Accurate. EOS (Elliptical Oscillation System)
is an Okuma patented design, and is used throughout their mid-range to premium
reel lineup.
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The drag is
sealed behind the "Hydro Block" rubber gasket
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The EOS design makes use of
elliptical shaped gears which are engaged 100% of the time to deliver a smooth
powerful spool stroke. Have you ever had a reel that felt somewhat disconnected,
or even seemed to twitch while the spool peaked? This is not a factor with the
elliptical design, and other benefits include a more even line lay and increased
lifespan of the gearing.
The spool is ported for weight reduction and
superior balancing
Drag: With a
striper on the line during our test I could feel the difference in drag
performance. Because I was fishing with just 8lb line it was important that the
drag perform flawlessly. I normally would not fish jerk baits with such light
line, or a spinning reel of this size, but the Okuma VS oozed confidence as I
played fish after fish in with a drag that was surprisingly smooth under
pressure.
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An identical
spare spool is included in the package
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The drag pressure in the high
end proved to be very extremely good, and I was able to make minute adjustments
on the fly with the micro-click knob. Okuma has hit a home run with their new
DID (Dual Force Drag) system, which incorporates two drag surfaces. These drag
surfaces sandwich the spool and when adjusted even pressure is applied to both
surfaces. There is a hydro block system that reduces moisture and foreign
contaminates from entering the multi-disk drag system under the knob. In terms
of raw stopping power the Okuma VS outclassed just about every correspondingly
sized reel in the lab, outputting 8.9lbs of drag pressure, that’s 1.9lbs more
than similarly sized 1000 series reels.
the underside of the spool is flat
to match up with the dual force drag
Next Section:
Ergonomics,
Applications, and
Ratings
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