Introduction: Okuma had plenty to showcase this season, but the big reel launch for the brand was the new Safyre spinning reel. Designed for both freshwater and saltwater inshore duty, the Safyre has been engineered to handle a variety of species and conditions ranging from finesse bass work to battling inshore reds.

Okuma showcased a complete range of freshwater and saltwater offerings this ICAST

For Both Fresh and Salt: Styling-wise the Okuma Safyre has a clean looking compact carbon fiber composite body with aluminum components including the spool and handle that are all anodized blue, playing into both the reel's name and the fact it is designed to handle saltwater conditions.

Their biggest reel launch was the Safyre workhorse spinning reel

At the heart of the new Safyre reel is Okuma's oversized HDG+ high-density gearing paired with a precision machine-cut brass pinion gear, a combo that promises increased torque and longer gear life. Okuma has also added their Flite Drive System and Gear Stabilizing System (GSS), which is designed to help maintain gear alignment under load and keep the reel's retrieve both smooth and consistent over the long haul.

While many bass anglers know Okuma for their baitcasting and spinning reels and rods the company is a powerhouse in the saltwater market

The Tesoro jigging reel is a slow pitch vertical jigging reel inspired by the Asian jigging applications providing lots of power, strength, and durability in a compact one-piece aluminum framed body
 

To combat a wide range of hard pulling species the Safyre also features a beefed up multi-disc Carbonite drag system is designed for steady, predictable stopping power, and up to 18lbs. of pressure on the 2500 size reel. Internally there is a 7BB + 1RB stainless-steel bearing setup that adds both corrosion resistance and a smooth feel.

The Safyre features a carbon fiber composite frame and anodized aluminum spool and handle. The reel features special waterproofing to give it an impressive IPX-3 splash rating

One feature anglers in brackish and saltwater will appreciate in the Safyre is the Hydro Block II body, which offers IPX-3 splash protection to help keep water out of critical components. Okuma's Cyclonic Flow Rotor (CFR) also plays a role here, encouraging water to drain off the rotor more efficiently to reduce moisture retention and extend the reel's lifespan.

Okuma continues to make tackle more accessible to all anglers. An example are the Outrax rods and reels. This rod has a clean look and is a durable glass fiber two piece rod for easy transport

Together with a 3000 size Outrax reel this combo retails for only $34.99 and are available in either Powder Blue or Sand (shown) finishes

Okuma will offer the Safyre in sizes 1000 to 5000, with select high-speed models available for anglers who want to burn baits back or pick up line in a hurry. All models come backed by a 1-year limited warranty.

Jonathan Gaytan, Digital Marketing Manager at Okuma, shows us the complete range of new Safyre reels. These versatile reels offer a lot for a very reasonable price to anglers targeting fish in both fresh and saltwater

Our Quick Take: At the ICAST show the Safyre felt solid in hand thanks to its carbon fiber frame and rigid machined aluminum handle, which screws directly into the body for a tight, no-wobble retrieve. Cranking on the Safyre at the show it felt every bit as smooth as some of the pricier models in the Okuma lineup. The company has been designing, building, and continually improving their spinning offerings for decades and it shows. The fact that anglers can get all of this performance - oversized HDG+ gearing, a machine-cut brass pinion, a carbonite drag, and IPX-3 splash protection - for just $84.99 to $99.99 is impressive and right in line with Okuma's reputation for delivering a lot of reel for the money.