Introduction: Following the success of their previous limited-edition offerings including the Chroma and GT spinning reels Okuma is now dedicating more resources to creating unique reels that add to the experience of angling and fishing an Okuma product. The Wave Off is both the name of the next reel and Okuma’s new “Urban Design Team” which is responsible for creating these limited-edition offerings.

The Urban Fishing Reel was created by Okuma's design team "Wave Off"

Wave Off: Unveiled by Okuma's urban design team, Wave Off, this reel stands as a testament to ingenuity and uniqueness. Established in 2017, Wave Off's mission is to defy the boundary where tide meets street, seamlessly blending the realms of fishing and urban culture. This is basically Okuma’s version of what North Face is doing with their Purple Label, a sub-branded offering that is more exclusive and lifestyle oriented.

The Wave Off Urban is a limited edition reel that is graffiti inspired

The Wave Off Urban Fishing spinning reel offers anglers a unique experience. The Wave Off is inspired by graffiti, and features trademarked Paint Off™ paint, which is designed to naturally wear away over time, revealing the colors hidden beneath.

After use and over time the paint will wear down and scratch off naturally to reveal the iridescent paint

The paint looks different depending on the angle and light. Each reel will be unique depending on the angler's personal use

Anglers are encouraged to fish the reel normally, allowing the Paint Off™ paint to fade organically. Beneath the carbon gray exterior lies a vibrant and iridescent undercoating, patiently waiting to be exposed. Okuma’s Wave Off team is making a statement in more ways than one with this reel and the striking contrast is designed to serve as a vivid testament to the passion and vitality thriving beneath the seemingly monotonous industrial urban landscape. Whether it's an individual's unique style or the precious, seemingly concealed ecosystems within our urban waterways, the reel is a reflection that these elements flourish within our cities.

Each reel will ship with a carbon fiber bottle opener signifying the reel is 1 out of 1000 and the actual number of the reel is lasered onto the spool

Not only are the reels unique in that they are numbers and limited, but each angler’s reel also will gradually unveil a distinctive pattern where the paint has worn off, leaving an indelible mark that reflects their personal style, attitude, and unwavering passion for the sport.

The Wave Off Team created the Chroma, GT, and Urban Fishing spinning reels and is already working on future projects

The Wave Off spinning reel will be available in very limited quantities in 3000 and 4000 sizes and retail for $199 and $209 dollars respectively. Like the Chroma we expect these reels will sell out quickly when they debut after ICAST and command higher prices in the aftermarket.

Taking the ITX Series to the next level is the company's JDM model, the ITX CB

Okuma Goes JDM: In addition to the Wave Off special edition reel Okuma is also looking to appeal to performance-oriented users with a JDM version of their popular ITX spinning reel. The ITX CB was created specifically for the JDM region originally and features everything that the standard ITX reel has and soups it up to the next level. Visually the ITX CB is higher end looking with a black frame, rotor, and spool with tasteful gold highlights.

The ITX CB gets cosmetic, ergonomic, and performance improvements

Refinement and performance get a boost in the JDM version with the Flite Drive system which increases gear stability and smoothness. The A7075 spool is machined and anodized, and the drag washers have been optimized to reduce weight but not sacrifice any pressure. Completing the look is a carbon fiber handle and lightweight EVA barrel knob. In comparison to the standard ITX the 2500 size CB reel weighs 7.9 ounces versus the standard 8.3o ounces. The ITX CB will be available to US anglers in 1000, 2500, 3000, and 4000 sizes, and retail for only $159.99 each. This is a $40 premium over the standard ITX which is reasonable considering the cosmetic and performance enhancements.

Dave Brown, Senior Marketing Specialist at Okuma with the new
X-Series Bass Rods, their highest-end bass rods to date

Our Quick Take: With each passing season, Okuma continues to elevate their product offering. Once recognized primarily for their value and mainstream spinning reels, the company has garnered a devoted following for their excellent saltwater reels and has made significant strides in the freshwater market. For bass anglers, Okuma presents two compelling reasons to incorporate their products into their arsenal: the performance oriented ITX CB (JDM) reels and the X-Series Bass Rods. Acknowledging that fishing tackle encompasses more than mere tools, Okuma has further ventured into the realm of limited-edition reels, exemplified by the Wave Off Urban series. These unique pieces not only make a stylish statement but also contribute to the brand's expansion into a broader audience, commanding attention from a new generation of anglers.