In this review of the Okuma Avenger fishing reel, we’ll be examining the two variations that exist in this series. I haven’t yet conducted an individual review of both models, but that’s because the primary difference between the two, the Okuma Avenger and Okuma Avenger ABF, is centered on their bait feeding systems. With the exception of this feature, the two reels are almost indistinguishable.
When it comes to the Okuma Avenger series, the manufacturer’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail is apparent in every aspect of these reels. The sturdy construction, precise engineering, and smooth operation of these reels make them a popular choice among fishing enthusiasts of all skill levels.
The bait feeding system of the Okuma Avenger ABF model is designed to give anglers greater control and accuracy when casting, making it ideal for a variety of fishing styles. This system allows you to feed your bait out effortlessly, while still maintaining control over the line tension. With the Okuma Avenger model, you won’t have access to this unique feature, but you’ll still get to enjoy the other benefits that this series has to offer.
Key Features of the Okuma Avenger Spinning Reel
Body and Rotor Construction: The Okuma Avenger spinning reel features a lightweight and durable graphite body and rotor construction. This material makes the reel resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in saltwater environments.
Drag System: The Okuma Avenger spinning reel features a multi-disc oiled felt drag system, providing smooth and consistent drag performance, even under heavy loads. The drag system is adjustable, allowing you to set the perfect amount of resistance for your fishing needs.
Line Capacity: The Okuma Avenger spinning reel has a generous line capacity, making it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The line capacity varies depending on the size of the reel you choose.
Bearings: The Okuma Avenger spinning reel features a 6+1 stainless steel bearing system, providing smooth and efficient operation. The bearings are shielded to prevent debris and dirt from entering and interfering with the reel’s performance.
Oil-Soaked Washers: Okuma has integrated oil-soaked felt washers into the drag system, providing an exceptionally seamless feel as the fishing line is being reeled in. Unlike other reels that have an inferior washer system, causing a jarring sensation when a fish takes the bait and pulls on the line, the Okuma reel operates smoothly without any jerking motions.
Sealed Gearbox : The gear system on this reel is enclosed, preventing water, sand, and dirt from entering. Nevertheless, to extend the longevity of the reel, it is essential to clean it regularly by rinsing it with freshwater and taking care of it as you would with any other reel.
Gear Ratio: The gear ratio of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel varies depending on the model you choose. The gear ratio ranges from 5.0:1 to 6.0:1, allowing you to choose the perfect reel for your fishing needs.
Anti-Reverse System: The Okuma Avenger spinning reel features an anti-reverse system that eliminates back play, giving you better hook sets and a more secure feel when fighting fish.
Handle: The handle of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel is made of aluminum and features an ergonomic design that provides a comfortable grip, even during extended fishing sessions.
Weight: The weight of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel varies depending on the size of the reel you choose. However, all sizes are relatively lightweight, making them comfortable to use for extended periods.
On/Off Bait Feeding System (ABF Model Only): The Okuma Avenger ABF model features a straightforward on/off switch, enabling you to effortlessly switch to bait feeding mode by flipping the switch (refer to Bait Feeding Model section below).
Explaining the Bait Feeding System
Baitfeeding spinning reels lend tremendous function to anglers. And this is not just in saltwater fisheries where baitfeeding spinning reels allow live baits to swim uninhibited. Use of baitfeeders is expanding dramatically in freshwater applications also, in fisheries like trout and catfish, where it’s to the angler’s advantage to ensure fish have a solid hold of baits before setting the hook. The venerable Okuma Avenger ABF spinning reels have undergone numerous upgrades to form and function in this refined and advanced selection.
Okuma’s baitfeeding system allows anglers to disengage their spinning reel spool and allow their bait to run freely. The baitfeeding system incorporates a secondary micro-adjustable drag system at the rear of the reel that allows for precise adjustment of the spool for bait control.
In order to disengage this system simply turn the handle. The On/Off lever on the rear of the reel will automatically disengage the baitfeeding system so you can fight your fish with the main drag system
This feature is much more efficient than leaving the spool open, which can result in a lot of slack line and missed hook sets.
With the Avenger baitrunner reel, the angler can have better control over the fishing experience, which increases the chances of catching running fish that are difficult to hook with traditional reels. This makes it an excellent tool for those who want to improve their live bait fishing techniques.
In conclusion, the Avenger baitrunner reel is a valuable addition to any angler’s arsenal, and its micro rear drag feature makes it an essential tool for live bait fishing.
Okuma Avenger
Okuma Avenger
Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
Corrosion resistant graphite body and rotor
CFR: Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology
| Model | Mono Cap (yds/lbs) | Line Retrieve | Max Drag lbs | Gear Ratio | Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AV-10b | 210/2 110/4 70/6 | 21 | 5 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 6 |
| AV-25b | 180/6 140/8 100/10 | 25 | 8 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 8 |
| AV-30b | 200/6 160/8 110/10 | 25 | 13 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 8.2 |
| AV-35b | 325/6 260/8 180/10 | 29 | 13 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 9.5 |
| AV-40b | 270/8 190/10 170/12 | 29 | 13 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 10 |
| AV-55b | 380/10 340/12 240/15 | 30 | 18 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 14.2 |
| AV-65b | 420/15 350/20 260/25 | 36 | 22 | 4.8:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 20.6 |
| AV-80b | 420/15 350/20 260/25 | 40 | 22 | 4.8:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 21.4 |
Avenger Model ABF
Okuma Avenger ABF
ON/OFF AUTO TRIP
STRENGTH WHERE YOU NEED IT
CORROSION RESISTANT
ULTIMATE IN SMOOTHNESS
| Model | Mono Cap (yds/lbs) | Line Retrieve | Max Drag lbs | Gear Ratio | Bearings | Weight (oz) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABF-20b | 190/4 110/6 90/8 | 25 | 8 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 8.9 |
| ABF-30b | 200/6 160/8 110/10 | 25 | 12 | 5.0:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 9.6 |
| ABF-40b | 270/8 190/10 170/12 | 29 | 13 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 11.3 |
| ABF-55b | 380/10 340/12 240/15 | 30 | 19 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 15.6 |
| ABF-65b | 430/12 310/15 260/20 | 36 | 33 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 22.1 |
| ABF-80b | 420/15 350/20 260/25 | 40 | 33 | 4.5:1 | 6BB + 1RB | 22.9 |
Performance and Durability of the Okuma Avenger
The Okuma Avenger and Okuma Avenger ABF spinning reel is designed to offer excellent performance and durability, making it a top choice for anglers. The multi-disc oiled felt drag system ensures that you have smooth and consistent drag performance, even when you’re dealing with heavier loads. The anti-reverse system also provides excellent hook sets and secure feel, making it easier for you to fight fish.
The lightweight and durable graphite body and rotor construction of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel ensure that the reel is resistant to corrosion, making it suitable for use in saltwater environments. The bearings are shielded to prevent debris and dirt from entering and interfering with the reel’s performance, making it easier for you to maintain the reel and prolong its lifespan.
The handle of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel is designed for comfort, allowing you to fish for extended periods without experiencing fatigue or discomfort. The aluminum construction of the handle also ensures that it is lightweight and easy to use, providing you with a smooth and efficient operation.
Overall, the Okuma Avenger spinning reel offers excellent performance and durability, making it an excellent choice for anglers who are looking for a reliable and affordable spinning reel that can perform well in a variety of fishing environments.
Performance on the Water
One of the most notable features of the Okuma Avenger is its high-quality design. When you have your bait in the water, you can easily switch the reel into rear drag setting using the trip bait lever. The drag settings of the rear drag can be easily adjusted with the adjustment knob, and when the rear drag is engaged, you get a nice audible clicking as line is pulled from the spool.
The front drag can be engaged quickly by either flipping the trip bait lever or by turning the handle as you would close the bail on typical spinning reels. The quick switch, along with a fantastic anti-reverse system on the Avenger, allows instant hook setting power.
Casting
The casting performance with this reel is much better than most anglers will initially expect. Depending on the model size, you can throw extremely light to 1-2oz lures accurately. You can get some decent long-range casting, but your accuracy falls, and you increase the chances of wind knots and tangles in the spool.
Retrieval/Handling Fish
The gear ratios on these reels are pretty low, but the line retrieval speeds are not too bad because of the wide spools that are used. You can spool a very decent amount of line of high test with no problem.
Retrieval is smooth, and we like the six stainless steel ball bearings and gears for the most part, though you do begin to feel some resistance and start to see the performance go down when more pressure is applied to the reel.
You can still land fish efficiently, but if you have ever used a high-quality reel, you will feel the difference in this reel’s ability to put our power. The graphite body doesn’t seem to be able to funnel a lot of the power into the gear system or provide a body that keeps the gears aligned properly.
Drag
The max drag on these reels is more than enough to put the brakes on just about any fish within the reels capacity to handle. The front drag uses the six felt washers, and they do really well in applying constant pressure through much of the front drag range. You will find that the drag becomes jerky in the high end of the spectrum.
The start-up inertia on the front drag is also more than most anglers would like, especially in the upper ranges of the front drag pressure. Because of this, it is critical that you have the front drag set lower when utilizing the rear drag. If you have it set high while using the baitrunning feature, you are more likely to break the line at the hook when switching to the front drag to set the hook.
Handling
Overall, the Okuma Avenger handles well on the water. We like the look, though there are tradeoffs with using a full graphite body, as we discussed previously. The aluminum handle and spool give you a little extra power though we would like to see better grip designs on the lower models.
You will constantly find reviewers calling this reel lightweight, but it’s average compared to other baitrunners and even as heavy or heavier than most traditional spinning reels due to the extra parts needed for the rear drag.
It balances well with the appropriately sized rods and is not going to be overly fatiguing, but it’s a stretch calling it lightweight. These reels work well surf fishing as the baitrunning feature is excellent for lots of species caught in surf fishing.
Which is right for you?
Okuma Avenger
Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
Precision machine cut brass pinion gear
Corrosion resistant graphite body and rotor
CFR: Cyclonic Flow Rotor technology
Okuma Avenger ABF
ON/OFF AUTO TRIP
STRENGTH WHERE YOU NEED IT
CORROSION RESISTANT
ULTIMATE IN SMOOTHNESS
The Okuma Avenger spinning reel is a versatile fishing reel that can be used for a wide range of fishing styles, including popular freshwater species such as bass, pike, and panfish. Additionally, the Okuma Avenger ABF model is designed specifically for saltwater fishing, surf fishing, live bait, and catfish.
For saltwater fishing, the Okuma Avenger ABF model is a great choice due to its durable construction and corrosion-resistant materials. It can handle the rigors of surf fishing and has the added benefit of the baitrunner feature, which is helpful when fishing for species such as catfish that like to run with their bait before fully taking it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the maximum drag of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel? A: The maximum drag varies depending on the size of the reel you choose. However, most sizes have a maximum drag of around 13-17 pounds.
Q: Is the Okuma Avenger spinning reel suitable for saltwater fishing? A: Yes, the Okuma Avenger spinning reel is suitable for saltwater fishing due to its lightweight and durable graphite body and rotor construction, as well as its corrosion-resistant design.
Q: What is the gear ratio of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel? A: The gear ratio of the Okuma Avenger spinning reel varies depending on the model you choose. The gear ratio ranges from 5.0:1 to 6.0:1.
Q: Can I use braided line on the Okuma Avenger spinning reel? A: Yes, the Okuma Avenger spinning reel is compatible with braided line. However, it’s important to choose the correct line weight and size to ensure optimal performance.
Q: How easy is it to maintain the Okuma Avenger spinning reel? A: The Okuma Avenger spinning reel is relatively easy to maintain, thanks to its shielded bearings and corrosion-resistant design. Regular cleaning and maintenance can help prolong the lifespan of the reel.
Alternatives
- KastKing Summer Spinning Reel: This is a great option for those who are looking for an affordable spinning reel. It features a lightweight design and is made from high-quality materials, including a graphite frame and aluminum spool.
- Pflueger President Spinning Reel: This is another excellent option for those looking for a spinning reel under $60. It features a lightweight design and a smooth drag system that makes it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
- Shimano Sienna FG is built to last. The spinning reel’s lightweight design makes it easy to handle and enhances your fishing experience. You can fish for extended periods without experiencing any fatigue, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable day on the water. The Shimano Sienna FG Spinning Reel is an affordable option that offers exceptional performance, making it an excellent choice for anglers on a budget. Its affordability does not compromise its quality or performance.
- Penn Battle II Spinning Reel: While this is a bit on the higher end of the price range, it’s still a great option for those who are willing to spend a little extra money. The Penn Battle II features a lightweight design and is made from high-quality materials that make it ideal for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
Conclusion
Overall, the Okuma Avenger spinning reel is an excellent choice for anglers who are looking for a reliable and affordable spinning reel that offers excellent performance and durability. Its lightweight and durable graphite body and rotor construction, multi-disc oiled felt drag system, generous line capacity, 6+1 stainless steel bearing system, and anti-reverse system make it a top pick for both beginner and experienced anglers. While it may not be suitable for heavy saltwater fishing, the Okuma Avenger spinning reel is a great choice for a range of freshwater and saltwater species, making it an excellent investment for any angler.
