Customer Reviews

Okuma SLV-89 Fly Reel (8/9wt)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I actually own 3 SLV's in different sizes. I am a custom rod builder, and I can say with no doubt that this reel is one of the best reels for the money, or even 2 to 3 times it's price, out there. It is not milled, but it is plenty light, end plenty tough with a very good drag system and super smooth retrieval. The large drag knob is very nice during the fight, and the reel is pretty nice to look at on any rod (if the looks matter to you). It is also a matte finish which I like when fishing for easily spooked fish. It is a no-brainer at under 60 bucks!

I bought an OKUMA SLV 4/5 for my 4 weight rod after a friend recommended it and it is awsome. Very smooth.
Now if you buy from Amazon read below, go to the OKUMA site first to figure out which reel size you need.

"I've flyfished for over 40 years and couldn't make heads or tails out of these designations until I got a look at a chart that listed the maximum length of the backing line (yds.) and its breaking point (lbs. - relating directly to its diameter). Obviously, the copy writer didn't have a clue about what's actually relevant here."

I couldn't have said it better. Without a trip to the OKUMA web site I wasn't able to figure out which line weight each reel was. I tell you, when I look at a web site if it's not clear on what they are advertising or can't find it, I just move on. I have been buying from Amazon for a while now, come on people please fix this. I hope this doesn't fall through deaf ears. Thanks

Okuma SLV Fly Reel

I purchased this reel with some concern that I was getting a "cheap" reel instead of an inexpensive one. I traditionally have paid as much as 5 times this amount for my steelhead and salmon reels. I intended to use it for Steelhead fishing in the midwest, as a streamer setup, and figured that even if it wasn't that great, I would have a fall back for my other reels. Once I received it, I was very impressed with the quality of the drag system and the smooth retrieve. I changed my mind, once I saw it and have used it as a dry line, indicator rig, because I trust the action and the drag. Definitely an incredible value for the money, and warranteed for a year so if there are any problems, Okuma will stand behind the product. I am blown away by this item and may end up getting more of them based on the quality I have seen.

I have 3 SLV reels in different sizes, I've caught Steelhead, Carp, Kings, Silvers, Pike, and plenty of trout on these bad boys, the drag is smooth and easy to adjust, a much better reel than the Sage 1850 i paid more than 2x as much for!

Great all around reel for big fish! Smooth drag and easy L/R retrieve switching. Very few open parts so this reel should be great for winter steelhead fishing and not freeze up...

First off I am a long time fisherman who is new to fly fishing. Second, I like function, don't care much about the name on the reel. So I was looking for the best bang for my buck. I have practiced with my friends top of the line Orvis that cost hundreds. I've also practiced with a St. Croix that was way more expensive as well. In my opinion this is right up there with the Orvis for a fraction of the cost. It's better than the St. Croix. Smooth as butter, lightweight, awesome drag, looks cool. I couldn't see a difference in quality or function between this and the Orvis. Both are awesome, but I can tell you one thing. There is definitely not a difference that warrants you spending hundreds more. For the money this is a wonderful reel. Pick it up and you won't be disappointed.

Bought this reel to go with my new TFO 6 wt. already have the same reel paired with my 10 weight. for the money paid and quality received you can't go wrong with this reel.

From what I can tell the reel sizes are as follows:

50/12 - SLV 2/3
95/12 - SLV 4/5
140/20 - SLV 5/6
145/20 - SLV 7/8
150/30 - SLV 8/9
170/30 - SLV 10/11 This one I'm not sure about because there is conflicting info on the okuma site.

I hope this helps!

I've got way too many fancy fly reels costing 5X+ more than this one. However, after taking the drag apart and examining the pieces, I realized the drag is as good as most of the expensive ones. Having used the Okuma SLV over a period of years, I think its earned its durability stripes too which is great since the SLV is surprisingly light. I just don't see how you are going to get a better deal on a cork disc drag fly reel.

One small caveat. Since this reel is cast aluminum, there can be some sharp edges and burrs. I examined the reel and had to sand part of the line guard where I considered it too sharp for comfort (i.e., might cut the line).

Don't know how this thing would perform on bigger or hotter fish or in salt water. I've used the 4/5 version for trout up to 24" and there it has had no problems. I can't imagine that the 7/8 version wouldn't be great for steelhead or salmon.

I agree with all other reviewers. These SLVs are smooth, good looking, functional, lightweight and just plain work. They have tight tolerances and an exceptional drag system with an easy to use knob. I have both the 2/3 and 5/6. They cost 40-60% less than other comparable reels I own. If these reels had existed 15 years ago when I first started fly fishing, I would own several of them now.....and NO others!