Shimano Plans for "Conquest" in Calcutta Round Reels

Introduction: Shimano fans have long pined for the JDM Conquest reels and have gone so far as to import them without warranties just to fish these high end round reels. This ICAST the big news in Shimano reels was the introduction of the Conquest that was recently introduced in Japan right here in the US market.

Mark Zona announces that the Calcutta Conquest is arriving

A longtime favorite series among anglers looking for premium round reels, Shimano’s Calcutta new flagship round reel series is now part of the Shimano line-up - the Calcutta Conquest reels – combining innovative features with the Calcutta timeless design. The series includes the Calcutta CTCNQ-100 and 200, and the left-hand retrieve CTCNQ-101 and 201.

The Conquest is extremely refined when it comes to round reels

Made more compact with Shimano’s ‘S Compact Body Design’ and offering a higher level of performance with features including Micro Module Gear technology, SVS Infinity and Shimano Stable Spool Design (S3D), the Calcutta Conquest reels “are all about durability, smooth rotation and rigidity,” said Robby Gant with Shimano’s product development staff. “We give anglers the best with a cold-forged frame, S3D reduces spool vibration for better casting performance and overall feel, plus we use a larger diameter spool to help increase casting distance.”

The machined handle side

The Micro Module gear system takes Shimano’s technology another step forward by reducing the size, while increasing the number, of gear teeth on the pinion and drive gear. “While anglers know all about the smoothness of Shimano reels, as the flagship round baitcasting reel we take the Conquest to the next level, all leading to not only exceptional casting distance, but also exceptional power and durability,” Gant said.

Like the standard Calcutta the compact body design makes the palming side smaller and more ergonomic

When it comes to casting control the Calcutta Conquest reels use Shimano's SVS Infinity brake system which are also found on Shimano’s flagship low-profile Antares reels, along with the Metanium and Chronarch CI4+ low-pro series, and control spool speed for precision casting especially when using lighter lures. An external adjustment knob provides for quick, precise adjustments for either the conditions or when you switch baits. Like other recent Shimano reels the Conquest also benefits from X-Ship technology, “where we the support the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, leading to better gear durability and also to help make long casts with light lures,” explains Gant.

A look at the clutch and spool access

Anticipating that anglers expect long-time use with Calcutta reels, Shimano also includes a torque limiting levelwind designed into the Conquest series. “Even if fingers or debris gets stuck in the levelwind, it will stop moving and prevent any gear breakage – or even possible injury to the angler,” Gant said.

A sideplate reveals the braking system but it is externally adjustable

The smaller Calcutta Conquest 100 and 101 weigh 7.5-ounces, feature 5.2:1 gear ratios, and can handle 110-yard of 8-pound test monofilament, or from 115-yards of 20-pound test to 80-yards of 40-pound test PowerPro braid. The Calcutta Conquest 200 and 201 size reels weigh 8.4-ounces, have 4.8:1 gear ratios, and can handle 110-yard of 12-pound test monofilament, or from 190-yards of 30-pound test to 80-yards of 65-pound test PowerPro braid. All four reels retrieve in more than 23-inches of line per crank. The reels will be available in both left and right hand retrieve and the 100 size will retail for $549 dollars while the 200 size will retail for only 20 dollars more.

Both a 100 and 200 size will be available in right and left hand retrieve

By bringing over the new Shimano Conquest to the US market the company is one step further to their globalization strategy where the same products are sold in both market, like they recently did with the Metanium and Antares baitcasters. The Calcutta Conquest will find homes with round reel enthusiasts and this introduction has us wondering... will they bring the Exsense DC to the US? We hope so.