I have been searching the forums for information on the Okuma Aventa center pin reels as I am considering moving from my Abu 704 closed face reel, but have drawn a blank.

Having had a look at one in the shop, they seem a well engineered product, and the shop owner says they are brill (but he would say that if I looked interested in shelling out nearly 90 quid). I would appreciate anyones first hand experience as it will soon be 'trotting time' again.

Many thanks
Ian

A mate has the Okuma Aventa VT1002 Pro Centrepin, it really is a nice reel. Very free running and ultra smooth, when I tried it I would have thought it was a more expensive reel to be honest.

i have one but have only used it a few times as by force of habbit i pick up my old centre-pin,i do like it its very smooth
and line peels of nicly even with lightish
stickfloats easerly breaking the inertia,i
did try wallis casting with it and despite
my ineptitude and non to perfect conditions
and it being smaller and lighter than my old reel after 7 or 8 attempts i got it right, the aventa behaved perfectly,i'd say
the handles are surplus to requirements,i
was a little worried about the lack of any
holes to spin the spool with on retrival.
but soon got used to pushing against the
central bar and batting the drum,i like it
so much i'am thinking of getting another !
unless okuma start selling spare spools,but
that may mean selling my old reel !!!? too
fund the purchase ! almost forgot ratchets
are nice (not used to having one)they're
worth every penny of the £90 retail price
but carefull shopping around will get you
one cheeper.

forgot to mention i have the Okuma Aventa VT1002 Pro (bronze one)i got mine of e-bay
for about £50 (new)

here is one on e-bay now (and next 5 days)

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Okuma-Aventa-Center-Pin-Reel-VT-1002_W0QQitemZ7189365361QQcategoryZ1494QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

currently at £50,or this one with a buy now
option (2 available)for £85

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OKUMA-AVENTA-VT-1002_W0QQitemZ7141573429QQcategoryZ1494QQssPageNameZWD1VQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Many thanks guys.

On the basis of this information I have been to the local tackle shop and bought one today (VT1002 pro). The nice chap explained the technique in great detail and loaded a spool of Drennan line for me in the price. (86 quid - but I couldn't wait for an Ebay sale and the personal touch is always nice!!)

Can't wait to get out tomorrow and give them nice chub a good bashing.

Ian

What a days sport - absolutely superb.

9 chub (most between 2 and 3 pounds)and endless Dace (with the odd Perch thrown in for good luck. Hardly missed a fish all day. This reel performed superbly and the contact you can maintain with the float is amazing.

Just wish I had gone the centre pin route before.

Highly recommended.
Ian