Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Conventional and Bait Casting Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Okuma Tutorials and Questions => Topic started by: tarpon one on March 27, 2021, 12:37:26 PM

Title: Okuma Metaloid 5s
Post by: tarpon one on March 27, 2021, 12:37:26 PM
I recently purchased a new Metaloid 5s and I'm reasonably impressed with the reel, especially considering the cost, with the exception of the drag curve. IMO not really much of a curve, more like an on / off switch. Is there anything I can do to obtain greater adjustment of the drag? I know the Metaloid has been replaced by the Cavalla and I'm wondering if the drag cam from the Cavalla can be installed for greater adjustment. Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
Title: Re: Okuma Metaloid 5s
Post by: tarpon one on April 02, 2021, 01:05:22 AM
I finally spoke with tech support at Okuma today and I learned more about the issue with the drag system on my Metaloid. Apparently early Metaloids were produced with West Coast anglers in mind. What I was told is the drag was designed with a very steep drag curve so anglers could go from virtually no drag to full "strike" drag in one movement of the lever. I was told that Okuma has designed and can provide a revised drag cam that will give infinitely greater adjustment. I think the cost of the cam is approximately $22. but will be provided under warranty. Hopefully problem solved.
Title: Re: Okuma Metaloid 5s
Post by: alantani on April 02, 2021, 02:08:25 AM
i was working on one an hour ago and ground down the cam with a dremel and a sanding wheel.  i cut down too far.  i still need to see what the drag profile looks like.  it might be ok.  i'm waiting to see what topshot he wants on it and i will go from there. 
Title: Re: Okuma Metaloid 5s
Post by: tarpon one on April 24, 2021, 01:24:27 AM
New drag cam arrived today. Installation took 60 seconds and the transformation is like having a different reel.
Thanks Okuma.
Title: Re: Okuma Metaloid 5s
Post by: MarkT on April 24, 2021, 02:14:09 AM
Most lever drags seem to go from free to strike in 1/4 inch.  I'd prefer them to be linear so that if I'm half way to strike I have half of the strike drag.  Just put a detent at strike to keep you from going beyond it with pushing a button.  Yeah Penn and Daiwa, I'm talking to you!