Feeder reels · Elliptical gearing · Our review
Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel
CLX-40F and CLX-55F
Our verdict
A smart-looking feeder reel with useful spool options, tidy gearing and two sizes for everything from commercial carp to proper river work.
Good for
- Commercial carp and mixed coarse anglers
- River anglers using heavier feeders
Maybe skip if
- Ultra-light float and finesse anglers
- Anglers chasing the lightest possible distance setup
Key points
- Available as CLX-40F and CLX-55F.
- Both models have seven ball bearings plus one roller bearing.
- The machine-cut aluminium shallow spool is supplied with an aluminium regular spare spool.
Make sure it’s the right one. This review covers the Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel in both listed sizes: CLX-40F and CLX-55F.
Tackle Index score
Our on-paper score, worked out from the maker's specs, the price and how well it suits UK fishing. We haven't tested it on the bank, and it's kept separate from angler reviews. How we score
See how it scored on each pointWhere to buy
Version: CLX-40F and CLX-55F
Find at local tackle shopsAs an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Keep track of it
If you buy through our links, we might get a small kickback, but it won’t cost you a penny extra. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The full story
Quick verdict
A cracking all-round feeder reel
The Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel looks a proper sensible choice for feeder fishing. The CLX-40F is the nimbler option for commercials, canals and general coarse work, while the CLX-55F brings more capacity and drag for bigger rivers, heavier feeders and carp.
The shallow aluminium spool, spare regular spool and solid metal handle add plenty of session-friendly value. It’s not the lightest option in the larger size, but for a versatile feeder outfit, this is a bob-on package without loads of faff.
A well-equipped feeder reel range with the right spread of sizes, though the bigger model is a fairly hefty choice.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 8.8/10
- Performance
- 8.8/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 8.6/10
- Ease of Use
- 9/10
- Value for Money
- 8.8/10
Aluminium spools, a metal handle, graphite body and a healthy bearing setup give it a solid, practical build.
The gearing options, elliptical system and feeder-friendly spool should suit repeated casting and controlled retrieves.
Useful line capacities and drag options help you fish confidently, but technique and tackle balance still do the real work.
Two spool options and a straightforward feeder layout keep setup and changes relatively faff-free.
The spare spool and two-size range add genuine versatility rather than padding out the feature list.
Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Commercial carp and mixed coarse anglers. The CLX-40F gives you a manageable feeder reel for method feeders, pellet feeders and routine margin work.
- River anglers using heavier feeders. The CLX-55F offers greater line capacity and a stronger drag for longer casts, bigger flows and bonus fish.
Maybe skip if
- Ultra-light float and finesse anglers. This is built around feeder work, so it may feel more reel than you need on delicate float tackle.
- Anglers chasing the lightest possible distance setup. The CLX-55F in particular carries noticeable weight compared with the smaller model.
On paper
Good points and things to know
What we like
- Two genuinely useful sizes for different feeder jobs.
- Shallow aluminium spool should suit feeder line control and shorter casts.
- Aluminium regular spare spool gives you a handy second line setup.
- Rigid metal handle with EVA knob feels practical for repeated casting and winding.
- Corrosion-resistant graphite body keeps the reel sensible for regular coarse fishing.
Worth knowing
- The CLX-55F is considerably heavier than the smaller model.
- Maximum drag figures won’t tell the whole story when you’re playing powerful fish on fine feeder hooklengths.
- The styling is functional rather than especially compact or minimalist.
The lowdown
Introducing the Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel
A smart-looking feeder reel with useful spool options, tidy gearing and two sizes for everything from commercial carp to proper river work.
- Available as CLX-40F and CLX-55F.
- Both models have seven ball bearings plus one roller bearing.
- The machine-cut aluminium shallow spool is supplied with an aluminium regular spare spool.
- The CLX-40F is the lighter, faster option; the CLX-55F offers more capacity and a higher maximum drag.
Specifications
Key facts and specs
- Models
- CLX-40F and CLX-55F
- Gear ratio
- CLX-40F: 5.0:1; CLX-55F: 4.5:1
- Bearings
- 7 ball bearings plus 1 roller bearing
- Body and spool
- Corrosion-resistant graphite body; machine-cut aluminium shallow spool
- Weight
- CLX-40F: approximately 291–297 g; CLX-55F: 437 g
- Maximum drag
- CLX-40F: 8 kg; CLX-55F: 15 kg
Specs checked with Okuma, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Okuma
Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel (this one)
Top scorer
Top scorer
Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel
The Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel is a proper no-nonsense bit of kit for anglers who like their feeder gear versatile and sensibly specced. No daft gimmicks. Just a choice of two useful sizes, a shallow aluminium spool and the sort of gearing aimed squarely at regular casting and winding.
You’ve got the CLX-40F and the CLX-55F. The smaller model is the one most commercial and general coarse anglers will probably fancy first. It’s lighter, has a quicker 5.0:1 gear ratio and feels like the better fit for method feeders, pellet feeders, canals and everyday stillwater work.
The CLX-55F is the bigger lump. It weighs 437 g, drops to a 4.5:1 ratio and brings more line capacity and a higher maximum drag. That makes it more at home when the feeder needs to go further, the river is pushing through, or there’s a fair chance of a proper lump turning up over the feed.
Both reels use Okuma’s Precision Elliptical Gearing System. In plain English, that’s designed to keep the spool movement and line lay nice and orderly as you wind in. That matters with feeder fishing, where tidy line lay helps your casts feel repeatable and keeps things less scruffy when you’re clipped up.
You also get seven ball bearings and one roller bearing in each model. That’s a healthy bearing count for this sort of reel, and it should give the retrieve a smooth, controlled feel when you’re winding in a loaded feeder. The Cyclonic Flow Rotor is part of the package too, adding to the reel’s feature list without making the design hard work.
The shallow machine-cut aluminium spool is one of the more useful bits here. You’re not forced to fill a deep carp-style spool with loads of backing just to get a sensible line level. That’s dead handy when you’re setting up for feeder distances, especially if you like keeping your main line neatly clipped and ready for repeatable casts.
Line capacity depends on the model. The CLX-40F takes 0.25 mm for 180 m, 0.28 mm for 140 m or 0.30 mm for 125 m. The CLX-55F steps up to 0.30 mm for 180 m, 0.33 mm for 150 m or 0.35 mm for 130 m. Plenty of room for normal feeder fishing and more demanding river work.
The supplied aluminium regular spare spool is another proper plus. You can keep one spool loaded with a lighter main line for commercials and another set up heavier for rivers or bigger fish. That saves a faff on the bank and means one reel can cover a wider spread of sessions.
The handle is rigid metal and finished with an EVA knob, which is exactly the sort of practical arrangement you want when you’re repeatedly retrieving a feeder. The body uses corrosion-resistant graphite, so the reel should make sense for regular coarse fishing where it might see damp nets, splashy margins and the odd bit of lakeside muck.
There’s no need to overcomplicate the choice. If you’re mostly fishing normal commercial waters, canals and stillwaters, the CLX-40F looks the sweet spot. If your fishing involves longer range, stronger flow or more serious carp and barbel possibilities, the CLX-55F gives you the extra headroom. Both are built around the same cracking feeder-friendly idea.
Our take
The useful bit is the two-size choice
The key decision is simple: CLX-40F for a lighter, more responsive setup; CLX-55F when you need extra line, more drag and a bit more muscle. Both bring the same core idea — elliptical gearing, plenty of bearings and a shallow feeder-friendly spool — so you can match the reel to the swim rather than trying to make one size do everything.
What you’re buying
A feeder reel with the useful bits covered
The Custom Black Feeder Reel comes in two sizes, with the CLX-40F offering a 5.0:1 retrieve and the CLX-55F using a slower 4.5:1 ratio. Both have seven ball bearings plus one roller bearing, elliptical gearing and a Cyclonic Flow Rotor.
The shallow machine-cut aluminium spool is a good match for feeder work, while the supplied aluminium regular spare spool lets you keep two line setups ready. The rigid metal handle and EVA knob are practical choices for repeated casting, winding and feeding.
Worth knowing. The model choice makes a big difference. The CLX-40F weighs roughly 291–297 g, while the CLX-55F is 437 g. That’s not a tiny jump, so think about your rod balance before choosing the bigger reel.
Match it to the swim
Pick the size around your fishing
For commercials, canals and most stillwater feeder sessions, the CLX-40F is the easy recommendation. It’s lighter in the hand and its 5.0:1 gearing suits the constant cast, feed, retrieve rhythm of method feeder fishing.
The CLX-55F is aimed at anglers who need more grunt. Its larger line capacities and 15 kg maximum drag make it the better shout for heavier river feeders, longer casts and waters where a big carp or barbel could crash the party.
Whichever size you choose, don’t let the drag number encourage daft playing. Match the reel to your rod, use a sensible hooklength and let the clutch do its job when a fish makes a proper run.
Quick answers
The questions you’ll want sorted
Is the CLX-40F enough for commercial carp? Yes. Its capacity, 8 kg maximum drag and faster gearing make it a sensible partner for feeder rods used on typical commercial carp waters. Your line and hooklength choice still need to suit the swim.
When does the CLX-55F make more sense? Choose it for stronger rivers, heavier feeders, longer casts or fishing where bonus fish can be properly powerful. The extra capacity gives you more breathing room when there’s current or a long way to the far bank.
Can the spare spool change how you fish? Definitely. Keep one spool ready with a lighter line for commercials and another with a heavier line for rivers or carp. It’s a simple way to make the reel more versatile without carrying a whole extra outfit.
Worth knowing. For a straightforward feeder setup, line lay and spool fill matter as much as bearing count. Fill the spool neatly, use the right shock leader or main line for the cast and clip up carefully. That’s where the reel earns its keep on the bank.
Want one?
Add it to your Wanted list or join a Group Buy — shops see anonymous totals only.
Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01Which Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel should I choose?
Which Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel should I choose?
Pick the CLX-40F for most commercials, canals and general feeder fishing. Go for the CLX-55F when you need extra line capacity, heavier feeders or more drag for larger fish and stronger rivers.
02Does it come with a spare spool?
Does it come with a spare spool?
Yes. Both models include an aluminium regular spare spool, giving you a useful second line option for changing tactics or conditions.
03Is the CLX-40F suitable for carp?
Is the CLX-40F suitable for carp?
Yes, especially for commercial carp and sensible feeder work. Its 8 kg maximum drag and practical line capacities give you plenty of control, but your hooklength, knots and playing style still matter more than a headline drag figure.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: a cracking all-round feeder reel. The strongest reasons to choose it are two genuinely useful sizes for different feeder jobs. and shallow aluminium spool should suit feeder line control and shorter casts.; the main trade-off is the clx-55f is considerably heavier than the smaller model..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Two genuinely useful sizes for different feeder jobs.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Commercial carp and mixed coarse anglers: The CLX-40F gives you a manageable feeder reel for method feeders, pellet feeders and routine margin work.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The CLX-55F is considerably heavier than the smaller model.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
What our readers rate Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel
No angler score yet — nobody's reviewed Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel here. Be the first and get the score started.
Owner reports
Own this? Help the next angler.
Quick multiple-choice reports from people who say they own the Okuma Custom Black Feeder Reel. Not verified purchases, and kept separate from our score.
No owner reports yet.
Alternatives & go-withs
