Have not played with new Cedros spinners, but Okuma has learned to bring over new reels to us for spooling in order to catch possible problems. Given we spool under pressure, if something is going to break we'll know it before an angler on a good fish. So, we've already tried to break the upcoming new models. The old Andros series was very nice, prior Metaloids simply amazing for the $. Some things will go away on new models. New ones will be lighter, but helical cut gears will go away at these price points (which makes sense given costs). Like the Cavalla series, the Metaloids went far above what's expected or even hoped for at it's pricing. The new models will be very competitive, but there will be some cost savings for the manufacturer too, that's my thinking.
Drag curve, what we see is a fairly narrow range. It's appropriate for intended lines being fished on the reels. We were told by a client that Okuma Service has a softer cam available which provides more range. That may be something someone wants who is trying to fish lighter lines - similar to what Avet offers for their reels w/SoFlorida Cam for the kingfish guys. I really don't see the limited range of the lever as an issue, they are never linear in the drag's progression. Will the reel deliver the drag necessary for the intended application, is there headroom above that range? Those are the real concerns, and from that point there is no issue. However, if a person wanted a softer drag, wanted to fish at lower settings with greater range within the lighter settings, then a different cam would help. Moot point for must all of us.
Okay, back to topic, Metaloid spinner. Okuma will rebrand the reel to the Cedros name. They will be a value and they've got some performance to boast. Three models from about $160-190. 44 lbs max drag for all models, 21-23 ounces, 5.4:1 gearing. We expect delivery sometime in July or August at this point.
The new version of Metaloid reels will go by the name Cavalla (name used for earlier generation Makaira predesessor). More to follow...
Roger that. The Cavalla series represented the first example of Okuma's upgrading of their designs and realization of improved product design team. They were/are excellent reels, and that's what changed my thinking about Okuma's potential as a major player.
