Shimano’s reel series “Metanium” continuing from 1992. Do you know how much reel named Metanium has been released so far? Those who started Bass fishing may have heard names such as “Metanium DC” and “Metanium MGL” once. Metanium is a reel series trusted by anglers for that long and gained high support. This time we will introduce theMetanium series!
Metanium was a Shimano reel series that began with ‘Bantam Scorpion Metanium XT’ which was released from Shimano in 1992. It has been loved by many anglers as a top model of Baitcasting reel that used Shimano’s abundant technology from that time. This time we will introduce the Shimano Metanium series which was named Metanium series.
16 Metanium MGL
Metanium MGL released in 2016. MGL = Magnum light spool has been subjected to lightening processing such as “blanking” on the side of the spool. Since the location far from the axis of rotation has been reduced in weight, the flight distance of the lightweight lure is improved compared to conventional spools. X-SHIP, micro module gear is adopted and finished in a smooth winding feel.
While “New SVS Infinity” is a centrifugal brake, it achieves a brake adjustment range that can handle most situations only by adjusting the external dial. Adjustment of the internal brake shoes is not necessary if 4 brake shoes are turned on during casting. When finer setting is required, fine adjustment with internal brake shoe is possible. (The four brake shoes are on when shipped.) The durability has also improved greatly.
15 Metanium DC launched in 2015. I-DC5 is carried and boasts stable casting performance. X-SHIP, micro module gear is adopted and finished in a smooth winding feel.
In addition to the 3-mode internal dial, the I-DC 5 can easily set the brake by selecting four semi-automatic & one step auto according to the lure weight with the external dial. AUTO covers up to the middle of volumes 2 to 4 of semiauto.
A position suitable for a heavy lure with low air resistance such as large vibration and jig, 0.5 to 1.0 oz.
Position corresponding to a wide weight of 0.3 to 0.7 oz, such as medium size vibration and spinner bait.
A position that matches a lure of 0.3 to 0.4 oz with large air resistance such as minnow or shallow crank.
Position that you can cast no-sinker worms and small shads, 0.2 – 0.3 oz lightweight lure without stress.
AUTO. Wide position to cover up to the middle of volumes 2 to 4.
The gear ratios are 3 types: 6.2 (normal gear), 7.4 (high gear), 8.5 (extra high gear). It is active in various scenes such as warming which needs early collection. (Extra high gear has long handle length of 48 mm)
Shimano 15 Metanium DC (gear ratio 6.2)
Normal gear type. It is the optimum gear ratio for spinner bait, crank bait etc.
Extra high gear type. It is suitable for fishing which needs early collection such as warming and pitching. Because it can be used with Saltwater, it will also be suitable for light jigging etc. using metal jig.
Although the spool diameter of Metanium DC and MGL is the same 1.3in, MGL is equipped with a lightweight magnum light spool, which is characterized by a good feeling of light cast lure. Therefore, if you mainly use the lure below 0.3 oz, the meta-MGL will have a more stable flying distance. However, because MGL does not have DC installed, 15 Metanium DC is recommended if you want to achieve a stable flight distance in overhead wind at 0.3 oz or more.
Comparison with Antares DC
Antares DC’s spool is 1.5 in, Metanium DC is 1.3 in, and Antares DC is superior in long cast performance of heavier lure. As a rule of thumb, people who use the lure below 0.6 oz at the main should recommend Antares DC if you would like to long cast Metanium DC, 0.6 oz or more.
▼Click here for the article on Antares DC
The Metanium is Versatile reel
Metanium is a perfect versatile reel to handle medium-grade lures. One tackle works well enough. Please try Shimano reliable reel series “Metanium” once by all means!
Calcutta Conquest boasts popularity immovable with round reels. Popular high gear model and bait finesse model also appeared and it became an attractive reel that can deal with various fishing. This time will introduce the whole series of Calcutta Conquest!
Calcutta Conquest is a high end model of the round reel released from Shimano and is a popular item with many enthusiasts. Originally it was only a low gear model, but with the diversification of fishing methods, we have increased lineups including various sizes and high gear models. Calcutta Conquest is also called the best masterpiece of round reel packed with Shimano’s technology, such as the micro module gear of the drive system in which the small precision gear closely meshes, and the latest brake and gear system.
External brake adjustment dial
By adopting a new shape brake shoe & brake pipe, it was now possible to perform brake adjustment with an external dial which needed to open the flap of the body side until now. It is also possible to fine-tune each pit while maintaining the parming (excluding 300, 301, 400 and 401)
Micro module gear
Top image: Shimano conventional product
Lower image: Micro module gear
The micro module gear is a new mechanism that reduces the teeth of the pinion & main gear, giving the number of teeth about twice as much as the conventional one. Densely meshing the teeth densely, the strength was improved, and with smooth power transmission succeeded in suppressing the gear noise to less than half of the conventional value (numerical value is Shimano ratio).
Calcutta Conquest lineup
Calcutta Conquest 100/101/200/201
Sticking gear ratio, high rigidity and smooth winding feel.
100/100 HG is recommended for Black Bass
It is the smallest model among the series without electronic control (digital control) brakes. It is suitable for Bass fishing using crankbait, spinnerbait, vibrations and so on.
200/200 HG is recommended for Big Bait and Saltwater
The best model for big bait, deep crank, top water and so on. The high versatility that can be used for various fishing such as Bass, Snakehead and Seabass is popular.
Expand fishing advantageously with stable casting precision
300/301 is recommended for Snakehead and light jigging
For those who need power fishing such as snakehead fishing and light jigging at Saltwater, we recommend a larger 300 models. The rigidity is also very high, making power fishing comfortable. The smoothness and flight distance of the winding feel is never lost even if it is a large size.
It is the largest size in the Calcutta Conquest. The winding length per handle is 76 cm (2.8 ft), the maximum drag force is 7.0 kg (15 lb) and it is extremely powerful use. Big bass, Snakehead, Yellow tail fish aiming at jigging, big fish of the open ocean, demonstrates excellent performance.
Calcutta Conquest BFS is the first round finesse reel equipped with a finesse tune brake system that eliminates the brake unit attached to the spool and directly applies the brake to the spool structure. Bass and mountain stream bait finesse are also supported. It also supports Saltwater, so it can be used for a wide range of lightphishing.
Fishing with Calcutta Conquest is blissful moment.
Recently, various models have appeared, and the popularity further increases sharply, Calcutta Conquest. Although it is not a cheap price at all, it is the best masterpiece reel that will support your fishing more than the price and will satisfy you. If you have not used it yet, please try to get the real thing by all means and realize its wonderfulness.
Engetsu is a brand name that can be attached to a group of products that can be said as the answer Shimano issued to “Tairaba” targeting Red Seabream. Rod, reel and Tairaba exclusive jig and so on are lineuped.
The high end model of Engestu series is “Engetsu Premium”.
Reel is designed to stabilize the most important “Constant speed winding” with Red Seabream fishing. High rigidity by adopting HAGANE body can also be used with Light jigging. It is a reel that can be used for a long time due to its high rigidity. The exciting drag sound that is installed doubles the excitement of fishing.
In addition to the technology incorporated in the series so far, Rod produces comfortable fishing scenes using blanks such as spiral X, high power X and other materials.Please experience Reel and Rod which can be called culmination of Shimano Red Seabream game!
Fall lever
Set the fall speed with one touch.
We installed a new design lever that can easily and precisely control the fall speed which was difficult to control.More strategic fishing such as high speed in the middle layer and low speed in the vicinity of the bottom is possible.It is a forging lever that sticks to texture and rigidity and has a shape that can be operated with the hands of the parming side.
Fall speed indicator
Hit pattern can be reproduced by digitizing it.
Fall, winding speed displayed on LCD screen. At the same time you can grasp the depth of water so you can accurately grasp the hit pattern.
It is the first model equipped with “micro module gear” as Tairaba exclusive reel. A quiet and smooth winding feel makes stable Constant speed winding possible.
Engetsu BB is the recommended series for people who aim to target Red seabream for the first time.
EngetsuBB is an entry model with excellent cost performance among the series.
The reel is designed to be suitable for the Red seabream game. The body adopts high rigidity and lightweight carbon reinforcement material CI4+, achieving both “excellent rigidity” and “lightness 6.5 oz”.
Rod is characterized by its supple flexure.Models that are also using materials of Tuftec α (supple and delicate solid tip) at the tip are also on sale.
The Red Seabream game is attractive with many types of fish to catch.Is not it fishing that you can enjoy all the year unless you limit it to Red Seabream?Please try and challenge the Red Seabream game where you can meet various fish.
Shimano’s Baitcasting reel is a wonderful product packed with amazing technology. This time, I tried collecting recommended reels by price range. It also approaches the charm of Shimano Baitcasting.
Charm of Shimano Bait casting reel
Shimano famous as the world’s largest bicycle parts maker. It is also one of the leading companies in the fishing industry in Japan. The reel which is backed up by the technology of high processing technology of carbon and metal which was exercised in the bicycle industry, the manufacturing technology of rotating parts is highly appreciated both in Japan and abroad like bicycle parts.
Micro module gear has the best winding feel
Compared with conventional gears, the drive system is made with small precision gear and elaborate body housing. Small gears greatly reduce the noise generated during rotation and realize a silky winding feel. It also features that the strength does not decrease because there are many meshing gears.
Completion form of centrifugal brake, SVS / SVS Infiniti
Shimano’s unique brake system which made it possible to finely adjust the braking force in centrifugal brakes that can obtain high initial velocity since the spool is able to start rotation in a state where it hardly receives resistance is “SVS”. “SVS infinity” has evolved to make it easy to make adjustments with a dial mechanism outside the reel.
DC brake greatly reduces backlash
The DC (digital control) brake that automatically controls the no-brake time in units of thousandths of a second which can not be achieved by humans significantly reduces the over-control condition while preventing backlash, It is an advanced brake system that made it possible to stably perform.
Recommended by price rank Bait casting reel 24 selection
It is a high cost performance model that you can buy at US $ 100 or less, recommended for those who purchase the Baitcasting reel for the first time or for those who want a few items. Middle class model which kept price while keeping high function. We introduce Shimano’s advanced technology and the high-end models all of which were poured in.
US $ 100 or less
We are equipped with models pursuing cost performance positioned as an entry model. The function is sufficiently equipped, and it is the best reel for the sub-rod as well as the first one.
Shimano Bass One
A new standard for entry models with specifications beyond class.
Recommended models for intermediate users who have become unsatisfied with the performance of the entry model are available. Every reel can only enjoy more fishing.
Shimano 17 Engetsu BB
Red Seabream exclusive brand “Engetsu” model. Realized stable winding.
We combine Shimano’s technologies and have models specialized for specific fishing and models that demonstrate high performance in a wide range of applications. It is recommended only for those seeking high-function reels that match their fishing style and those looking for reels that will be widely active in one unit.
Although it is not cheap as a price, there are models that can say that it is never expensive considering the function and durability. Of course it is suitable for advanced users, but the high function that compensates for the lack of techniques may be said to be suitable for beginners.
Shimano 18 Ocea Conquest CT 300HG
Cast performance of overwhelming light lure. Ideal form of Baitcasting reel.
“Durability” is one of the performance that can not be compromised in Shimano which handles bicycle components. For fishing tackle I think that thought has been reflected without change.
Please take a look at Shimano’s Baitecasting reel, which has excellent rotating parts manufacturing technology and pursues high durability.
Shimano reel “Antares”, the first model was released in 1998. After that, the successive model continues to evolve according to the fishing style of that era, still it is still one of the reels Angler admires. This time we will introduce Shimano Antares.
The most prominent bait casting reel sold by Shimano, “Antares.” Integrated with all of Shimano’s latest technology, even currently, 20 years after its debut release, its luxurious and beautiful streamlined body and mirror finish continue to charm many Anglers.
In 2018 Antares DC ‘s new model debuted. MD (Monster Drive) of the model name is a strong reel that gets a straight line against the target of the monster class from a big lure such as Big bait! Dedicated tuning of each part dramatically improved drag power. Saltwater correspondence function is also added, etc. It is the ultimate one that also works in various Saltwater scenes!
What is XB mode?
New brake function “XB mode” installed exclusively for Antares DC MD. Adjustment in 8 stages has recommended setting of lure which you are good at and supports your fishing! Big bait in Bass fishing, large spinner bait, target of monsters in Saltwater, is exactly the new era braking function recommended by Big baiter.
Antares DC MD can be used with saltwater!
So far Antares was unable to use seawater. DCMD is a power model compatible with monsters that can also enjoy saltwater game. We support the big fishing in the sea thoroughly.
DC = Digital control brake is a system unique to Shimano that brakes with electronic control only when necessary. Braking which can not be achieved with magnets and centrifugal force enables outstanding far throw. “NEW 4 × 8 DC brake” has greatly improved the control function of the microcomputer. By automatically controlling the no-brake time immediately after casting, which is the most important factor in far-casting performance, the Max rotation speed improves by about 12%, and maintaining it realizes further long casting .
Mode dial
Four modes of FL (Fluorocarbon line), P (Braided line), NM (Monofilament line), X (Extreme long cast) can be selected with the internal mode dial. Of these, the optimum brake curve matching the characteristics of the line is input to the FL, P, NM mode, and it is easy to use for the general lure of 0.25 oz to 1.1 oz of lure in general. Depending on the volume, in general the strong brakes will be effective in order of NM → P → FL.
New Magnumlite Spool
The moment of inertia of the spool affecting the casting performance of the bait reel. “NEW Magnum Light Spool” succeeded in blanking to the side of the spool which has been regarded as technically impossible. Shimano achieved about 10% reduction in moment of inertia, and in fact marked up about 20% increase in flight distance.
First Antares, who debuted in the autumn of 1998, has Shimano of the time, such as “Lightweight shallow grooved spool” that produces different dimension flying distance, “Rotational performance – Silky smooth winding feeling – SVS centrifugal brake – Click sound” It was an unmistakable flagship model incorporating the latest technology available.
12 Antares is an active model that gains high support from many anglers!
Spool
Super lightweight magnesium spool pursuing the balance to the limit to the balance of strength and edge thickness cut down to the limit. By suppressing the moment of inertia to the limit, initial response at the time of casting, the distance of casting is dramatically improved.
Flying distance
The greatest feature of Antares is the distance and cast feel. Mr. Hajime Murata has been involved in development and continues to increase the maximum flight distance for each successive model.
A power versatile rod representing “Bantam” to aim for distant big things. We respond to Angler’s expectations in Big Lake or river where long cast is required. Texas jig, Rubber jig, Swimming jig, Spinnerbait, etc, matching various styles that require power. Especially while fighting with Big Bass, it will tenaciously bend with the marginal force, so you will efficiently take opponent’s physical strength. This is the true value of this rod.
Bantam The strongest Ultra Heavy Rod. Bantam 170UH-SB is Ultra Power Rod in UH (Ultra Heavy) class which is unparalleled in the past. Blanks that adopted the “Spiral X Core” which has evolved further through the use of high-strength materials, is a big taper design of exquisite stick that bends from the tip when loading. We realized strength that can withstand ultra-high load and stable casting performance when casting Giant Big Bait approaching 30 oz.
Accuracy Light special. A pioneer of short rods with high adaptability that everyone admits. Ideal for shooting pin spots such as overhangs. It has high lure operation performance such as continuous twitching and jerking.
Multipurpose Long Special. From Top water to Rubber jig, it corresponds to every lure in high dimensions. In order to realize an ideal cast at all times, X sheet which can adjust the trigger position according to reel size and situation is carried.
The current Antares has evolved further, and the characteristic cast feeling in each model is attractive. Not to mention Bass fishing, it also corresponds to Saltwater game Antares series.
Exsence DC is a Baitcasting reel specialized for Seabass. Speaking of Seabass is Spinning reel, but there is a style using Bait tackle to capture Big Seabass. Exsence DC is a model of particular attention among them. This time we will introduce its features!
Exsence DC, which pioneered the Seabass game using PE line (Braided line) in 2012, has been reborn after five years. The DC brake was renovated to “4×8 DC Exsence tune”. As with the previous models, not only trouble-less but also a further distance is realized. With the rigidity enhancement in the HAGANE body, we will respond to the Big Seabass with a margin. Furthermore, it can obtain delicate sensitivity with micro module gear, and has both rigidity and delicacy.
Characteristics of Exsence DC
The brake system that is the basis of “4×8 DC Excess tune” installed this time is “NEW 4×8 DC brake” installed in “16Antares”. 16Antares has recorded a maximum distance of 360 ft. Although there are differences in details, Exsence DC also carries a mechanism that can exceed 330 ft.
4×8 DC Exsence tune can switch four kinds of brakes with XP dial mode (PE tailwind long cast mode), P mode (PE mode), N mode (nylon mode), F mode (Fluoro mode) with internal dial , It is a braking system which can adjust 8 stages from external dial for each mode.
XP mode →Braided line Tailwind long cast mode
P mode → Braided line mode
N mode → Monofilament line mode
F mode → Fluorocarbon line mode
Blanks equipped with “Spiral X” and “High Power X” hold down to the utmost limit, and have various benefits such as improvement of casting accuracy, improvement of flight distance, improvement of hooking power, improvement of lift power I will. For each model, the actions that were built to capture the Seabass in various situations should surely find one that will become each standard.
Exsence DC has pioneered Bait Seabass. Except for the disadvantage of backlash in Seabass fishing, Bait tackle such as Cast Accuracy and power is full of merit. Overcome disadvantages and catch Big Seabass with Exsence DC which achieved spinning reel exceed over!
Alphas AIR is Baitcasting released by Daiwa. Freshwater, Saltwater is popular because it corresponds to both Reel. Of course, for Bait finesse, you can handle up to 12 pound lines. This time I will introduce Alphas AIR covering a wide range of fishing.
About Alphas AIR
Alphas AIR is a Baitcasting reel released by Daiwa. It is for Bait finesse, which is good at dealing with lightweight lures, but besides worms, it is a model that covers a wide range such as shad and minnow.
Characteristics of Alphas AIR
Alphas AIR is very light and easy to handle with one hand. Techniques that Daiwa has cultivated over many years such as operability and pampering are gathered.
Spool
The spool is equipped with an AIR spool made of “G1 duralumin.” G1 duralumin boasts higher strength than a spool of aluminum material and magnesium material, achieving a high cast feel by its own weight of about 0.25 oz (excluding bearing pin) doing.
Air brake system
Air brake system is a brake system adopted also for Alphas SV. In addition to reducing backlash and reducing troubles, even with the same brake setting, reasonable brakes such as pitching, side hands, overhead, etc. that are not affected by the casting method will support the phishing scene.
Also supports Saltwater game!
Alphas AIR can also be used with Saltwater. It will also be active in the bait finesse at Salt lure which attracts attention.
Difference from other models
Those who are considering purchasing Alphas AIR may be interested in what kind of differences there are in comparison with similar bait reels. Here, I will list some bait finesse reels and introduce the differences.
Difference from Shimano Scorpion BFS
Scorpion BFS which is released from Shimano thinks that some people compare Alphas AIR because price is close. It is the same as being Saltwater compatible, but if you compare gear ratios there is a difference of 0.3 ft in winding length. Although the brake structure using magnets is the same, Shimano’s unique FTB (finesse tune brake system) carries a spool from which the brake unit has been eliminated. Its weight boasts a lightness of 0.3 oz, excluding the bearing.
I think that Revo ALC – BF 7 released from AbuGarcia also compares Alphas AIR due to its close price. It is also a model compatible with Saltwater, even if you compare by gear ratio, the winding length is the same. The brake structure uses a magnet. Various settings can be made by Magrax Ⅲ brake system. The spool is made of super duralumin with about 0.2 oz (excluding bearing pin).
Gear ratio 5.8 is recommended for small plug fishing!
It is recommended for those who want to handle small plug etc with Bait reel. It is suitable for fishing which induces minnow and small crank etc at low gear.
Recommended for those wishing to enjoy bait finesse at a mountain stream!
Alphas AIR Stream custom
Mountain stream Bait finesse A definitive version of Medium level machine for Beginner. Customized special specification machine.
To accommodate casting in various situations in the mountain stream, by daringly fixing the induction rotor, it is possible to eliminate the lag due to the operation of the induction rotor, such as the difference in input during casting, the ability to cope with the super short range, etc. Setting to seek Cast Accuracy. Since the spool rotation is controlled with an extremely weak braking force, it is possible to drive a lightweight lure with low trajectory. It demonstrates stable braking power in various casting scenes in mountain streams.
G1 Duralumin made ultra high precision Φ31 spool specification
To a time when it is easy to throw a lightweight lure!
Bait finesse reel is also emphasis on versatility that can handle not only worms but also plugs. However, there are many models with a high gear ratio, and it seems that it is stressful to wind slowly. Alphas AIR is one of the reels that have variations of gear ratios that change that situation. Those who are looking for a reel that can handle a wide range with one unit, please give Alphas AIR a candidate by all means.
Ocea jigger is a jacking-only Tackle that Shimano is proud of. New model of 2018 model was added, and it became increasingly rich Lineup. This time we will introduce popular Ocea jigger rod and reel.
Ocea jigger rod for jigging
It is developed as a concept of “the rod that operates Jig as intended by Angler” which is the most important in Jigging rod. High power X and spiral X enhance blanks and improve operability. We adopted CI4 for the grip part and realized weight saving.
New series Ocea jigger LJ
“Ocea jigger LJ” is a new rod for light jigging sold by Shimano.In addition to the three types of Offshore jigging rods which had been lineuped to the conventional Ocea series, Ocea jigger LJ was joined.
Ocea jigger LJ creates movements of small fish freely and captures a variety of different targets.By bending the entire Blanks we have the potential to catch the 20 lb class King fish on the light line.It is a flagship model of Light jigging rod.
The reel best suited to the Ocea jigger rod will be the same series Ocea jigger reel as well. For Jigging dedicated rods, reel dedicated to jigging is the best match!
With the new mechanism Infiniti Drive installed, the rotational resistance is eliminated by about 60% at the maximum, realizing a light, powerful winding up. Even in terms of durability, the HAGANE body with high rigidity and the X protection that boasts high waterproof performance have an internal structure and are guarded. Furthermore, it adopts cold forging also for body, handle, clutch lever, and so on, it is equipped with uncompromising toughness and responds to offshore angler’s skill. When experiencing that rotation feel beyond dimension, jigging goes one step further.
Rotational resistance reduced by approximately 60%
Shimano developed a new mechanism to realize a more powerful and light winding. Of the two grease bearings supporting the pinion gear, the spool side bearing with large rotational resistance. It does support it, renewal to the structure that it supports from the inside of the pinion gear with the spool shaft. Moreover, reviewing each part including improvement of exciting drag sound mechanism, eliminate rotation resistance up to about 60%. Furthermore, we optimized thoroughly the support distance and wall thickness of gears, and also have high support rigidity. The rotation resistance of the gear part was greatly reduced without decreasing the durability. That rotation feel is a different dimension than before. If you roll the handle one turn, you will be able to feel the difference.
Winding force of Ocea jigger
Ocea jigger reel’s winding force is born by direct transmission of the force to wrap the handle. Therefore, realize a powerful fight with big fish, there is merit that you can withdraw heavy lure with light power without putting a burden.
Ocea jigger 1000HG/1001HG
Light weight and compact 1000! Ideal for Bay jigging!
Ocea jigger LJ which can deliver various jig actions from slow to up tempo jerk. It is the rod series most suitable for slow jigging! By all means, do not you try challenging the charming slow jigging with Ocea jigger LJ?