Okuma Problem!

[bluefin]

I have a couple of Epix eb20 and 30's and have a problem turning the handle to trip the bail. It happens when the handle rotates to a point where there is no more movement before triping the bail, it becomes very hard to turn. So much so that my son and wife don't like them! They both perfer my old 302 mitchell reels and Warrens x daiwa regal.
By the way Warren I love the combo!

[rigzz]

Bluefin,
Do you feel anything odd happening when you manually trip the bail ie. any grinding or resistance.
Let us know,
Rigzz

[pie smuggler]

Actually I'm finding the same problem with the Epix EFS20, Fished today with Bear and he advised me to close the bail arm manually, It's a lot easier when you get the hang of it.

[Evileye]

mine manually, never thought of winding the handle, and it doesnt sound nice any way, dont want to hurt my reel any more than it is.

[Ol' slab sides]

Yeah i'm the sames Evileye...

Always closed the bail arm manually, just habit I guess?

[rigzz]

After reading this post I dragged out my EB 20. I was surprised to find that it too is very tight when you trip the bail via the handle. I've never noticed it because I always close the bail manually. I just find that is kinder to the reel (less stress) and results in less loose loops.
Cheers,
Rigzz

Hey guys...
To be honest, your better off closing it manually anyway, it minimises the chances of loops in your fireline.

[panger]

Manually closing the bail is also going to lengthen the life of your bail spring.

[cyclops]

Funny how you read a topic, go away and experience a problem almost straight away with the same product.

Last night my son hooked a nice 60cm murray cod on a 6'6" St croix carbon with an Okuma 40 epix. The reel is brand new (like 6months but only used 3 times in the last 2 weeks on cod. I thought it was a bit stiff when I bought it and re oiled it using top grade reel lube. This was its cherry busting episode. The reel had its drag locked up as we were fishing in heavy snags. The reel sounded like an old coffee grinder as the lad levered and cranked the fish in. I was sure he had looped the line around the tip of the line was snagged around the bail arm, but no every thing was in its place. It runs smooth as silk when not under load.

I will be having a serious look at this reel.

pete

[Stu_000]

I've noticed the same with my AV20. It is easier to get into the habit of flicking it over manually as has been said. Perhaps they are designed in this way to minimise any potential damage? Not sure at all but easily overcome.