Okuma Custom Black CB-60 Reels
Why should you care about the new Okuma Custom Black CB-60 reel? Because it’s a classy piece of kit for an absolute steal!
Whether you’ve heard of them or not, take it from us, Okuma has been knocking out quality reels for decades. Over the years, they’ve been the number-one reel choice for some of our top anglers, notably Martin Bowler in the past, and currently, big carp man and ‘Ology favourite, Adam Penning. Anglers of that calibre don’t make their kit choices on a whim, there has to be real substance and credibility behind the tackle they go for. Perhaps the thing that Okuma is best known for, is bringing real quality to the market, at really, really good prices, which is exactly what they’ve done with the Custom Black reels…
The Big Questions
What exactly are we looking at here?
Big pit reels, with stealthy black looks and all the trimmings, for an absolute snip. They’re not just repackaged sea-fishing reels either, these babies have been designed for the fashion conscious UK market; hence the on-trend matt black finish, and anodised black spool.
So, just how much are these things?
Okay, cut to the chase why don’t you? Well, they’re £59.99 each, soooo that’s three big pit reels for just under £180, which is mad, right? That’s a matching set of three reels for the price of one mid-range big pit from one of the Japanese giants.
There’s a catch… isn’t there?
Not that we can spot! These are proper reels, which have been built to last. It’s testament to the technology available these days that Okuma can knock out workhorses like these for such low prices. I mean, they even come with a spare graphite spool for God’s sake! Pick one up and you’ll be surprised at the quality ‘feel’ that they exude. Once you’ve picked on up, you might not end up putting it down again!
Any standout features?
Yep, of course there’s the aesthetics, the silky black finish and understated branding, but the guts of the thing are worth a mention too. They have four stainless steel ball bearings, which gives the reels a silky smooth action and a 4:5:1 gearing provides more than enough cranking power for long-range fishing on challenging waters. The Okuma team has opted for a smooth, reliable front-drag system for the CB-60s, which we prefer on our big pits. A couple of clicks takes you from locked-up to free-flowing, which has become an essential attribute for reels these days.
Anything else I need to know before I go purchase?!
Well, there is one last thing, and the tackle tarts among you will love it! Specially weighted wooden reel handles automatically line themselves up once you’ve put the rods in the rests. No more getting out of the cosy bag to line up the handles (we all know they’ve got to line up for us to catch, right?).
“GIMME”: £59.99; prologicfishing.com