Evergreen International Opus-1 Nero

Enthusiast Reel Preview

Evergreen International's Encore to Their Original Masterpiece: The Opus-1 Nero (continued)

Real World Test: The Opus-1 Nero is not different enough from the original to offer up an entire new test and review regimen, but it is certainly special enough to warrant some degree of coverage. Given this unique circumstance, we asked Ms. Casey to assist us with some field tests. Her first comment when presented with both reels was that she much preferred the cosmetics of the Nero, in all black, versus the original's mix of black and silver.

Ms. Casey dons her TT Jersey for a bit of field testing with the Nero.

Once again, we paired up the Opus-1 Nero with the same, F3-610DGS Aaron Martens Limited from Evergreen International's rival, Megabass. For line, we emptied an entire filler spool of Toray's new, Hi-Class Fluorocarbon in 5lb Test onto the Nero's spool.

She suggests the Megabass F3-610DGS.

Ms. Casey demonstrates patience has its virtues.

As the photos illustrate, Ms. Casey had a grand time casting with the Nero and remarked time after time how easy and smooth the reel was to operate. Of particular interest is how comfortable the new, rubber grip is to handle as compared to the metal knob on the original Opus-1. It feels as if the Nero is built with just a bit more consideration for fishing rather than collecting.

As with the original, the Opus-1 Nero is a fun reel to use.

The weight difference between the two reels is rather negligible and the machine cut handle, again while more user friendly and lighter, is less extraordinary as an overall composition in comparison to the original. But we really are splitting hairs here. Put a blindfold on, and put the same knob on each reel, and you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference in feel between them.

And we were hardly in a position to dissuade Ms. Casey's enthusiasm.

Availability: The Opus-1 Nero has been readily available since about August of 2008. Even the original, despite initial reports of limited runs and the need for pre-orders that did not necessarily guarantee order fulfillment, is still obtainable to this day. The only unfortunate circumstance for those considering a Nero at the time of this writing is the state of the US Dollar versus Japanese Yen.

Is the Nero the finale to this orchestra? Only time will tell, but you rest assured this is not the last we'll be seeing of Ms. Casey.

Conclusion: Well, while the Opus-1 Nero was not different enough from the original Opus-1 to warrant an entirely new review, it's certainly worth discussing and special enough to warrant a bit of showcasing by Ms. Casey. Adopters of the original masterpiece can rest assured the Nero is a complimentary piece rather than a replacement. Acquire both and you give yourself the opportunity of carrying a deadly one two punch in one case. For those trying to decide between the two, the Nero is a tad more user friendly and certainly less intimidating to use.