Okuma Cold Water vs. Okuma Convector : Which One is Better

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Okuma fishing reels are some of the most well-known and trusted in the industry. Cold Water and Convector are very similar in many ways. However, there are a few major differences between their cold water line counter reel and their convector star drag reel that those who fish for salmon or other saltwater species should be aware of.

Both reels offer outstanding performance on freshwater species like bass, trout, walleye, etc., but they have different strengths when it comes to fishing for salmon and other saltwater species.

The cold water line counter is more suited for the fisherman looking to spend time at sea with his vessel instead of the shoreline as it is designed to handle rough conditions. Its counterpart features beefier construction with an aluminium frame, which makes it heavier than its competitor. The convector isn’t any lesser in its area of expertise.

Let’s see how they differ from each other.

Comparison Table of the Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel and Okuma Convector Star Drag Reel

Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Reel
Okuma Cold Water
Okuma Convector Star Drag Levelwind
Okuma Convector Star Drag Levelwind
Product
Product
Okuma Cold Water
Okuma Convector Star Drag Levelwind
Orientation
Orientation
Right and left-hand orientation
Right hand only
Specialized Reels
Specialized Reels
Ladies’ reels available
No specialty reels
Weight
Weight
Lighter reel
Slightly heavier
Variety
Variety
2 options only
More options to choose from
Maximum Drag
Maximum Drag
6-7kg
9-10kg
Line Retrieve
Line Retrieve
Retrieves more line
Retrieves a slightly lower amount
Price
Price
Slightly higher in price
A cheaper option

About the Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel

Okuma is known for their outstanding engineering, and they’ve done it again with the Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel. This reel has a sturdy aluminium frame that’s built to last.

It also includes an oversized brake system so you can stop the line instantly when needed, making this reel perfect for targeting game fish in saltwater environments. This line counter reel has been designed with a 2+1 bearing system and features stainless steel ball bearings so that your bait can be retrieved smoothly and easily.

The heavy-duty aluminium body will keep this reel lightweight and durable, perfect for all-day fishing trips! You’ll never have to worry about tangles again with this handy little device. With its sleek design, it will look great on your boat or pier.

Best Overall
Okuma Cold Water
9.9/10Our Score
  • Brand: Okuma
  • Model Name : Cold Water
  • Color : Multi Color
  • Material : Composite
  • Fishing Technique : Trolling
  • Special Features: Lightweight, Rust Resistant
  • Fishing Line Type : Monofilament
  • Bearing Material : Stainless Steel

Pros – The Good

  • A lighter reel
  • Anti-reverse roller bearings perform excellently
  • Compact yet stable
  • An awesome multi-disc drag system

Cons – Drawbacks but not Deal-breakers

  • Its line clicker is louder
  • Not a versatile reel to work with Dipsies

Okuma Convector Star Drag Reel Overview

Okuma’s Convector Star Drag Reel is a great reel for anglers who want to be able to feel the power of their drag and also have an incredibly smooth retrieve. It features both a star-drag system and a ratchet mechanism that lets you adjust your drag on the fly so you can get any type of fishing done, from light line finesse fishing or heavy braid trolling.

The gear ratio is 4:1, which means it has enough gearing in it that most people will not need to use anything higher than this level at all. This versatile yet powerful reel is perfect for anyone looking for something in between medium-weight trolling reels and saltwater aluminium reels.

Okuma Convector Star Drag CV-55L Levelwind Trolling Reel (360 Yards- 30LB) Black
9.7/10Our Score
  • Brand: OKUMA
  • Model Name: Convector Levelwind
  • Color: Black
  • Material: Aluminum, Graphite
  • Fishing Technique: Trolling
  • Special Feature: Anti Reverse
  • Handle Material: Aluminum
  • Bearing Material: Stainless Steel

Pros – The Upside

  • Durable construction
  • Great drag system
  • Smoother retrieve
  • A self-lubricating gear
  • Wider drag range

Cons – Concerns

  • Getting it wet will affect its functionality over time

Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel vs. Okuma Convector Star Drag Reel – 6 Key Differences

Orientation:

The Convector Star Drag reel comes in the right-hand level wind orientation while its contender is available in the right and left hand. This allows you to choose what to use.

Specialized Reels:

The Line Counter has an option for ladies’ reels. These have been fine-tuned for the female angler.

Weight:

The Line Counter is a lighter reel than the Convector. In as much as each has several models under it, overall, the Star Drag is heavier.

Variety:

Some anglers love to choose from a wide variety of reels. This allows them to get a specific one for their desired species and environment. The Coldwater Line will be perfect for you if you are of this type.

Line Retrieve:

The Coldwater Line Counter retrieves more lines on average than the Star Drag. The Coldwater retrieves at 58.4-66cm while the Convector retrieves at 66-86.4cm.

Maximum Drag:

The Star Drag Reel has a maximum drag force of 9-10kgs while the other has it at 6-7kgs. The former has a higher drag range than the latter.

Final Verdict

Which one would you pick? The Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Reel or the Okuma Convector Star Drag Reel? That is a difficult question. You can’t go wrong with either choice, but we think it depends on what your fishing style and preference are!

If you are looking for something that weighs less, then the cold water line reel may be best suited to your needs. But if getting out there in extreme conditions isn’t an issue, then maybe the star drag reel will work better for you.

In any case, both of these reels offer top-quality performance so make sure to check them out before making a decision!

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