Good value in the Okuma Ceymar HD spin reels

Earlier in the year I tested a number of the new products available in 2023 from the Tackle Tactics stable of brands (check that out in the January issue). A late arrival in amongst the products was the new Okuma Ceymar HD spin reels.

As they arrived later than the other products I decided to do a standalone test on them. This gave me a bit more time to put the two reels I was supplied (a 1000HA and a 3000HA) through their paces. Four months down the track, I am now ready to let you know what I think.

FEATURE PACKED

Other than physical performance, one of the things that stands out for me in these reels is that they are retailing from $129rrp, but have many features you would expect to pay more money for.

Available in 5 sizes, all reels have 7+1 corrosion resistant stainless steel bearings, and feature Okuma’s oversized High Density (HD) gearing. They are light in weight (reels range in weight from 196276g) and offer plenty of drag pressure for reels of their size: 5kg for the 1000 sized reel, 6kg for the 2500 and 3000 reels, and 9kg for the 4000XA and 5000XA models. More than enough to suit most people’s needs.

Tackle Tactics also offers a 10-year warranty on their range of reels covering defects in material and/or workmanship for the 10-year period. Great peace of mind to know that your reel has been built to last if you maintain it correctly.

My best option was to match the two reels on the TT Black Mamba spin rods tested in the previous testing booth. The 1-3kg (7’) rod with the 1000 sized reel, and the 3000 sized reel on the 2-4kg 7’ rod. I also used the Platypus Pulse X8 and Platypus Bionic Braid X9 6lb and 8lb lines on the reels, giving me the option to compare the Ceymar HD reels with the Okuma ITX reels from the previous testing booth.

First and foremost, although a little lighter in weight, the Ceymar HD reels matched up nicely with the TT Black Mamba rods. The lighter outfit (1000 reel and 1-3kg rod) is a great option for any budding bream lure anglers out there, as well as trout and redfin anglers in the freshwater. It casts lightweight lures and unweighted baits with ease, while the slightly heavier outfit is also capable of fishing the same options. It will also deal with heavier lure weights and handle larger species in a shorter amount of time (flathead, snapper, bass and golden perch).

As far as comparing them to the very popular Okuma ITX spin reels, the first thing I need to mention is that the ITX reels are about $70 more expense, so you would expect there to be differences. Having said that, there was a number of things that impressed me in how similar they were. The drag on the Ceymar HD reels are smooth and offer a good range of adjustment. There is no recognisable difference in castability and minimal difference in line capacity of the reels. In my opinion, three things that most anglers will look for, before anything else.

The differences I noticed between the reels was that the Ceymar HD had different handle options between the two reel sizes and that the Ceymar handles were one piece (not folding) like the ITX reels. There is also a difference in retrieve ratios. The ITX reels I tested had a 5.0:1 ratio while the Ceymar HD reels are 6.0:1. Both of these features are generally personal preference for many anglers and don’t have a huge effect on what you spend your money on. If I was going to be super picky, I felt that the ITX reels did lay the line on the spool better. It was more noticeable on the 1000 size reel than the larger reel.

Overall, I was very impressed with the Okuma Ceymar HD reels, if I didn’t know the price point, I would have picked it for a much more expensive reel. From a general fishing perspective, they compare very well with the Okuma ITX carbon reels and, like them, they will become a favourite option amongst anglers out there, particularly at this price point

For more information on the Okuma Ceymar HD reels and the other options available you can go to www.tackletactics. com.au and click on the Okuma link or just go and check them out at your local tackle store, they are well worth a look.