Samurai or Avenger?

[panger]

I'm toying with getting another reel. The Daiwa Samurai and Okuma Avenger seem to come up often here as suggestions for budget reels, but I'm not sure which one to go for. I've currently got a Daiwa Spinstar. I love the big ABS spool and the smooth drag, so I'm leaning toward the brand I know. What are you opinions? Vigourous debate between Daiwa and Okuma fans is encouraged.

[BreamShark]

Hey panger, Im thinking of getting a new reel and am tossing up between the two as well. I think i might get a samurai as well since they have a real nice drag for the price.
Rhys

[breamenrubber]

get the daiwa mate....your righ the spool is just designed perfectly for light braid!!!! The avenger is a good reel all the same but when its casting that means the most daiwa make a perfect reel. Also check out the regal-x range as after switching to that my cast distance improved dramatically as well as my frequency of line tangles on the spool when casting!!!!! Its just the better option!!!!!!!!!!!

[MATTY]

been using an AV15 for about 6 months.have no probs with line loop,using 4lb fireline.drag is very good for an average priced reel.
landed some decent fish(not bream) and hasn't missed a beat even after 2 dunkings in salt.how far do you realistically have to cast,never been a problem using right rod,line etc.all up a good value reel,5 year warranty to.

[Craig_S]

I've used the AV15 too and in most respects its not a bad reel at all.

The only negative comment I've got about it is that it doesnt lay line as neatly as a Stradic when retrieving real light weights, ie 1/32 or less. Mind you, you 3 or 4 for the price of the Stradic.

HI Panger
If U still want to get a daiwa at a budget, go up to a Caprice in the hardbody range. Bluewater in WA are selling theirs for $99 so I assume else where is about $10-20 more. The reason is I heard that the samurai's bearing are of low quality that tend to rust very easily. Ask Kingpin about his, he's had his bearings replaced twice. More bearings doesn't neccessarily means it's good.
Sorry, I got thinking cap back on again

[Lizardboy]

I've got a samurai and I'm happy with it, excellent drag. I haven't has a problem with rust and I used this reel heaps.
I got one of the blokes from Daiwa to service it and he used a lot more grease than the reel ussually comes with when you buy it. this is a good thing as it helps repells & minimises water getting in to the reel.

Lizard

[Bear]

Just to throw a spanner in the works. If you're looking at a 20, then check out the Okuma Fina range. Great reel for the price.

[panger]

Mmmmmm, close but it still looks like I'm leaning towards the Samurai. Guess I should go to a tackle store and see them side by side. Maybe they'll offer a deal one of them. Does anyone know what these reels would go for at the BM store?

[Dave W]

It's no secret I have an association with Okuma, but both my Avengers have copped an absolute flogging (the 20 has probably pulled in 200+ Bream) and still do the job just fine

I've personally seen the bearings from a Samurai that has been used in salt a heap (one of my regular fishing buddies reels)....... suffice to say he borrows my spare Avenger a lot.

At the end of the day make up your own mind

Cheers,

[donfish]

I have 2 x 7i samuari reels and they are both going back to the manufacturer on thursday.And i dont want them back.

donfish

[BreamShark]

Hey donfish, Whats wrong with the samurai??? I had a go of my friends samurai and hes had it for 6 months and hasnt had any problems with it.

[panger]

Great, this is the stuff I wanted to hear about before buying the reel.

Donfish, were your reel problems caused by the bearings as well?

I've also just seen an ad for a Gladiator spinning reel in a mag. I think they're under $100, 3 year warranty, 9 BBs, aluminium spool plus 2 spare graphite ones. Might be checking out that one too.

[beefaman]

I have an Avenger AV 20 and have not had a problem. I do lots of wading and rock hopping and it has held up well considering the punishment I have given it. Not one problem with loops or knots either, I use 4ld fireline. My mate has a 7i and our casting distance is identical using the same weight jighead
Just buy what you feel comfortable with, after all personal satisfaction means stress free fishing......
Must admit, the 5yr warranty swayed me on my decision

[DaveH]

I purchased a Samurai last October and have rusted 2 bearings. I only used it in fresh chasing bass and submerged it once fully. It's put in alot of casts. I've since faxed, emailed and rung Daiwa for them to have a look at it, no response. I may have bought a crap batch or what ever, but another mate has had the same problem with the same reel. his reel is beginning to show wear after 3 months!

I had a Regal Z as the last reel and that lasted 3 years before the problem arose. Annoying stuff that. I'm probably sounding like I'm having a winge but to purchase mid priced reels like that and have them break down with no backup (as yet) basically sucks!

Oh sorry where were we... I'd go the Avenger, or better still the Epix.