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 New Posts  Okuma obsidian - any user reviews
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stuart200
Posts: 93
   Old Thread  #57 10 May 2025 at 9.38am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #56
only 10g heavier than a mgs xtd which costs £600, 5g lighter than a power aero that's £350.

so really 520g for a reel that costs £130 is crazy really. I really do like mine, I did change the washers over to felt though and wish they gave two sets of spool reducers. I ended up 3d printing my own
Apps316
Posts: 2061
Apps316
   Old Thread  #56 10 May 2025 at 8.34am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #54
They are very light reels for the price point
MadMan23
Posts: 5
   Old Thread  #55 9 May 2025 at 9.48pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #53
I believe there have been users who have installed felt washers to slow down the drag. Worth trying Weston or someone who can cut them for you.
MadMan23
Posts: 5
   Old Thread  #54 9 May 2025 at 9.47pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #51
Great to get insight from someone who has owned Shimano before. I still have a set of Daiwa Crosscast 5000c Qd's (not bad reels - my first set of 'mature brand' carp reels. The look of the Obsidians and the fact that they are lighter makes them attractive. Want to pair them to my 10ft Fox X3 rods mainly for boat angling; and they seem great if I need to cast fair distances. Also heard that the cranking power on these are great!
edski119
Posts: 38
edski119
   Old Thread  #53 9 May 2025 at 8.46pm  0  Login    Register
Hi all.
Apologies for hi-jacking this thread, have any Obsidian users found the front drag too quick on these reels, I had a look at them at a show and they look a decent reel for the money.
Is there an after market dodge, to slow them down by adding washers or such like?

Thanks.
Apps316
Posts: 2061
Apps316
   Old Thread  #52 9 May 2025 at 7.45pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #49
Not what you asked but close:

I have the Obsidian's (only recently) and the INC 6000's on smaller rods.

From what I have seen side by side the Obsidians seem a far superior build, but then again they are a lot more expensive.

I also have the Okuma LS 6K reels which I've had a used a lot over the last 3 or 4 years and they have been really good, the Obsidians seem a nice step up though on first impressions!

I've previously owned mainly Shimano and Daiwa reels but honestly don't feel like I'm missing out.
MadMan23
Posts: 5
   Old Thread  #51 9 May 2025 at 7.30pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #50
Thanks for your insight! Strange that the Obsidian isn't a popular reel, unless I'm living under a rock . Might change soon
Matt_g
Posts: 172
   Old Thread  #50 9 May 2025 at 6.41pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #49
Hi, been using Shimano ultra XTE for a while and much prefer the obsidians. Super Smooth and light. Also got the Okuma Rockaway 6000 which is the sea version of the INC with more bearings etc. Again really good but the obsidians are definitely better, quick drag and super smooth.
Will be retiring the XTE's as the obsidians are a far better reel as far as I'm concerned
MadMan23
Posts: 5
   Old Thread  #49 9 May 2025 at 2.06pm  0  Login    Register
I'm considering the Obsidian's or INC 8000's. Anyone experienced both? Is the premium on the Obsidians worth it?
I was considering secondhand Ultegra 5500's but reviews of the Okuma's look promising.
Euroboybobbin
Posts: 4541
Euroboybobbin
   Old Thread  #48 24 Sept 2024 at 4.57pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #45
Had the XTE’s and prefer the Tidal XT’s personally.

Smoother and no line getting stuck behind the spools which I found was an issue in the shimmi’s.

MiniWelsh
Posts: 2228
MiniWelsh
   Old Thread  #47 24 Sept 2024 at 3.00pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #46
Several places doing sets of 3 for £450. Take a look on eBay
SnapSh0ts
Posts: 146
SnapSh0ts
   Old Thread  #46 24 Sept 2024 at 2.48pm  0  Login    Register
I would be ripping someones arm off at 150 for an obsidian, love mine. where are they listed at this price?
AndyCarper82
Posts: 2497
AndyCarper82
   Old Thread  #45 23 Sept 2024 at 8.36pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
At £150 your better off buying Shimano 14k xte's no doubt.

Euroboybobbin
Posts: 4541
Euroboybobbin
   Old Thread  #44 23 Sept 2024 at 7.13pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #41
Also don’t discount the Penn Tidal or Vantage XT

Fantastic reels IMO
zinno
Posts: 1282
   Old Thread  #43 23 Sept 2024 at 6.49pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #41
I paid for my Daiwa ’23 Emblem 35 SCW QD £124.

Came from Shimano 140000 XTE before that I had XTD and XTC, Shimano never again but Daiwa 23 Emblem is 100% worth its money.

Had the chance to buy the Obsidians at £107 last year but wasn't convinced when I compared them to the Daiwa's
bertybath
Posts: 183
bertybath
   Old Thread  #42 23 Sept 2024 at 5.16pm  0  Login    Register
I went from ultegra ci4 xtb to the obsidian no regrets at all
Lightweight lovely smooth clutch

More than happy and a bargain at the price I paid
braders1978
Posts: 17604
braders1978
   Old Thread  #41 23 Sept 2024 at 3.21pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #37
If the Okuma had a Shimano or a Daiwa badge on it,it would be twice the price at least.The Obsidian is a seriously good reel especially for the price
jeffire
Posts: 4357
jeffire
   Old Thread  #40 23 Sept 2024 at 3.00pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #37
Absolutely nothing wrong with okuma been using them since the early 90s
Monkeypox
Posts: 404
   Old Thread  #39 23 Sept 2024 at 12.09pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #37
Okuma has a very good name for reliability and quality.
Apps316
Posts: 2061
Apps316
   Old Thread  #38 21 Sept 2024 at 7.00pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #37
I've got an old Okuma baitrunner reel I bought when I was 14/15 years old, I'm 41 now and the reel is still working fine.

I've used INC 6000's ( still have a pair ) and more recently the LSK reels which have been faultless. I switched from Shimano and Daiwa and certainly haven't felt like I am missing out hence my interest in the these ones.
Carper1976
Posts: 225
   Old Thread  #37 21 Sept 2024 at 6.44pm  0  Login    Register
I saw the Okuma Obsidian reels whilst I was fishing the other day. I think the company is owned by Rapala who also now owns Dynamite baits. I was very impressed with them and they are super smooth and incredibly light. I am debating whether to switch from my Ci4 XTCs to these but the name puts me off. Shimano have the reputation for quality reels whereas Okuma don't - certainly not at the moment! Anybody made the switch from either Daiwa or shiimano?
Apps316
Posts: 2061
Apps316
   Old Thread  #36 17 Sept 2024 at 10.29pm  0  Login    Register
Thanks both!
Rebullio
Posts: 103
Rebullio
   Old Thread  #35 16 Sept 2024 at 7.42pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #32
I second this, bought a set shortly after they came out as fancied a change from the ci4's, I prefer the obsidians, butter smooth with a great clutch, superb line lay and amazingly light.
dazwacky
Posts: 1189
dazwacky
   Old Thread  #34 16 Sept 2024 at 4.57am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #33
My mates got a set and had a go with at the weekend and superb reel, if I didn't use the original Shimano XT10000 techniums I would buy a set in a heartbeat 👍
Apps316
Posts: 2061
Apps316
   Old Thread  #33 15 Sept 2024 at 11.46pm  0  Login    Register
Hi All,

Any further reviews on these?

I've currently got a set of Okuma LS-8K's but thinking these would be a significant upgrade on those which have served me very well for the last 4/5 years.

Thanks!
Chesh_Carp
Posts: 209
Chesh_Carp
   Old Thread  #32 16 Jul 2024 at 3.20pm  0  Login    Register
Mid term review now I’ve had them a while.

I really like them, I’ve got used to the quicker drag, I now know each click does make a difference and I can count clicks to set the clutch when putting on the rests.
They’re lovely and smooth in the fight, my favourite thing about them though is how light they are! I’ll be keeping hold of these long term now, I’ve been a switcher in the past, but I can’t be dealing with all that I’m happy with these. I would recommend these to anyone thinking of Daiwa or Shimano etc they’re much better than those in the bracket.
DFL
Posts: 433
DFL
   Old Thread  #31 13 Nov 2023 at 4.15pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #19
I've now used mine for a couple of sessions and they are superb. Bought mostly for long range work abroad, I decided to put them on my pike rods in place of Entoh's. The Okumas are half the price of the Entoh's but perform twice as well.

Super smooth and for me the clutch speed is just right. Not to mention how light they are and the fact you get a spare spool with them. Also, like the method to fold the reel handle (similar to Basias). I really used to struggle loosening the screw on the Entohs on a cold day. Big thumbs up from me.
DaveSG
Posts: 837
DaveSG
   Old Thread  #30 11 Nov 2023 at 11.54am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #29

No idea m8 think its just preorder at the mo
Rebullio
Posts: 103
Rebullio
   Old Thread  #29 11 Nov 2023 at 8.59am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #28
These look interesting, Any idea when they are available?
DaveSG
Posts: 837
DaveSG
   Old Thread  #28 10 Nov 2023 at 1.05pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
Just to throw a spanner in the works and give another option to check out; these have not long been released - look alright on paper

PennVantageXT

Euroboybobbin
Posts: 4541
Euroboybobbin
   Old Thread  #27 9 Nov 2023 at 9.25pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #26
Yep totally agree

ciprinus
Posts: 400
ciprinus
   Old Thread  #26 9 Nov 2023 at 8.08am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #22
Strange, have been using Shimano reels for the last 45 years, and think the XTE series is great, have been using them since their introduction, no problems whatever, excellent price-quality ratio,
Tonylc
Posts: 6
   Old Thread  #25 8 Nov 2023 at 9.24pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #24
Think I will have a look as well, that was about the same turn on my shimano, if so, sounds perfect 👍🏻
zinno
Posts: 1282
   Old Thread  #24 8 Nov 2023 at 9.59am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #21
XTE are my 5th pair of Shimano reels that I have had over the past 30 years and the XTE are the first that I am not satisfied with at all, the Shimano reels I had before the XTE were the XTD price quality okay I didn't expect too much from them, but the XTE is not worth the Ci4 label imo a lot of plastic and the line safety guard is also a joke.

With the XTE it is also the first time that I am not comfortable when I cast far , had 1 time where the line safety guard simply popped out together with the spool when hitting my rod very hard (+130 yard)...


Daiwa '23 Emblem 35 SCW QD is on it's way also
stuart200
Posts: 93
   Old Thread  #23 8 Nov 2023 at 9.33am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #19
I've now replaced the carbon washers with felt ones supplied by Andy at Weston, has now reduced the drag from the 2-3 clicks to about 1/2-3/4 of a turn much happier.
Euroboybobbin
Posts: 4541
Euroboybobbin
   Old Thread  #22 8 Nov 2023 at 9.30am  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #21
Was thinking the same???

I have the 14000 XTEs and they are superb.
Baitman
Posts: 4482
Baitman
   Old Thread  #21 6 Nov 2023 at 12.23pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #20
What's up with the shimano xte reels?
zinno
Posts: 1282
   Old Thread  #20 6 Nov 2023 at 10.22am  0  Login    Register
I'm still unsure about the Okuma Obsedian 120000 now that I've seen the Daiwa '23 Emblem 35 SCW QD

I really want to get rid of my Shimano XTE 14000 quickly
Chesh_Carp
Posts: 209
Chesh_Carp
   Old Thread  #19 5 Nov 2023 at 4.01pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #11
Still haven’t caught anything to really test the clutch out, it is a bit quick, but the weight of these reels is unbelievable, and casting seems to be a breeze, it just seems to fly off the spool! Very glad I bought them 🙌🏼
zinno
Posts: 1282
   Old Thread  #18 4 Nov 2023 at 6.19pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #17
Last year i bought my 85'' tv €560 cheaper in october vs 25 november black friday price

Think i gonne order the Okuma Obesdian reels now
AndyClark
Posts: 5536
AndyClark
   Old Thread  #17 4 Nov 2023 at 6.07pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #16
I read somewhere that nearly all black Friday deal prices had been cheaper in the weeks prior to black friday
zinno
Posts: 1282
   Old Thread  #16 4 Nov 2023 at 5.55pm  0  Login    Register
Omg, they're now €147.46 (£127,94) in that German store and it's not even Black Friday...
stuart200
Posts: 93
   Old Thread  #15 4 Nov 2023 at 5.46pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #14
only gripe is how quick the drag is, if it was another quarter of turn they'd be absolutely perfect and at £160 a reel an absolute steal.

i am going to look into replacing the carbon washers with regular felt ones at an attempt of slowing the drag down, it is currently a lovely and smooth drag though, so hopefully felt doesnt ruin that.

i do really rate them though, absolutely perfect size, nice deep spools with line reducers, extremely smooth, lightweight, don't feel flimsy, had zero issues with line behind the spools.
Tonylc
Posts: 6
   Old Thread  #14 12 Oct 2023 at 9.17pm  0  Login    Register
I purchased a set, used them for my first fishing trip to France, had 10 fish upto 46lb, these reels not only looked brilliant, they performed great, great line lay, clutch does have a fast response and I didn't have any issues playing them with the clutch doing its job,, smooth as silk for me, I'm not the most experienced as had shimano XTD before and fancied a change.
Chesh_Carp
Posts: 209
Chesh_Carp
   Old Thread  #13 9 Oct 2023 at 9.49pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #12
Would this be a good idea with the carbon washers they use?
SnapSh0ts
Posts: 146
SnapSh0ts
   Old Thread  #12 9 Oct 2023 at 9.41am  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #11
Maybe you could try adding a little more/different grease to increase the range?

Im looking forward to getting a set of these to fish pits near me
Chesh_Carp
Posts: 209
Chesh_Carp
   Old Thread  #11 8 Oct 2023 at 2.26pm  1  Login    Register
In reply to Post #10
Little update, as I’ve been out on the bank with them, wasn’t casting at all though, few flicks and poling out rigs.

The reels look and feel great on the rod, I have them paired with customised Aircurves, the balance on these are perfect, they’re unbelievably light, but robust feeling too, my only negative which I think would be most peoples positive, is I think the clutch is a bit too quick, I’d rather a half a turn from tight to loose, these are around a quarter of a turn, but each click makes a difference!

Hope that next time I’m out, I can do some casting, and catch one or two, if anyone’s interested, I’ll update again afterwards.
Chesh_Carp
Posts: 209
Chesh_Carp
   Old Thread  #10 1 Oct 2023 at 10.23pm  1  Login    Register
I have just bought these, sold my Penn Affinity III’s for them, when I receive them, I’ll report back, should be out on the bank with them this weekend coming too.

Seen and heard good things, so let’s hope it’s a good swap!
braders1978
Posts: 17604
braders1978
   Old Thread  #9 1 Oct 2023 at 9.33pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #8
I'm not sure on that but if Tony at Future Fishing rates these Okumas they must be a very good reel
zinno
Posts: 1282
   Old Thread  #8 1 Oct 2023 at 9.27pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #7
Also better then the Ultegra CI4+ XTC because thats the next on my list.
braders1978
Posts: 17604
braders1978
   Old Thread  #7 1 Oct 2023 at 9.08pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #5
Told you a load of ******** then,Okuma are better than the cheaper shimano range
jeffire
Posts: 4357
jeffire
   Old Thread  #6 1 Oct 2023 at 7.18pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #5
Nothing wrong with okuma have had 2 sets of the interceptors for years no probs the poweliners ive had a number of years, inceptions i have also no probs.
zinno
Posts: 1282
   Old Thread  #5 1 Oct 2023 at 6.11pm  0  Login    Register
I was tempted to buy a set of Okuma Obsidian, but a few carp tackle shops and other carp fishers told me that Okuma reels are not of the same quality level as Shimano/Daiwa, so I decided to keep the 14,000 XTE.

After playing a few fish on the XTE, still not completely satisfied with the reels, on one of them the line guard flew out while casting, and yes the spool was turned all the way down, and now i always have to turn the spool once after casting to get it loose again, I'll have to take it to a Shimano center soon.


On paper the Okuma Obsidian 12000 looks top, but I still hesitate to buy them to replace the XTE

I can buy them at a shop in Germany near me in Belgium for 162.22 (£140.80) which seems like a fair price to me

AndyClark
Posts: 5536
AndyClark
   Old Thread  #4 1 Oct 2023 at 4.56pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #3
I'm sure he's sold them, curious to know why tbh as they seem good on paper
jeffire
Posts: 4357
jeffire
   Old Thread  #3 1 Oct 2023 at 4.31pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
Citykoi on here had a set im sure he would tell you what he thinks
Baitman
Posts: 4482
Baitman
   Old Thread  #2 1 Oct 2023 at 3.25pm  0  Login    Register
In reply to Post #1
https://youtu.be/zkyyp8gSBiM?si=zxmZzilrn20rzjio

https://youtu.be/WVYOehrrymI?si=poYt-rgbYYpb6poZ

https://youtu.be/zQ9-wPwm14M?si=8fhow6mAaz4oB-Yt
bertybath
Posts: 183
bertybath
   Old Thread  #1 1 Oct 2023 at 2.23pm  0  Login    Register
Thinking of changing from my 10 year old ultegra ci4 xtb reels and seen the obsidian reels whos spec seem too good for the money - any owners confirm what they are like
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