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Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) => Tackle & Techniques => Topic started by: Doug Terry on November 26, 2011, 12:03:53 AM

Title: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Doug Terry on November 26, 2011, 12:03:53 AM
Anybody any info on this reel please. Can't belive it would stand up to gt.  :o
 
 
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Brandon Khoo on November 26, 2011, 08:56:16 AM
One of the most annoying aspects of Mark Berg DVDs is his ongoing statement of Okumas being "super-tough". I note when he did his DVD out on Nomad that he used the V systems but there was no mention whatsoever of "super-tough". Maybe they weren't "super-tough" enough?

All of that said, I have little doubt that at the rate they are going, it is only a matter of time before they develop a suitable reel. Many years ago, we uses to laugh at a abysmal quality of gear from a new entrant into the market. That company was Shimano
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Ben Rivers on November 26, 2011, 09:34:30 AM
Notably, he just changed his sponsor to Daiwa!
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Luke Wyrsta on November 26, 2011, 12:06:19 PM
Doug, why are you even considering such a reel????
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Damian Fantozzi on November 26, 2011, 06:45:37 PM
Okuma VSystems's only attribute of any note its that it is the most prolific and accomplished producer of wind knots which I have ever seen in my life.

regards

damian
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Doug Terry on November 26, 2011, 07:57:03 PM
I watched the video and read the spec and some positive comments here http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumavs20.html (http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumavs20.html)
and  from anglers from stripers on line, + the 5 year guarantee I just thought that at 349Au$ compaired to the Shimano Saragosa 14000 which I've been told is the cheapest reel suitable for GT's.
How you guys who fish for GT's on a regular basis rated it as it would appear to be the new boy on the block.
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Brandon Khoo on November 26, 2011, 11:26:05 PM
I don't think you can place too much credence on the review, Doug considering that it is for the smallest model in the range. I note also that the reel is being run-out now by some stores so it appears it has been withdrawn by Okuma.
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Mark Harris on November 27, 2011, 01:33:19 PM
I watched the video and read the spec and some positive comments here http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumavs20.html (http://www.tackletour.com/reviewokumavs20.html)
and  from anglers from stripers on line, + the 5 year guarantee I just thought that at 349Au$ compaired to the Shimano Saragosa 14000 which I've been told is the cheapest reel suitable for GT's.
How you guys who fish for GT's on a regular basis rated it as it would appear to be the new boy on the block.

I am very confused. A Shimano Saragosa 18000 can't cost you more than US$ 300. That's less than A$ 349!
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Ben Rivers on November 27, 2011, 03:03:54 PM
The Shimano Saragosa 18000F or Daiwa Saltist H - 6500 would be much better options than a V-System.

Both reels are low $300 and 20Kg + Drag.
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Doug Terry on November 27, 2011, 08:14:32 PM
In Australia a Shimano Saragosa 14000f which is of a similar size to the Okuma is 339 a$
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Ben Furness on November 27, 2011, 08:47:49 PM
Forget the Saragosa, buy my Catalina in the for sale section!
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Mark Harris on November 27, 2011, 09:39:43 PM
In Australia a Shimano Saragosa 14000f which is of a similar size to the Okuma is 339 a$

Don't buy a Saragosa 14000. The 18000 is the same price and you will welcome the extra spool capacity.  Shop around the net and you will find these under US$ 300.
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Doug Terry on December 01, 2011, 12:15:39 AM
Hi Lads Life's a bitch.
Just when you think you've solved the problem, of which reel to get for GT's when you can't afford a Stella and decided to go with the Saragossa, Having listen to the advise given here.
Someone on a different site throws a spanner in the works and suggests a Fin Nor off shore 8500.
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Roy Gould on December 01, 2011, 01:13:31 AM
Hey Doug, I suggest you go and see a Fin - nor 8500 in the flesh, and try picking it up, it might be built like a tank, but it is as heavy as a tank ;D
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Luke Wyrsta on December 01, 2011, 08:50:24 AM
Saragosa's have caught big GT and Tuna and continue to do so to this day.

Don't make it complicated - it's a no brainer.
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Chris Webster on December 01, 2011, 10:11:00 AM
Mate i agree that if you cannot afford a Saltiga or Stella, then go for a Saragosa or Catalina at a stretch.

Or you could save up for a bit longer and look in the classifieds section of this website. There are some really good deals to be had.

Regards,

Chris
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Graham Scott on December 01, 2011, 02:20:04 PM
Everybody laughs at my Daiwa sealine bull 6000-hi that I use for GT's. They started laughing 3 years ago and they are still deriding this reel after 30 odd GT's to 35 kg. I've upgraded the drag but otherwise its just had 3 years of my usual lack of care and poor treatment. No need as its a crap reel (apparently)

I think used sensibly and accepting the odd loss when you really do need 15kg drag, a lot of reasonable spinning reels this size will work for a while...and you can then figure out whether you are a GT addict or it was just a passing affliction, without draining your piggy bank and threatening your children's inheritance.
I can cast as far, I can make lures work just as well, I can play fish Ok, I just can't show what a gorilla I am by ripping the hooks out of fish using max drag.

Saragossa, catalina, saltist should all work OK. I have never liked Okuma but I can't comment on this particular reel.

Last time I was fishing with Travis, his lure was worth more than my reel.

What's that snickering I hear in the background???
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Mark Harris on December 01, 2011, 03:01:08 PM
What rod do you pair it with Graham?  An Ugly Stick?  ;) ;D 8)
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Graham Scott on December 01, 2011, 03:13:09 PM
Who told you Mark??
Yes first 10 or so WERE on an ugly stick about 6'
Now upgraded to GT specials. Actually have 2 daiwas and 2 GT specials and 1 shortened Gt special due to a bit of a problem at the top runner. other daiwa did 12 months hard yards on charters then resurrected for GT's and has probably caught 10 GTs since.
Typical ugly stick victim attached
Title: Re: Okuma Vsystem V55sa Spinning Reel
Post by: Mark Harris on December 01, 2011, 05:30:41 PM
:)  Very admirable mate. GT Special is a bit different but landing big GTs with an Ugly Stick is top work!