Event Article:
2008 ICAST Coverage |
Shimano makes major updates and upgrades throughout their reel lineup
(continued)

Moving on from baitcasting Shimano updates every
reel from the Symetre down to the Solstace. The Symetre FJ is now designed with
SR concept and benefits from "propulsion line management" which includes the
tapered spool lip, a SR one piece bail wire, Power Roller III, S-Arm cam, and a
redesigned bail trip.

Positioned right below the Saros
the Symetre is now loaded with premium features including S Concept and
Propulsion design
In addition the reel will feature slow oscillation for
improved line lay. The reel features an aluminum frame on the 500 and 1000 size
and a graphite sideplate and rotor. The spool is cold forged, and the handle is
machined aluminum. the reel maintains it's greenish tinted finish.

A look at the new Propulsion spool
Family |
Model Number |
Line Retrieve per Crank (in.) |
|
Max Drag (lbs.) |
S A-RB Ball Bearings |
Roller Bearings |
Gear Ratio |
Weight (oz.) |
MSRP |
Line Capacity (# test/yd) |
Symetre FJ |
SY500FJ |
21 |
2/190, 4/100, 6/60 |
4.0 |
4 |
1 |
4.7:1 |
6.0 |
$99.99 |
|
SY1000FJ |
28 |
2/270, 4/140, 6/110 |
7.0 |
4 |
1 |
5.6:1 |
7.1 |
$99.99 |
|
SY2500FJ |
35 |
6/200, 8/140, 10/120 |
11.0 |
4 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
10.1 |
$99.99 |
|
SY3000FJ |
35 |
6/230, 8/170, 10/140 |
15.0 |
4 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
9.9 |
$99.99 |
|
SY4000FJ |
37 |
8/240, 10/200, 12/160 |
15.0 |
4 |
1 |
5.7:1 |
14.1 |
$99.99 |

The SY500FJ will make a good
ultralight reel for under 100 dollars
The Sahara FD bears similar specs to the Symetre
but is priced 20 dollars less and is stripped of one S A-RB bearing. The Sahara
FD doesn't have all of the SR Concept features but it does make use of the
propulsion line management system.

The Sahara is next in line and
also features a Propulsion spool

The Sahara has a cold forged spool
aluminum frame and graphite sideplate and rotor
Family |
Model Number |
Line Retrieve per Crank (in.) |
|
Max Drag (lbs.) |
S A-RB Ball Bearings |
Roller Bearings |
Gear Ratio |
Weight (oz.) |
MSRP |
Line Capacity (# test/yd) |
Sahara FD |
SH500FD |
21 |
2/190, 4/100, 6/60 |
4.0 |
3 |
1 |
4.7:1 |
5.9 |
$79.99 |
|
SH1000FD |
28 |
2/270, 4/140, 6/110 |
7.0 |
3 |
1 |
5.6:1 |
6.9 |
$79.99 |
|
SH2500FD |
35 |
6/200, 8/140, 10/120 |
11.0 |
3 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
9.9 |
$79.99 |
|
SH3000FD |
35 |
6/230, 8/170, 10/140 |
15.0 |
3 |
1 |
6.2:1 |
9.7 |
$79.99 |
|
SH4000FD |
37 |
8/240, 10/200, 12/160 |
15.0 |
3 |
1 |
5.7:1 |
13.9 |
$79.99 |

A orange reel from Shimano? The
new Sonora FB will retail for $49.99

The Sonora FB may be mainstream
but it too features Propulsion line management, and is a relatively lightweight
reel
The Spirex, Sedona, Sonora, and Solstace have also
all been redesigned with similar enhancements. The new look modernized the
appearance of all reels, and they do feel more fluid than the previous reels in
feel. On lower cost reels one of the easiest things to blow out first is the
clicker, and on all spinning reels including the 39 dollar Solstace Shimano has
now implemented their repairable clicker which can be serviced easily by
authorized service centers as well as more savvy consumers.

The Solstace will retail for only
$39.99 and features a graphite construction, though you would never tell by
holding it

It too features propulsion line
management and s-concept design, not bad for a reel under 40 dollars
A
New Stella and smaller Tyrnos are born
