I've been hearing so many things about the okuma baitcasting reels, and was wondering if their spinning reels perform just as well. I need a new spinning reel, and was wondering how the okumas stacked up against shimano reels. Here's some variables to help with my decision, any help would be greatly appreciated.
I use: 6-12 lb. test line, 1/16-1/4 ounce lures, and was looking for a setup to throw mostly Senkos, dartheads, and light texas rigs. I know the weights for lures and line are a little broad, but I can only afford 2 rods for right now (all my fishing tackle was stolen). If any more information would help you answer my question please ask away, Thank you.

that's right! ;-) much, much smoother. If you think I am crazy, that's cool! :) Anyone who's tinkered with enough spinning gear out there, I am sure would agree.
as to it stacking line/casting, different story!
As far as answering his question, I will let him decide, fishing is all about personal preference! If this is your first invesment in a solid reel, I say go Shimano, and let there "life-long" service, put a good taste in yo' mouth.
D

For 60 bucks, Shimano Sahara is my choice- I've fished the small ones for the perch for a few years, smooth as butter, great drag, actually takes the abuse from the salt pretty good- I had one Okuma, it did have quite a few bearings but it didn't like the salt one bit- very smooth from the get go, but after two trips it felt like poop- this was a few years ago, not sure how they perform now, my guess is better, but I've never had a reason to buy another spinning reel when the old one I have is a champ.

You will see that the cheap reels w/ alot of bearings are smooth for a few months then get loose and rickity. When you buy a reel or anything else just remeber you get what you pay for. Some people tend to think that I pay 500 bucks for a stella and they pay 50 bucks for some cheap import w/ a bunch of bearings that they got them same quality reel for a better deal? Duh...NO I have had mostly daiwa and shimano I will say that they cheaper shimano are better than the daiwa. But once you get up into the high priced reels they are pretty much even.

Hey let that Bass go I wanna catch her some day
http://www.calfishing.com/gallery/v/members/tmcustoms/

Thanks so much everyone for all the help, I have used mid-priced shimano reels in the past, and was just making sure there wasn't something better out there that I should know about.
Taylor, sorry I haven't replied to you man, I've been so busy, but I wanna hit the water with you soon so stay in touch. Thanks again, Dustin

Daiwa's line laying system is superior due to its spool design thus result in superior casting distance and less prone to line tangle in spool. But my favorite surf reel is the Shimano Cardiff baitcasting reel due to the low reel seat position allowing easy palming. If you are casting >3/16 oz, I would go with baitcasting reel; cast further, more control, better drag, retrieve and drop for lure, free spool for drifting bait & etc.