Without a doubt, Okuma pioneered the inexpensive swimbait rod. Not the "some other blank made in to a swimbait rod" but the true swimbait rod for under $100. Their new lineup is the C3, lime green in the butt section, with an interesting 'tacky' feeling grip.

I got two samples. A 7'11" Heavy and a 7'11" Extra Heavy. The actions are very similar to the originals but the rods are so much lighter. They feel like half the weight when you fish them. I've only played a little with the 7'11" Heavy but can tell it will be my new Slammer rod. Hoping to spend time with the X-heavy soon and will report back.

Retail is around $180. Here's the first fish on the Heavy, a good sign in my book :)

http://www.calfishing.com/gallery/d/23967-2/5-12.jpg

OKUMAs rods are looking good, my S.W.B.A partner works for them and we R&D them. Real good line for the 2010 season.......

Rob, it sounds like you have both the original Okumas and the new C3s. Would you mind weighing the 7'11" heavies to give us an idea of how much each of the rods weigh?

No problem. I'll work on that tomorrow time permitting. I've been using both the 7'11" H and the XH the last few trips. Great rods! The casting distance is noticeably better than the original Okumas. The XH in particular has a lot of "launch" to it. If you wind up and throw down wind, you can really toss the bait FAR.

I took my new C3 out today. It cast like a dream. I stuck an 8.7 and it handled it no prob! Its stiffer than the regular GS. Its a sensative rod. I have to pick up the heavy now.