Okuma Cortez Star Drag Reel

Nimble, agile and simply a ton of fun to fish, the Okuma Cortez brings light tackle performance to a whole new category of anglers.

Drop down gearbox, swept in handle and Ergo Grip handle knob accentuate balance and delivery of power from the XL gearing, red anodized machined aluminum spool and multi-disc Carbonite drag system.

Graphite frame and side plates maintain a feather light feel and balance while increasing corrosion resistance. From the beach, pier and jetty or the deck of a sportfisher, the Okuma Cortez is perfect for lures, live and chunk bait with casting governed by an externally adjustable magnetic cast control system.

Technical Characteristics

• Corrosion resistant graphite frame and sideplates
• CZ-55W features an aluminum frame graphite sideplates and extra-wide spool
• Machined aluminum, red anodized spool
• Multi-disc Carbonite drag system
• Forged aluminum, red anodized star
• Anodized aluminum swept handle reduces wobble while cranking
• 4BB+1RB stainless steel bearings
• MCS: External magnetic cast control system on 5CS, 10CS and 12CS sizes
• Ergo grip handle knob
• Dual anti-reverse system (mechanical & roller bearing)
• XL Gearing: Drop down gear box with 6.2:1 gear ratio
• Quick-Set anti-reverse roller bearing
• MSS: Mechanical Stabilizing System for increased durability
• Recessed thumb bar for comfort
• Self lubricating gear system, all models

The XL gearing design found on both lever drag and star drag reels incorporates an oversized gear box that features an enlarged gearing system and enlarged drag system. The drag surface areas on this system are more than 50% larger than a standard gear-box design. For the gear system, the major advantage is that the gear teeth are substantially larger, allowing more strength and cranking power. This is how we are able to offer a high-speed gear ratio reel without sacrificing cranking power. Our XL gearing system essentially turns your reel into a winch.

Okuma's Magnetic Control System is a fully-sealed, 100% waterproof cast control system that reduces backlash and improves casting distance by utilizing the magnetic field generated by the high RPM spinning of the spool during casting. The magnetic field is influenced by the adjustable cast control magnet which exerts an opposing force and allows for minute and accurate adjustments.

Okuma's ALL NEW "Carbonite" drag system features a newly-developed carbon-based drag material which displaces heat and friction consistently and steadily even under the harshest of fishing conditions. Used in conjunction with a small amount of specially-formulated Okuma drag grease, the Carbonite drag system allows for a much wider and smoother drag range, all while maintaining exceptional performance and pure fish- stopping power.

The self-lubricating gear system is a feature found on Okuma's higher-end star drag reels. The main gear on this system incorporates a heat-sensitive oil-impregnated brass bushing that is mounted in the center of the gear. This system releases oil if friction increases to keep the main gear and drive shaft running smoothly in all conditions. Okuma is the first company to adopt this technology which originated in the large machine industry where this function has been time tested for many years.

Ergo Grip handle knob is an extremely comfortable oversized handle-knob design for both speed and power. This soft-touch knob has been ergonomically designed to fit in the palm of your hand and will be found on certain Okuma lever drag reels, star drag reels and some spinning reel models.

This system allows for instant handle engagement and eliminates all handle back play commonly found in many reels. This is accomplished by using a corrosion- resistant stainless steel roller bearing that engages the reel in one direction for rock-solid hook sets.

Strong, Stable, Smooth - Okuma's Mechanical Stabilizing System is a support system that ties the spool shaft, pinion gear, pinion gear bearing, drive shaft and main gear together with a single support system. While other reels on the market offer minimal or no gear stabilization, this patented Okuma design allows all of these critical parts to stay in precise alignment. Designed specifically to hold up to the demands of braided and wire line fishing, the MSS support system stabilizes the spool shaft at 3 key stress points to eliminate flex under pressure – which directly translates into a reel that is more durable, stronger and smoother than the competition.