OKUMA A Series Andros 5AII

[JGB]

Just Received the new A Series Andros A5II reel.

Here is the Quick Tear down and review:

The Andros A5II is Okuma's NEW upgrade of the original Andros 5AII. It sports a new silver finish. SS metal lever detente radius ring, Dual Force drag + Spool drag, longer handle arm, same line capacity and drag range as before.

Pros:
Very light with large spool capacity.
Dual Force drag + a spool drag for a total of 3 drag surfaces.
24# of free spool drag ( may actually be higher). PDF of tested drag curves attached - approx 30# of drag at rated Strike
Reduced bearing side loads resulting in minimal amounts of bearing drag @ 32# of drag
Friction type cast control (adjustable).
Low profile reel seat.
EZO bearings (at least in this production run).
Non spool bearings are all packed with a clear grease.
1 of 2 spool bearings are open and oiled.
Textured spool to reduce spectra slippage.
SS drag lever detente radius ring (used to be resin)
Metal shift button shroud (used to be resin).
Dual dog Anti Reverse with 2 finger angled engagement.
Longer handle arm.
1 screw take down.
High speed gearing.

Cons:

Silent anti reverse dogs with friction tabs (to date I have not seen a problem with this particular design).
The drag is no longer sealed during drag engagement as it was in the original.
Inside surfaces were not greased or coated.
Minimum drag is 2.5# with a full spool just before free spool.

Over all first impression:
The original Andros 5 is a great 40# reel by design and we caught many YFT to 85# with no problems over the last few years (actually only 1 spool bearing needed replacing from over dragging the reel).
The design of this reel  has many improvements and promises to be a great performer. On the water test will be needed to see if
the reel could use a few tweaks to make it near perfect. As I see it this reel is very close to a Makaira with a lighter frame, small profile and high speed retrieve. The drag system is well designed and innovative and provides a lot of drag out of the box. It provided 35# at full (16# strike setting and 10# over the spec). The drag assembly is lighter (less mass) than that of the Makaira so will not be able to absorb and dissipate as much heat as the Makaira. It looks like this reel will handle 50# or 60# provided the frame can handle the stress. A dream come true for the finesse light line offshore specialist. Can't wait for the Andros 12SII to see what it can do.

Jim N.

[JGB]

The Dual Force Drag is nearly identical to that used in the Makaira series reels. It is scaled down a bit with thiner SS pressure plates and does not use the Thrust bearing. In addition to the  DF drag there is a third drag surface on the spool (traditional type drag) that engages the back side of the DF Drag to allow for even more drag and a potential 3X reduction in bearing side loads. The Spool drag is pictured on the next post.

[JGB]

The Andros uses the traditional spool stack using C clips to space the spool bearings. The Left side spool clips are very tight and slightly compress the bellevills. This is needed to maintain the proper free spool drag range so sleeving does not work on this reel (at least for now). The left bearing should be opened and cleaned and oiled with TSI.

Note - The Eclip and the Cclip holding the left spool bearing and bellevills are under compression and extremely difficult to put back in place. To replace clips make sure the c clip (inside clip is not installed).  Install the bearing and the the 4 bellevills and then the large Eclip on the end of the shaft. Place the shaft assembly between the jaws of a open vise so that the outer race of the bearing (bellevills are on top of the bearing) rest on top of the vise jaws with enough space to allow the Clip installation in between the jaws of the vice. It will help to place the bearing on the edge of the vise to make access to the shaft Cclip groove.  Press down on the end of the shaft to compress the bellevills enough to expose the Cclip groove under the bearing and install the Cclip. I used my milling machine to press the shaft. but a press or drill press will also work (with a drill press it is a 2 man operation). Also you will probably need to straighten up the Eclip as it will distort upon removal.

[JGB]

The gearing and shift design is identical to the original Andros.

[JGB]

The frame is similar to the original. Here are a few pics.

[alantani]

nice!!!!!

[wallacewt]

looks like they should give free service on this one
1st thing that comes to mind,can you upgrade the original
whatcha think alan?

[Rivverrat]

I would like to know also if the original I have can be upgraded

[Eric_LBZ]

I am waiting for my Andros to be delivered in a few days. I am fairly new to higher end reels.  My question is it necessary to open up and have a brand new reel serviced right out of the box?

[foakes]

Hi Eric --

Yes, you should do a pre-fishing service.

This is not a complete cleaning and service --

What you are doing is cracking open the reel -- checking the grease, oil, drag numbers with line spooled on of course.  You will also be looking for any screws that were left possibly loose or cross-threaded (happens, but generally not with Okuma).  Grease all screws, sideplates, stand bolts and clamp, oil knob, check everything for proper operation.

Nice reel -- good choice...

Best,

Fred

[Eric_LBZ]

I am assuming pre-service is done by Okuma Service Center?

[alantani]

no, for the ultimate in performance, it's work that has to be done by yourself or someone who knows the reel. 

[Eric_LBZ]

Can anyone recommend a reliable Reel Service in the Long Beach area as i am not well versed in servicing my own reels.

[Bryan Young]

There are many, but what kind of service are you expecting?  Many organizations do not service reels like we do here.  They mainly service reels back to mfg. spec.

We coat all internal reel surfaces with a light coat of grease, pack non-spool bearings, open and clean spool bearings and lube with TSI301/321,...

If you want the reel service back to mfg. specs, I would recommend sending the reels to Okuma.  If you are interested in our service, please contact Jim (JGB), Alan and myself via PM.

Thank you.

[Eric_LBZ]

thanks for the reply. sent you a PM.