Fred Hall Long Beach Show: Part 2 - Saltwater Coverage (continued)
 

Fin-Nor: In 2007 during ICAST we were only able to give you a brief overview on the Fin-Nor Santiago, their soon to come "ultimate big game reel." At that time the Santiago was still in its infant state and what we saw were only prototypes. At Fred Hall the reel was shown in go to market state. The Fin-Nor Santiago makes use of many advances of today and is constructed from a one-piece, fully machined aluminum frame along with a one-piece aluminum spool. This spool is supported with a machined, stainless steel center shaft turning on four ultra-smooth and strong ceramic-stainless hybrid ball bearings.

Introducing the Fin-Nor Santiago, their biggest and baddest big game reel

The Santiago has a "buff" drag system. The drag is water-resistant and uses a multi-layer drag system of Carbon Fiber washers in combination of a heat-dissipating Titanium drag plate for a smooth, strong, and reliable drag.

A multi-layer drag system is used on the Santiago

Hefty components are used

The Fin-Nor Santiago also features a two-speed design with both high and low gear ratios, and depending on model the ratios will vary; low from 1.35:1 to 1.75:1, high from 4.22:1 to 3.07:1. Engaging the gear is easy with the Santiago has it is made so you can push the button with your forearm even while you are still turning the handle.

The 2-speed is easy to engage with the push button

You can engage the second speed while retrieving using your forearm

The Santiago will have Fin-Nor's Classic Gold anodizing and the traditional "sailfish" badge on the left-hand side which can be custom engraved to personalize your reel. The Fin-Nor Santiago will be available in April and the price varies depending on model but the largest model (80W) will retail for $949.

A big ergonomic handle knob comes on all Santiago reels

Victor of Quantum/Fin-Nor shows us the new Fin-Nor reels