Okuma’s Makaira two-speed lever-drag reel was created around the company’s “4-D” concept: design, drive, drag and durability. Possibly the most attractive characteristic of this new reel is the Dual Force Drag system, designed by Tiburon Engineering. The DFD system is a wet drag system that utilizes dual carbonite drag washers and Cal’s 2-Speed drag grease. Tiburon also custom-designed a thrust bearing that will absorb side load pressure, which allows anglers to fish heavy drag loads without increasing handle pressure. The Makaira features helical gears, which are smoother and quieter and offer anglers more torque upon retrieve. For hardness, corrosion-resistance and durability, Okuma machines all of its gears, shafts and drag plates from marine-grade stainless steel. $499.99; for more information, visit www.okumafishing.com.
