Anything but Ordinary – Okuma’s Limited Edition Chroma
Spinning Reel (continued)
The most refined element on
the Chroma is the spool which is constructed from machined aluminum and two-tone
anodized giving the spool a matte look. The Chroma logo can be found on the
spool but because it is finished in the same matte black it is easy to miss this
subtle implementation, especially with all the bright pops of color on the
surrounding components. On the other side of the spool anglers will find a
unique laser engraved reel number. Only 1,000 pieces of the Chroma were built
and this number designates the reel’s specific production number. Our test reel
is numbered 467/1000.
On the other side of the spool is
the individual reel number. Our reel was number 467 out of 1000
Okuma
is clearly having fun with this reel and to further reinforce just how limited
each reel is the company includes a double anodized bottle cap opener that is
etched with a matching number and the phrase “Rising with every challenge – LTD
Edition.” It is a very nice touch that further celebrates the nature of this
custom-built limited release.
Included with every Chroma is an
anodized bottle cap opener with a matching limited edition number engraved into
the tool
Performance:
The Chroma will only be available in one size (CM-30LTD) with a gear ratio of
5.0:1, and weighs in at 7.76 ounces. It pairs well with most bass rods, and save
for a few 13 Fishing rods, the bright colors will be the first thing that other
anglers see. I paired it with other black rods with EVA grips like the Megabass
Levante and Uribe Riverside rods, so that the colors would really stand out.
In terms of performance the Chroma
feels similar to the Epixor Series and is smooth and comes with a quality drag
Even though the Chroma
exhibits
some frame elements from the affordable new Alaris Series reels when it comes to
performance and refinement the Chroma feels more like the Epixor XT series. The
reel is smooth and balanced, and the composite frame could easily be mistaken
for an aluminum body based on how rigid the reel feels under load. I did feel a
little bit of slop in how the handle matches up with the gearing but that is to
be expected for any graphite reel. The drag on the Chroma tested out at
14.7lbs. of pressure in our lab, which is just shy of the 7kg (15.4lb.) rating,
and when battling fish I found this drag to be more than powerful enough.
The reel is only available in one
size (30) and weighs in at 7.68oz.
What
is more challenging to quantify is the sheer fun factor that the Chroma offers.
These reels are anything but ordinary, and knowing that you are fishing with
something rather exclusive only adds to the allure.
There is no doubt that the
color choices and styling on the Chroma are polarizing, and yet the more I
fished it the more I liked it, and really started to embrace the uniqueness of
the reel. The Chroma garners a lot of attention and whenever I fished it nearby
anglers would ask me what it was, and a surprising number of them even asked where
they could get one.
Wherever I fished the Chroma other
anglers would ask me about the brightly colored reel. It certainly has a bold
presence and the fact it is so difficult to get does add to the mystique
Price and
Applications: Okuma USA has confirmed that they have
secured approximately fifty pieces of the Chroma reels and will be making them
available on their site for the MSRP of only $79.99 dollars each. These will be
sold on a first come first serve basis and judging from the interest in social
media, and the fact that there is already an aftermarket for the reels, these Chroma reels will likely go pretty quick.
With so few reels available we have already seen some buyers willing to pay more
than 2 times the MSRP for these reels. Yesterday reel 376/1000 was
sold for $265.00 on eBay, and last week reel 44/1000 received 50
bids on eBay and
sold for a whopping $412 dollars!
Fishing should be above all a fun
experience and the Chroma oozes fun-factor
Conclusion:
Okuma is relatively new to the enthusiast game, and while the Chroma may not be sought
after in the same circles as traditional premium JDM tackle like Ito reels for
example, it is exciting that the company is actively embracing this audience.
The Chroma shows us that Okuma is willing to take chances, break away from
convention, and invest in producing reels that are hand built in small
quantities.
While the Chroma isn't for
everyone we appreciate that Okuma was willing to take risks and embrace the
enthusiast community with something truly unique and collectible
I
wasn’t sure what to think about the Chroma when I first heard about the reel's
paint finish, and yet when I first saw it I simply couldn’t take my eyes off it.
The Chroma grows on you, and while the design is definitely polarizing, this is
also part of the appeal of the reel as it never was intended to cater to
everyone. The Chroma is for the angler looking for something distinct, and the
fact that it is difficult to procure only adds fuel to the collector’s desire.
I hope that Okuma, and other
manufacturers, continue to take chances and embrace tackle enthusiasts with
custom-made products like the Chroma. Fishing and collecting tackle should be
enjoyable, and in this regard the Chroma’s bright colors, and bespoke nature,
doesn’t pull any punches while delivering a fun-factor rarely seen at this price
point.
Looking for the
Chroma? Okuma USA
will be releasing a
limited number
direct on their
site.
Update 5/18/20 -
Okuma released an
undisclosed number
of reels on their US
site for $100
dollars each which
included a bundle
with a UPF Neck
Gaiter and UPF Sun
Sleeves. These
bundles were
literally sold out
in minutes!
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