Like most reel manufacturers, the quality and performance of Okuma are not always uniform across the models they sell. I have a few of their spinning and fly fishing reels (Epixor spinning reel and Sierra fly reels, to be specific) which are their mid-grade stuff, and I think they're very good value. But I do think that their low-priced rods and reels are of poor quality, which is no different than virtually any other manufacturer.

One thing I find is that well known manufacturers such as Shimano and Daiwa offer better engineered reels, even their cheap ones. This becomes quite evident when you take the reel apart.

I don't like Okuma rods, and I have not seen one I like, at any price.