Okuma Baidarka "issues"?

As I'm working on gearing up for fishing this year, I've been giving some serious thought to the Bairdarka rods.  There's not a whole lot of info on them that I've found, but I know guys have them.  That's about the extent of it.  I did get a message earlier saying:

...was talking with the sales associate at Bobs and was thinking of buying one of those sweet Okuma Baidarkas and he said they had taken several back with handle issues....

Nothing more could be said than that.  He didn't ask what the "issues" were.  Has anyone else heard anything? 

http://www.norcalkayakanglers.com/index.php/topic,16168.0.html

Try this..
Brian

ah yes, forgot to look there.  Seems the cap would likely be the main issue the guy was talking about. Only mentioned once in the whole thread. 

I've heard of a few breaking and at least one problem with an eye breaking.  I've also heard that Okuma customer service has been good in dealing with the problems.

The rod itself is decent.  I have one.  But I must admit, it is not the first rod I reach for when doing general rockfishing.  The long foregrip makes it feel like it is a bigger rod than I like to hold on a kayak.  The top spot for rods for me belongs to a Trevala rod I have.  The second spot belongs to a Tsumani travel rod I have.  I started out using the Tsunami on trips to Alaska, but have found it to be a pretty good rod day in and day out.

-Allen

I've heard of a few breaking and at least one problem with an eye breaking.  I've also heard that Okuma customer service has been good in dealing with the problems.

The rod itself is decent.  I have one.  But I must admit, it is not the first rod I reach for when doing general rockfishing.  The long foregrip makes it feel like it is a bigger rod than I like to hold on a kayak.  The top spot for rods for me belongs to a Trevala rod I have.  The second spot belongs to a Tsumani travel rod I have.  I started out using the Tsunami on trips to Alaska, but have found it to be a pretty good rod day in and day out.

-Allen

What weight Trevala do you have?  I was looking at one at Fishermen's Marine just the other day and almost pulled the trigger.  I like a 8ft medium heavy "back bouncer" style salmon rod for lings and bottomfish but the Trevala felt like it might do heavy deep water ling and hailbut without being a total pool cue.  Decent feel for around 100 bones

Trevala TVC66M for heavier deepwater.  Handles 4-8 ounces well.  A bit heavy for lighter stuff IMO, but it works for good all around.   I tend to start at 4 ounces and size up or down depending on what the ocean is telling me that day, so this is my rod of choice.  Size down one to the TVC70ML if you're going to be working 2 ounce jigs all day.

-Allen

I think they are UGLY as sin. You put a pretty Avet on a stick my Shorthair wouldn't even chew up.

I like the Lamiglas kayak rods, Rogue Rods and those Shimano Trevala's too.

I had a Baidarka and sold it. What turned me off was when I looked down the rod towards the tip, the guides didn't line up straight.

I had a Baidarka and sold it. What turned me off was when I looked down the rod towards the tip, the guides didn't line up straight.

damn, that sounds like a potential candidate for an acid wrapped treatment  by Erik of  KZ ReelRods. oh well hope the buyer was happy.