Shimano Chronarch CI4+ Product Review

Reel Review

Shimano Continues Their Roll : Chronarch CI4+

Date:	2/4/15
Tackle Type:	Reel
Manufacturer:	Shimano
Reviewer:	Cal

Total Score: 8.19 - EDITOR'S CHOICE AWARD!

Introduction: Carbon framed reels are the next big thing. We've already seen a handful of carbon framed spinning reels produced, but now low profile baitcasting reels are being made from this same material. Manufacturers can match or even better the weight of these reels compared to magnesium counterparts and bring them in for a lower price. The Daiwa T3 Ballistic was my first carbon fiber baitcasting reel and I didn't like how it felt, so when Shimano took aim at one of my favorite platforms, the Chronarch, with this material, I was dubious to say the least. Here now is our look at Shimano's new, Chronarch CI4+.

Introducing the Chronarch CI4+.

Shimano Chronarch CI4+ Specifications
Line Capacity - Rated	12/110 : 14/90
Line Capacity - Spool Volume	14.6 cm³
Retrieve Ratio	6.2:1	7.6:1
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated	13 - 26	16 - 32
Weight	6.5 oz
Spool Weight	14 g
Handle Length	84 mm
Bearings	7 + 1
Bearings per Knob	1 bearing, 1 bushing
Levelwind Bearings	None
Tested Max Drag	~10 lbs
Origin	Made in Japan
MSRP	$269.99

Quality/Construction: The Chronarch CI4+ features a metallic dark grey finish with sparkles that really light up when caught in the right light. The frame and sideplate tolerances are as tight as I've seen on any reel, but the handle has that typical, small degree of backplay. The knobs on the Chronarch's handle spin freely with no play.

The Chronarch CI4+ has sports car-like lines.

Quality Ratings for Shimano Chronarch CI4+
Finish (1-5)	Frame & Sideplate Tolerance (1-5)	Handle Tolerance (1-5)	Knob Tolerance (1-5)	Total	Possible	Rating (= Tot/Pos * 10)
5	5	3	5	18	20	9.0

Playing with the reel on the showroom floor, tapping its sides, it definitely has a different than metal feel to it, but not quite as hollow or plastic as what I remember the T3 Ballistic being. Fueled by this optimism, and wanting to discover for myself if Shimano did justice to the reel's name, the Chronarch CI4+ made it home with me the first time I had a chance to check it out at the store.

Mounted on an F6-72X4 and ready for action.

Performance: For our on the water tests, I spooled the Chronarch CI4+ with twelve pound (12 lb) Sunline SuperNatural and mounted it on a Megabass F6-72X4 Destruction. I chose this rod, because I had in mind, testing the reel side by side with one of its price point competitors from a different manufacturer, and I just happened to have two of these rods for side by side, apples to apples tests.

X-Ship is one of the many features of this reel ensuring super smooth performance.

Next Section: No hollow feel