I stopped in to Cabelas today and was looking at these two reels.  I've been thinking long and hard about the Okuma.  I started to browse other reels and saw their house brand Verano had the same eva paddles, what looked like the same spool and line guide (just another color) and the kicker is the braking system inside is exactly the same b/w the two reels!  My question is other than perhaps the Verano being an alum. body platform and the Helios maybe not, what are the other differences?  If there really are not any, is this a good look for someone wanting a Helios without having to buy the Okuma and saving the $50 difference in price?

 

Coak

P.S.--I did pick up a clearance Quantum Smoke for $99.  They only had the 100HPT, but for that price I couldn't resist NIB

Coak,

 

I believe the Verano is a Helios.  If it's not I'd be very surprised.

I stopped in to Cabelas today and was looking at these two reels.  I've been thinking long and hard about the Okuma.  I started to browse other reels and saw their house brand Verano had the same eva paddles, what looked like the same spool and line guide (just another color) and the kicker is the braking system inside is exactly the same b/w the two reels!  My question is other than perhaps the Verano being an alum. body platform and the Helios maybe not, what are the other differences?  If there really are not any, is this a good look for someone wanting a Helios without having to buy the Okuma and saving the $50 difference in price?

 

Coak

P.S.--I did pick up a clearance Quantum Smoke for $99.  They only had the 100HPT, but for that price I couldn't resist NIB

 

 

The Helios has an Aluminum frame AND aluminum sideplates @ 6.3 ounces has ABEC 5 spool bearings. No mention of the Verano having 5's but it weighs 1/2oz more.

The Helios can also be bought for around $137 +tax at walmart

 

oops sorry it is now $138.55 just checked

It is the same reel as the helios and the newest prodigy spinning reel is a rebadged okuma rtx. Most all of cabelas reels other than these are daiwa. Almost all of their reels have magforce and almist all spinning reels have daiwa trademarks like the hardbody frame

Thanks Quake for the clarification. I thought the Helios might've been an Al. frame and side plates since the Helios Air is a Mg frame. I didn't realize about the bearings though! Great information to know as I'm still thinking about another reel soon!