Product Review - Okuma 9'3" XH

[Sam]

Geez you must be bored that was like a magazine article. Just Kidding.
I got the 8-6 XH and really like it. It surprised me how much better 6 more inches was compared to my 8ft Shimano. I wish I had an even longer one. The rod collapsing into the handle wasn't a big deal for me when I got the ride but I do like that benefit anyway to fit the rod in the back of my short box truck without sticking out. Paul just kidding about the long post keep them coming we all need message boards stuff to read during the winter.

[NateR]

Thanks for updating your posts on the Okuma rods. Since I need a new rod and an in the process of determining which rod would be the best, its nice to get some reviews from a trusted source.

I was thinking about going for the 8'6"XXH but since the 9'3" is rated to the same 16oz, I might as well go for the longer rod so I can figure 8 those monster fish on ML. Can't wait to get it, but might wait until the Expo this spring to pick it up.

I'll be going to the road rules seminar so maybe they will have some on hand to check out. Can't wait to go to the seminars this weekend as the winter is dragging on. Thanks again for the info Paul. Stay busy booking new trips this upcoming season!

[flathead]

what type of warranty does okuma offer? shimano has the lifetime replacement deal where you take it back to the seller and they'll give you a new one (i think).

[Paul Schlagel]

I didn't know anything about their warranty, but I did a little checking and found out. There wasn't any information on the Okuma website. I shot an e-mail to Mark Rogers from Okuma, he's active on MuskieFirst and is always answering questions there, so it wasn't hard to track him down. According to Mark, if a rod breaks you send $14.95 to Okuma Customer Service and they send you a new rod. You also have to send a small piece of the broken rod that has the model number on it. That sounded wierd at first but after thinking about it, I guess it makes sense. I suppose you have to send them something that proves that you actually have a broken rod, otherwise everyone would just send $14.95 for a rod.

I think the Shimano warranty is handled by the retailer so you can get a rod right on the spot, assuming they have the same model that you broke. At least that's how I thought it worked. The Okuma warranty isn't quite as convenient, but it's still pretty damn good. Far more important than the warranty, though, is the fact that the Okuma rod is about ten times better. I'd still strongly recommend the Okuma even if it didn't have a warranty.

I don't have any sponsorship deal with Okuma, so this is a pretty unbiased review. Further, I'm definitely not anti-Shimano. Those who have fished with me know all my reels are Calcutta TEs and Trinidads. I think it speaks highly of the Okuma rods if I'll put a $350 reel on it!

[Sam]

"..so this is a pretty unbiased review."

You mean not like the Simms ones?

Have you used any Okuma reels?

I've heard good and bad. The Garcia stuff doesn't last so itd be nice if there was anything in that price range that didn't break right away.

[Paul Schlagel]

I have an Okuma trolling reel, which is working pretty well for me. I haven't used any of their casting reels. A good friend who also guides has a couple Indurons and hasn't had any problems with them. I heard about an problem that affected a production run or recent Indurons, but those have either been sold or were contained by Okuma. I can't remember what the problem was, anti-reverse or something. Anyway, that problem should be taken care of. My has put quite a few hours on his and they're doing fine. The Induron would be best suited for an all-purpose reel and probably wouldn't be the preferred choice for extended use of hard-pulling baits. I think the Induron is being replaced by the Akena. I'd suggest trying a Red Isis.

"...You mean not like the Simms ones?"

Uh, ya. Is it so wrong to love a rain jacket?

[NateR]

I've used the Okuma warranty a couple times and they seem somewhat quick for Califorina. Usually a 2 week turnaround. Not the fastest but for $15 for a new rod, not bad. Lifetime as far as I know. They haven't asked me any questions and this time they have apparently sent me a new 8'6 XXH on request instead of getting another 7'4 H so I'm happy about that!! No extra charge either, bonus.

I haven't used their reels but from what I tested at the store the telescopic XXH should be good for big blades. Hope this helps.