Okuma Integrity LA 8/9 Reel Review
Okuma Integrity LA 8/9 Fly Reel
Ok I admit it… I’m a Tech Head. usually I gotta have the latest gear, whether it’s rods, reel, or add ons, and usually it’s the more expensive stuff
Dun Rates it : 4-1/2 out of 5
Description: Model Integrity LA 8/9
Colour: Black
Line Weight: WF8F 130 yrds #20
On the Eyes: Easy
Bang for the Buck : a tremendous deal @ approx $200 Canadian (see your retailer)
back in late March I was surprised by a PM from Mr. McKay, asking would I be interested in testing out a reel for the Hipster’s? in short I agreed to put the reel through it’s paces and provide some feedback.
This is a solid reel for it’s price range. with a capacity of 130yrds #20 backing it is more then adequate for both Warm Water and Adipose Species. tolerances are tight and any machining marks have been buffed out well. a ported aluminum frame keeps weight to 8 oz., which is in range with other high-end manufacturers. designed with an oversized stainless steel based drag which offers little initial resistance, this unit has the stuff to stop everything from Chinook’/Steelhead to Bass and Pike.
I fished this reel on/off for 3 months, on Steelhead, Pike and Bass. part of my testing is to see how well products hold up under extreme usage. I actually dunked this reel in several Eastern tributaries in late March then sat and let it freeze in the ambient air temperature for 10 minutes. on the first pull to strip off line, the reel started effortlessly and was none the worst for wear. even dunking it in a silty Kawartha Lake had little effect on the drag or retrieval and stripping of line. setting the drag (which seems to have no end to it’s limits and just keeps turning forward or back) to the desired level is easy. my only beef/s is the drag knob on the hub seems to not want to stay in it’s predetermined place and is prone to loosening off on occasion during casting. also for someone looking at a Steelhead reel the drag adjustment knob might be hard to manipulate in colder weather where gloves are required as it sits pretty flush to the hub itself.
these last two points are all I could really find wrong with the Okuma Integrity LA 8/9 (and it’s nitpicking at best on my part) I would even go as far and say it would make a great Spey reel for lighter weight Spey outfits (#5/#6Wt’s) as you’d easily increase your backing capacity to 160-180 yrd range.
overall given it’s features and price, someone in the market for a decent reel under an average budget, could do no wrong buying an Okuma Integrity LA Series.
I think I might start becoming a low-tech junkie from now on 
Related Link: Okuma
