Preview of the new Okuma Makaira…….the Alijos

[omwaafounder]

Where most tackle companies put the R&D time and effort into the high end then roll that down into the low end later on, I think Okuma is doing the opposite.

I think the Alijos is the test platform for the all new Makaira which should be launching in the not too distant future.

The Makaira is the top of the line. The Cavalla is the competition for the Fathoms and Speedmasters. The Alijos is where they test the new features before risking having issues on their flagship reels.

The following are advancements in the Alijos over the current Makaira.
Spool control/cast control
10% lighter (similar to the 15t)
More compact advanced design
Less parts making up the frame
Many fewer screws
Reel handle is longer and canted to make reeling closer to centerline.
A reel foot that replaces the bottom of the frame. (I’ve never seen a design like this. It allows them to bring the spool mm from the rod and allows for a much slimmer frame than the Makaira, see pics.)

If you go to a store and compare the Mak 16 to the Alijos 16 (the only model with a direct comparison) I think you’ll see what I mean.

 

[FlatPack]

Nope, Alijos is not a future platform for Makaira. It is considered a Medium-frame reel & may best compare with the Torque.

It is an improvement from Andros as far as internals are concerned. Cast control is an old feature carried over from Andros same as the frame design.

First release of Alijos had a known drag issues that it took a year for Okuma to fix. They have to go back to the drawing board & get rid of the helicut gears.

On the positive note, when they reintroduced later last year the 2nd series Alijos, they listened from the customers & maybe Bdr’s and incorporate the “Thrust Bearing” which is a new upgrade feature. Plus the T-Bar handle.

MAKAIRA is built like a Tank! It is an almost perfect reel (2nd only to ATD). I don’t see any reason Okuma will upgrade nor downgrade their flaship Heavy-frame reel in the future. Makaira was Okuma’s savior for its tarnished reputation pre-Makaira days.

 

[omwaafounder]

Good point about the cast control being carried over from the Andros.

What makes if medium framed? It’s heavy!

Makaira 16 40oz
Alijos 16 36oz
VISX 16 36 oz

Makaira 15T 29oz
Alijos 12 28.6oz
The Mak 15t is a larger reel than the Alijos 12 but the same weight.

The Alijos 16 is the same weight as an international 16 and the Alijos 12 is heavier (relatively) than the Mak 15t.

 

[FlatPack]

Alijos is not a “test” reel, it’s an upgrade of the Andros just as the Cavalla is to Metaloid.

Weight have nothing to do to differentiate between a Heavy-frame vis a vis Medium-frame.

Just call Okuma and ask whether Alijos is a Heavy-frame reel & better ask also if it is a test reel for future Makaira. Who knows I’m wrong & il start collecting Makairas from now on

 

[7emptsT]

Flat pack knows. I have both Alijos and Maks, Alijos is a lighter duty reel, not to be confused with lighter reel.

 

[Gouryella]

Just make a 3-speed or 4-speed Makaira, Okuma!!

 

[lowprofile]

Okuma is way ahead of the game. Their SLX line is the best bang for Buck you can get.
Every reel in their line up size wise is ahead of the other manufacturer’s.
The only thing that sets other reels apart is narrow and extra narrow spools. It’s hard to deny that a fathom 15XNLD is more ideal for jigging than an SLX 10 but the SLX 10 is less expensive and better functioning reel than the 15XNLD.

It’s strange that BD doesn’t have the Okuma forum up anymore. But then again it’s not surprising.

 

[lazyfisherman]

It’s strange that BD doesn’t have the Okuma forum up anymore. But then again it’s not surprising.

Okuma didn't want to pay to keep up a forum with customers complaining about the drags not working on the Alijos.

 

[Yellowtail Dan]

You’re more than a little confused with this thread. The Maks are the only reel that’s come off the Okuma line without any issues.

After buying and Andros and it freezing up when it was getting filled to the Cavalla they sent to replace it nothing but disappointment

I have a full lineup of Maks and they’re bullet proof. The Alijos IS a medium frame reel that compares to the Penn Torques……and not well

 

[andrewr]

You’re more than a little confused with this thread. The Maks are the only reel that’s come off the Okuma line without any issues.

After buying and Andros and it freezing up when it was getting filled to the Cavalla they sent to replace it nothing but disappointment

I have a full lineup of Maks and they’re bullet proof. The Alijos IS a medium frame reel that compares to the Penn Torques……and not well

This thread currently has over 700 views and 8 replies. I think everyone is confused.

 

[cooperlanding]

You’re more than a little confused with this thread. The Maks are the only reel that’s come off the Okuma line without any issues.

After buying and Andros and it freezing up when it was getting filled to the Cavalla they sent to replace it nothing but disappointment

I have a full lineup of Maks and they’re bullet proof. The Alijos IS a medium frame reel that compares to the Penn Torques……and not well

You’re more than a little confused with this thread. The Maks are the only reel that’s come off the Okuma line without any issues.

After buying and Andros and it freezing up when it was getting filled to the Cavalla they sent to replace it nothing but disappointment

I have a full lineup of Maks and they’re bullet proof. The Alijos IS a medium frame reel that compares to the Penn Torques……and not well

Can you explain in more detail why the Alijos does not compare well with the Torque? I looked at the Alijos 12 and Penn Torque 30 yesterday. Both about the same size. Free spool on the Alijos was way better and the reel handle felt more comfortable. Felt like the Alijos could be fished out of the box without a trip to Cal’s. Any input would be appreciated as I am looking to replace an old Avet. Thanks

 

[shooter21]

I had 3 maks sent back for repair, given it was just the springs on the dogs. Noisey as hell, but none the lest they aren't perfect.

 

[7emptsT]

Can you explain in more detail why the Alijos does not compare well with the Torque? I looked at the Alijos 12 and Penn Torque 30 yesterday. Both about the same size. Free spool on the Alijos was way better and the reel handle felt more comfortable. Felt like the Alijos could be fished out of the box without a trip to Cal’s. Any input would be appreciated as I am looking to replace an old Avet. Thanks

Don’t listen the haters the Alijos is a great reel.

 

[Scuba Chris]

I tested one of the earlier prototypes of the Alijos12 almost 2yr ago on a rod that i also helped in. I went day & night everyday for over 2-weeks. I was shore-casting 7-9oz banks at night farther out than any of my modified Newells. I was horsing in fish to Rays. I was texting my results with pics & vids back. My only issue is i felt the ramping should've been more graduated. I was fighting fish that showed this. So i was sent a newly developed drag cam that really made for this a top notch reel. Now it's been my favorite "C" reel.

Drag Issue-
The earlier Alijos had a few issues. The SS drag plate for one. Slightly out of tolerance because the washer was too small.

Side Loading Issue-
When the handle gets harder to turn under load that's the pinion gear. This also damages the pinion over time. This problem was also solved. Now the newly designed thrust bearing will improve performance while under a heavy drag load without reducing the free spool.

The Alijos now doesn't offer helical cut gears like the Andros or Makaira, only spur cut. Now no side loading issues.

So i had this reel boxed for 2-1/2yr as instructed. In that time frame it wasn't meant to be seen or used. Until now. I've helped other companies like Double XX over the years modifying certain products.

 

[FlatPack]

Side Loading Issue-
When the handle gets harder to turn under load that's the pinion gear. This also damages the pinion over time. This problem was also solved. Now the newly designed thrust bearing will improve performance while under a heavy drag load without reducing the free spool.

When the 1st release of the Alijos, we had been bitchin Okuma why there was no “Thrust Bearing”. As this side loading/binding issues has been so prominent with the Andros (Alijos predecessor). We’ve been so vocal on this on most Okuma Alijos marketing platform, be it on BD to YouTube, FB etc. If the budget reel Penn Fathom can have it then why does the Sleeping Giant Okuma can’t.

Then blessings in disguise, something messed up & they have to recall & fix the 1st series Alijos. After about a year later, 2nd series Alijos was released. With it Okuma listened & incorporated the in demand Thrust Bearing on Alijos! An “HD Thrust Bearing marking is visible on the bottom handle side of the reel to distunguish it from the 1st series.(see pic).

Btw Okuma did an exemplary Customer Service in dealing with the affected Alijos customers. Refunded them & fixed their reel for free or they are given free a new 2nd series Alijos. This above & beyond customer service, reminded me of Penn. This is on the infamous Cabela’s Penn Torque Lever Drag Sale Price debacle. Of course it was due to the BD platform that the issue were highlighted & eventually acted. Thanks BD, thanks Okuma, thanks Penn (Mike & Steve).

It is now interesting to give this 2nd series Alijos a chance as it is still pretty much “new”. Maybe at the end of the season there will be some real test opinions vis a vis Torque. So let’s grab some of this reel & fish ot if we can.

 

[lazyfisherman]

I have the Andros 5 and the 5n. Never had issues with either and pulled on a lot of fish on both. It was when I got the Andros 12 that I started having issues. Sold that reel and still have the Andros 5 and 5n and both have not given me any issues outside of routine maintenance.

 

[Scuba Chris]

I have the Andros 5 and the 5n. Never had issues with either and pulled on a lot of fish on both. It was when I got the Andros 12 that I started having issues. Sold that reel and still have the Andros 5 and 5n and both have not given me any issues outside of routine maintenance.

You'll like the Alijos. I was one of the testers. I lived out at a pier for 2 weeks testing it in the field. Some of the Euro distance casters spoke highly of the Andros 5.

 

[Kaptain Karl]

I have a 2 Alijos 5's and a 5n. They became the favorite reels of my crew pretty fast. IMO they're the best deal going of the premium medium frame reels. Just ordered another one yesterday!

I do have 2 new Saltiga 20’s and they’re fucking awesome, but they’re $180 more. I don’t think it’s much if any of a jump in capability between the two.

 

[Scuba Chris]

I have a 2 Alijos 5's and a 5n. They became the favorite reels of my crew pretty fast. IMO they're the best deal going of the premium medium frame reels. Just ordered another one yesterday!

I do have 2 new Saltiga 20’s and they’re fucking awesome, but they’re $180 more. I don’t think it’s much if any of a jump in capability between the two.

Great to hear that! I never did test that size as others based in FL were. I was using the 12. I'm glad you like yours sir

 

[Scuba Chris]

Okuma is way ahead of the game. Their SLX line is the best bang for Buck you can get.
Every reel in their line up size wise is ahead of the other manufacturer’s.
The only thing that sets other reels apart is narrow and extra narrow spools. It’s hard to deny that a fathom 15XNLD is more ideal for jigging than an SLX 10 but the SLX 10 is less expensive and better functioning reel than the 15XNLD.

It’s strange that BD doesn’t have the Okuma forum up anymore. But then again it’s not surprising.

The decision was Okuma's, not BD to discontinue the Okuma Forum.

 

[William Charles]

Great to hear that! I never did test that size as others based in FL were. I was using the 12. I'm glad you like yours sir

What is the real world braid capacity of the 12n?

 

[Sacto John]

What is the real world braid capacity of the 12n?

I just put 410 yds of 50lb (.36mm) braid on mine.

 

[Scuba Chris]

What is the real world braid capacity of the 12n?

I was able to spool on +1,100ft of 80lb Eminent Braid by Soft Steel on my 12.