Lightninrod,
I've held the heavy okuma but have not fished it. From just playing with the rod I know the redington has a slightly softer tip. I know someone with a heavy okuma and as he reads this he'll decide if he wants to let me use it for a little while one of these days to make a comparison for you! }( I'll report back to you or PM you when I've given it a fair enough shot, I.E. hooked a fish on the heavy.

Matt