Design & Ergonomics: If there's one area of disappointment I have with Okuma's ITX-2500H, it's in the reel's weight. Despite benefiting from a composition consisting predominately of a carbon alloy (body, sideplates, and rotor) this reel weighted in at 8.6 ounces in our lab. For comparison's sake, the aluminum Shimano Stradic FL I fished last year weighed 7.9 ounces.

The carbon composite rotor has a cool design

See that switch? It's a vanishing feature on spinning reels

What I really like about the ITX-2500H is most everything else. The best thing about the reel, in my hands, is that it doesn't fish like a carbon bodied reel. It doesn't have that hollow feeling which is a symptomatic of the majority of reels made from carbon composites. Styling cues are also on point with a carbon center plate in the middle of the drag knob and a one piece handle made from machined aluminum.

That's what I was targeting

A feature I was not expecting in a reel at this price point is the presence of a bearing at the center of the ITX's spool where it meets the drive shaft contributing to that smooth drag I experienced. This is a very well thought out spinning reel with a price point that won't break the tackle budget.

The ITX Carbon Spinning reel is very capable

Price & Applications: Speaking of price point, Okuma's line of ITX Carbon spinning reels retail for between $104.99 to $119.99 depending on size. The reel featured in this review is at the $104.99 price point. The ITX is available in 1000, 2500, 3000, and 4000 sizes, so finding a size appropriate for your application is pretty simple.

Priced at just $104.99 for the 2500 size, it's a value that's difficult resist

If you're looking for an affordable, every trip, workhorse reel to pair with your favorite or newly acquired spinning rod, Okuma's new ITX spinning reel is worth serious consideration

Conclusion: Honestly, there is a lot to like about this new reel from Okuma with only two things I can think of to criticize - its weight and the lack of a shallow spool option. Otherwise, the list of good, from the machined handle to the non-slip strip of rubber in the spool, to the bearing between the spool and drive shaft, to the carbon drag, to the design of the drag knob and line clip, really overwhelms those two points. Best of all, Okuma delivers these features, not in an expensive, flagship product, but in a package that a lot of anglers will be able to afford and therefore enjoy. If you're looking for an affordable, every trip, workhorse reel to pair with your favorite or newly acquired spinning rod, Okuma's new ITX spinning reel is worth serious consideration.

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