Before spending your money on spinning reels, it is best to educate yourself about the different sizes and features of the spinning reels.
It can be pretty challenging to make a good purchase decision online when you don’t accurately understand how the spinning reels feel like a part of your setup.
This is why most experts recommend anglers to try different setups and ask local anglers for opinions. Recently many people have asked about the Shimano Baitrunner OC vs Baitrunner D fishing reels.
Are these reels any good? Yes! And you should think about upgrading your system with these.
It is pretty natural for anglers to get confused when trying to figure out the difference between options like Shimano Baitrunner OC and D.
Some would argue that there are more similarities than differences between these two options. So, technically, you can’t go wrong with either one.
If you’re also looking for some background on these spinning reels, then follow through with the information mentioned below.
Shimano Baitrunner OC vs D Comparison
| Specifics | Baitrunner OC | Baitrunner D |
| Weight | Moderate | Slightly Lighter |
| Structure | 2 Piece | 1 Piece |
| Pricing | Reasonable | Slightly Expensive |
| Retrieve Rate | 36 in. | 36 in. |
Yes, these specifics might seem like the D version is better than the OC version, but you need to keep in mind that you’ll be paying about fifty bucks extra for the D version.
Now, when you look at the D version after the fifty dollar price increase, it will not seem like that great of a deal.
There is no debate that going with the D is better when you’re trying to realize better performance. However, the performance to pricing ration doesn’t add up. You’ll be paying a decent chunk of your budget just to get a slight increase in performance.
Now is that fair? Probably not. So, we can’t debate the fact that the D version is superior. However, we won’t nudge you towards this option as it won’t add that much value to your setup.
There are just so many other options on the market that serve anglers with decent performance and long term results.
You will just be stuck with the D version and the performance will be sub par to say the least.
If the OC and D version were on the same price point, then we will say that the D version is better. However, in this scenario, we think that you’ll just be wasting your cash.
If you talk with some local experts, they will tell you the same thing. Instead of restricting yourself to these two options, you need to expand your understanding and options.
When you can afford to spend fifty dollars over the price of OC, that opens many doors for you.
You don’t have to stick with this lineup and you will be able to find better and more robust brands when sticking within the same price point as the Baitrunner D.
So, instead of only relying on this option, we say that you test out your luck, and go with the reel that offers you the best value.
Will it take you some time? Yes, but you should be willing to spend the time and figure out the best option for you.
Otherwise, you will just be holding yourself back and the performance from your system will be suboptimal to say the least.
One quick way to limit this time is to ask the local experts or the online customer support members. Either way, getting opinions from an expert after informing him about your budget and the requirements will serve you better.
We will say that you prioritize the opinions of local experts as they are more familiar with your local fishing conditions. That way, you will be able to figure out an option that matches your budget and serves you with the ideal performance.
Here are more details between the OC and the D Baitrunners if you still wish to stick with these options.
Shimano Baitrunner OC
This model can be considered as more of a basic version of the Baitrunner series that is more compatible with the older rods. Even though you can use a braided line in this spinning reel, the performance is far better in the Baitrunner D version.
There are also some design differences with a lever being flush with the frame. Aside from that, the basic functionality of both fishing reels is quite similar.
So, depending upon your budget, you can either buy the OC or D model from the Shimano Baitrunner series.
If you’re looking for a spinning reel with the basic Baitrunner feature included, then the Shimano OC is a better option. You won’t have to spend as much money on this reel when compared with the D model. However, the prices can vary depending upon where you live.
So, visit your nearest fishing store to get an accurate idea of the fishing reel. As compared to the Baitrunner D model, this fishing reel is more durable.
You won’t have to worry about denting or damaging the frame by dropping the fishing reel a few times.
On the other hand, many users have pointed out issues with dents on the frame with the Baitrunner D. This issue can be minimized by just taking better care of your gear.
However, if your fishing style does not match this reel, then there is no point in spending so much money on a Shimano Baitrunner D. For most beginners, the Shimano Baitrunner OC is the perfect option.
So, if you’re new to fishing and want a quality spinning reel, then the Shimano OC model might be a good place to start. Once you develop your unique style and preferences, you are free to either switch to other models.
Shimano Baitrunner D
Known as the newer and updated model, this fishing reel brings quite a few advantages to the anglers. The biggest utility and difference between the OC and D versions are the presence of a one-piece bail arm in the D version.
So, if this feature is important to you, spending a few extra bucks on Shimano Baitrunner D might be a perfect choice. This fishing reel is more suited to accommodate braided lines, and you get enhanced handling over the line.
The only issue that some anglers had with this spinning reel was that the components were softer. Even though the integrity of the frame was exceptional, it was quite easy to scratch the outer layer of the fishing reel.
This issue made it pretty challenging for anglers that like to fish in a rougher environment.
So, depending on your fishing style, you can either buy this fishing reel or go for the more durable OC version.
To make an ideal purchase decision, it might be best to reach out to local experts for complete information. That way, you will have access to practical opinions according to your local water conditions.
With that said, as far as the smoothness and the basic functionality of the fishing reels is concerned, both the D and OC versions bring exceptional performance. You can’t go wrong with either one of these fishing reels.
In most situations, it is just better to buy the fishing reel on which you’re getting a better deal. Otherwise, if you don’t have a budget issue, you can always go for the Shimano Baitrunner D version.
It brings all the latest features you can expect in a top-range spinning reel. Hopefully, this will help you make an informed decision about Shimano spinning reels.
If you’re still confused, just reach out to the Shimano official support tema and explain the issue to those experts. They will make your life easier and you will not have to worry about as many challenges. Hopefully, you will be able to figure things out quickly.
Wrapping Up
We don’t usually nudge or guide customers towards the cheaper units, but between these options we will say that the OC will serve you better.
The price to value ratio is just higher and you will be able to use this system for years on end.
This doesn’t mean that the performance of the D series is inferior to the OC series. Infact, the D series is superior as it uses more graphite to develop a light yet robust structure.
The problem arises when you consider the price point (which is fifty dollars higher in this option).
Now, this might not seem like such a huge increase, but it is a huge turnoff for us.
When you consider the new price of the D series, you’ll realize that there are many other brands that offer better units within the same price range. So, nothing is stopping you from switching over.
Lastly, if you’re still not sold on switching from Shimano and want to stick it out with this brand, then going with the OC is a better idea in our opinion.
You’ll find this option to be better suited for your budget and it will serve you with more smoothness when you get used to it.