The Okuma Helios Machined Aluminum Large Arbor Fly Reel is a fantastic fly fishing reel for experienced anglers. Constructed a 6061 bar stock aluminum, the Okuma Helios is considered a flagship of the Okuma flywheels lineup.
The Helios is perfect for fly fishing enthusiasts who like fishing in both freshwater bodies as well as inshore saltwater. The Okuma Helios is equipped with a multi-disk waterproof drag system in addition to various other specialties that make one of the best fly reels in the market.
- Maintenance-Free Waterproof Drag System
- Multi-Disk Cork and Stainless Drag Washers
- Roller Bearing Engages Drag in One Direction
- 2BB+1RB Stainless Steel Spool Shafts
- Anodized Aluminum Machined Rigid Frame
One of the major characteristics of the Helios lies in its precision and design. The Helios has a precise stainless steel spool shaft for improved durability and alignment. The Okuma Helios is entirely made of solid, machined aluminum.
You won’t see any cheap or inferior plastic or metal parts in the Helios. This is worth mentioning because many companies put cheap plastic components in the inner works of the fishing reels. Despite being composed of solid aluminum, the Okuma Helios does not feel heavy at all.
The Helios is incredibly light at 7.2 ounces and most anglers will hardly notice the weight on their fly rods. The drag system of this fly reel provides 100% watertight cork for better smoothness when dragging big fishes.
The drag system is also user-friendly and is equipped with an easily adjustable external control system. The drag system is a multi-disc system in the Okuma Helios which makes it easy for the fisherman to access the drag wheel by only twisting the drag knob located in the backside of the fly reel.
Additionally, the drag system is also maintenance-free and waterproof. Anglers don’t have to be worried about the drag system of being rusted and falling apart. This is imperative due to the fact that the fly reel will be exposed to water throughout its useful life, so it necessary that all the parts in the drag system remain rust-free.
Features of Okuma Helios Fly Reel
- This fly reel is composed of machined aluminum.
- The Okuma Helios has a single-way clutch bearing.
- The fly reel includes a sealed and waterproof multi-disc drag system.
- The reel’s multi-disc drag system has a convenient adjustment mechanism with a large doorknob at the opposite part of the reel.
- Lightweight and powerful
- It has a high build quality and durability.
- It offers great value for its price. The Okuma Helios sells between US$85 – $195 depending on the spool size.
- Okuma offers a 5-year warranty on the Helios fly reel.
Pros
- The maintenance-free waterproof drag system.
- 2BB+1RB stainless steel spool shafts.
- The drag system is easily adjustable.
- Feels very powerful and durable and can easily drag large fishes.
- The comfortable handling of the drag wheel.
Cons
- The all-aluminum surface is highly susceptible to scratching.
- It comes with a short warranty period when compared to competing brands.
Okuma Helios Fly Reel FAQs
Question: It says 5/6 spool. Is it a spare spool or the reel?
Answer: The reel.
Question: Does the Okuma Helios click both ways and only on a drag?
Answer: The reel clicks both ways.
Question: What is the model number of this reel?
Answer: The Okuma Helios comes in two variants, the H 34, and the H 78a.
Question: How much does the Okuma Helios weigh?
Answer: The Okuma Helios H 34 fully loaded weighs 7.2 oz. while the H 78a weighs 11.2 oz.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Okuma Helios delivers excellent build-quality and value for its price. For experienced fly fishermen, the Okuma Helios Machined Aluminum Large Arbor Fly Reel is the ideal fly fishing reel.
For the rest, the Okuma Helios has a nice brushed aluminum finish, a multi-disc drag system for fast adjustments, and durability. At last but not least, this fly reel is the perfect and robust fly fishing reel option for anybody searching for an affordable, yet high-performance fly reel. We highly recommend it!
- ONE-YEAR-WARRANTY – we as a 13 years fly reel factory, offer “No Hassle” warranty for all our reels. If you are not 100% satisfied with our reel, you can return it in any time.
- OUTSTANDING VALUE – this reel incorporates all of the features of reels that costing much more money. We just wish to bring the experience of Fly fishing to more people
- Strong and Durable All-aluminum construction, Large arbor design for rapid line retrieval
- Rugged disc drag for putting serious pressure on the fish. One-way bearing for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch
- Pre-loaded with fly line, backing and leader
- New TINO fly fishing reel from Maxcatch, Pre-loaded with WF5F fly line, backing line and tapered leader
- OUTSTANDING COST EFFECTIVE VALUE – this reel incorporates all of the features of reels that costing much more money. Without break the bank and you can stop any fish smoothly. We just wish to...
- Strong and Durable All-aluminum construction with CNC cutting for reinforcement, Large arbor design for rapid line retrieval
- Rugged disc drag for putting serious pressure on the fish.Teflon disc and stainless steel drag system with one-way clutch bearing allow for smooth, immediate drag engagement
- One-way bearing for quick and easy left-to-right hand retrieval switch with no tools needed in 30 seconds
- 3/4 and 5/6 reels come with a 100 yard spool of 20lb Rio Dacron Backing - backing is not on the reel
- 7/8 and 9/10 reels come with a 200 yard spool of 20lb Rio Dacron Backing - backing is not on the reel
- Machined and anodized aluminum One Revolution Drag Knob with numbered and detented settings
- Large arbor for fast line pick-up
- Neoprene and embroidered ballistic nylon reel case