Shimano is another company that has done a lot of revamping for the new year. The new Curado 200 G starts with a new green color and three spool colors depending on the gear ratio you choose.
Besides the cosmetic changes to the Curado, there are some changes that devotees will appreciate including a new 1/8 turn, Easy Access Attached sideplate for adjusting the braking system. The new reel will come in both right and left hand retrieve models, three different gear ratios, weigh 6.9 ounces and is a five bearing system.
The Chronarch series will undergo some changes and add a 50 series size. This series of reels now sports a two tone finish of black with an off white. It will be available in three gear ratios, right and left hand retrieve, incorporates three different kinds of bearings and will retail for about $200.00 for all models.
The new Citica 200G uses a very similar color scheme with new gear ratios. The spools will be colored according to the gearing. The Citica will be offered in three gear options and available in both right and left hand retrieve. These reels use a four bearing system and are retail priced at about $130.00.
Shimano is also introducing a value, introductory casting reel named the Caius 200. It will come in one gear ratio, use magnetic braking, be offered in both right and left hand retrieve and should arrive sometime in late fall.
In spinning reels, Shimano has upgraded their Stradic FJ with new a new look. These reels will be offered in four sizes with two gear ratios, have 6 bearing systems and retail from around $180.00 to $200.00.
The Sustain FG has been reworked to include a more aggresive look and infused with new materials throughout. The Sustain is based on an aluminum frame with aluminum side-plate, a carbon CI4 rotor, EVA foam grip and new drag stack. It will be offered in four sizes, two gear ratios and depending on the model, will have either 8 or 9 bearings. The Sustain FG will carry a retail price of around $250.00.
The Shimano Clarus rods are going technique specific and will be offered in both casting and spinning models. The base material has been upgraded from IM-7 to IM-8. The reel seat tightens from the back and these rods feature a split EVA rear grip. The Clarus series is value priced from approx. $80.00 to $90.00.
Shimano continues the theme with their Compre rods going to technique specific sticks that again have been upgraded from IM-8 to IM-9. Like the Clarus the new reel seat has no visible threads on the foregrip or the back of the seat. It too will tighten from the back which allows for more contact between your hand and the blank on the casting models. The Compre’s grips are split, EVA foam and this series of rods will retail for right around $100.0 to $110.00.
The Convergence series got a blank upgrade, went technique specific, features the same up-locking reel seat as the previously mentioned series. These rods are going to retail for between $60.00 and $70.00.
Shimano’s Crucial series of rods is now technique specific, has been upgraded from IM-9 to IM-10, features the new reel seat design and a split EVA rear grip. This series will retail, depending upon the model of choice for about $150.00 to $180.00.
Shimano has designed the Sellus series to be technique specific with 24-ton carbon construction. It features a split rear grip, EVA foam and is aggresively priced around $50.00 to $60.00 depending on the model you purchase.
See ya’ on the water …