Fin-Nor Offshore Series Star Drag Reels?

[JRJBfishing]

I was looking at getting a couple lower priced conventional reels for jigging and bottom fishing. I was going to go with a couple Saltist 30H's but I found a really good deal on some of these Fin-Nor offshore star drag reels.. The OFC16L model has 35lbs of drag, weighs 23oz's, and will hold 350yds of 80lb braid.. The daiwa has less line capacity, weighs the same, and only has 22lbs of drag....

Has anyone had experience with this reel? Will it hold up to the rigors of jigging??

Thanks!

JRJB

[seasea]

they work great, really good tough reel for the price. I have saltist 40 and 50, saltiga 30t and the OFC16L along with my accurates. I think its right in line with the saltist but ive only had mine a few months. ask whitelakebuck, he's put one through the wringer and its still kicking.
get the low gear ratio, you'll be stoked.

[WhiteLakeBuc]

The OFC-16L is the best sub $200 conventional IMHO. I fish one all the time and it has been great. FYI - I don't think smoothdrag makes carbontex for this reel yet, BUT the Saltist 30T washers fit perfectly.

[Van Wildonher]

I have the 30L good reel so far, except the drag is sticky out of the box.

[JRJBfishing]

If you had to choose between the Saltist and the Fin-Nor, which one would you go with?

Thanks for the info!!

JRJB

[wrap-check]

I have a pair of the 20L's - have been extremely happy with them so far. Haven't gotten to use them on tuna yet, but great for cod jigging and overkill on Stripers.
They hold an obscene amount of 80lb powerpro.

[WhiteLakeBuc]

I have had Torium's, Saltist, and Fin-Nor OFC. I say the Fin-Nor OFC. Why? The others are broken and sitting in a bucket. The OFC keeps fishing and getting it done!

My drag was sticky out of the box also. Here is the fix:

The OFC drag stack is a DRY washer stack. None of the drag washers (metal or fiber) should have oil, grease, or anything on them. They should be bone dry. Out of the box, my drag washers had oil on them making them stick. Take out the drag stack and clean removing all grease and oil within the drag stack without breaking the fiber drag washers. Reassemble and viola!

Or

Just get ya some carbontex!

[Bert Rodgers]

I have had Torium's, Saltist, and Fin-Nor OFC. I say the Fin-Nor OFC. Why? The others are broken and sitting in a bucket. The OFC keeps fishing and getting it done!

My drag was sticky out of the box also. Here is the fix:

The OFC drag stack is a DRY washer stack. None of the drag washers (metal or fiber) should have oil, grease, or anything on them. They should be bone dry. Out of the box, my drag washers had oil on them making them stick. Take out the drag stack and clean removing all grease and oil within the drag stack without breaking the fiber drag washers. Reassemble and viola!

Or

Just get ya some carbontex!

Are you using it for tunas?

Bert

[ReelBroke]

60 inch bluefin landed on fin nor 20h w/50lb, while jigging no problem, hard to beat for the price

[Taz575]

I have 500 yds of Daiwa 80# metered on my 20L. Upgraded to Carbontex, doubled up the spring washers under the star because my first set flattened out. Seems to be nice so far! Not quite as smooth as the Saltiga, but for the price, it's hard to beat! I need a JM handle for it now I can get over 30# of drag out of it, too.