Okuma vs Shimano:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Okuma had more branded searches than Shimano among spinning reels brands in New Zealand. Okuma had about 650 branded searches, while Shimano had 140. Okuma made up 27.4% of all spinning reels brand searches we track, and Shimano accounted for 5.9%. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about spinning reels brands, Shimano appeared in four of the five answers and Okuma in two. Shimano was mentioned before Okuma in every answer.
Who do people search for more?
Okuma, about 5 searches for every 1 for Shimano
Who does AI mention more?
Shimano, mentioned in 4 of 5 answers, Okuma in 2
Who does AI recommend more?
Shimano, named ahead of Okuma in every answer
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Top spinning reels brands in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions and two Google AI Overviews, Shimano was mentioned in four out of five: in all three ChatGPT answers and in one of the two Google AI Overviews. Okuma was mentioned in two out of five: in two of the three ChatGPT answers, but not in either of the two Google AI Overviews. Shimano was listed before Okuma in every answer.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
See every answer about spinning reels brands
5 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“Which spinning reels brand should I buy in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the best spinning reels brands in New Zealand?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best spinning reels brand in New Zealand for fishing from shore?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“saltwater spinning reel”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“light spinning reel”
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in New Zealand on October 21, 2026.
Is Okuma or Shimano more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Okuma and Shimano by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all four spinning reels brands we track, month by month, from searches in New Zealand.
Share of searches by month for Okuma, Shimano. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | Daiwa | Okuma | Shimano | Penn |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 60.2% | 35% | 3.7% | 1% |
| Nov 2025 | 63.6% | 31.4% | 3.9% | 1.1% |
| Dec 2025 | 65.1% | 30.2% | 3.4% | 1.2% |
| Jan 2026 | 63.6% | 31.7% | 3.8% | 0.89% |
| Feb 2026 | 63% | 31.8% | 4.1% | 1.2% |
| Mar 2026 | 64.7% | 29.2% | 3.7% | 2.4% |
| Apr 2026 | 65.6% | 28.5% | 4.3% | 1.6% |
| May 2026 | 64.6% | 30% | 4.3% | 1.2% |
| Jun 2026 | 69% | 26.3% | 3.9% | 0.86% |
| Jul 2026 | 65.7% | 29.6% | 3.2% | 1.4% |
| Aug 2026 | 67.2% | 27.9% | 3.9% | 0.87% |
| Sep 2026 | 65.4% | 27.4% | 5.9% | 1.3% |
How has the Okuma and Shimano comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- Okuma was ahead of Shimano in every measured month of the 12 months ending September 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Okuma’s share of searches among spinning reels brands in New Zealand moved from 35% to 27.4%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 1K to 650.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Shimano’s share of searches among spinning reels brands in New Zealand moved from 3.7% to 5.9%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 110 to 140.
How did search popularity change for New Zealand spinning reels brands in September 2026?
2 changes

In September 2026, Shimano gained share of searches among spinning reels brands in New Zealand, from 3.9% to 5.9%.

In September 2026, Okuma lost share of searches among spinning reels brands in New Zealand, from 27.9% to 27.4%.
How are branded searches counted?
12 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Okuma’s and Shimano’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among spinning reels brands

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