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Enthusiast Review


 

Winding Back the Clock with Shimano's 2024 Scorpion 200/201 MD

 

Date: 12/5/24
Tackle Type: Reel
Manufacturer: Shimano Japan
Reviewer: Cal






Total Score: 8.08 - GREAT

Introduction:
For Shimano Japan, it appears the 2020s will be the decade of monsters. Before the decade began, it was Antares DC, then Conquest, Antares DC again, and now, the manufacturer's workhorse, Scorpion. Monster Drive, or MD for short, is the motto in a series of Shimano JDM reels developed in support of those who enjoy throwing monster baits in the hopes of landing that catch of a lifetime. 2024 actually marks the second Scorpion to receive this upgrade. Last year, the moniker was attached to the 300, but this year, the 200 receives the enhancement. Here's a look at Shimano Japan's 2024 Scorpion MD 200/201.

 

Shimano 24 Scorpion MD 200/201 Specifications

Line Capacity - Rated 0.33mm / 130yds
Line Capacity - Spool Volume 16.3 cm3
Retrieve Ratio
(HG) 7.4:1
(XG) 8.5:1
Inches Per Turn (IPT) - calculated
13 - 31
15 - 35.5
Weight 7.5 oz
Spool Weight

14 g

Handle Length 90 mm
Bearings 7+1
Bearings per Knob 1 bearing, 1 bushing
Levelwind Bearings 1 bushing
Rated Max Drag ~12-13lbs (varies with retrieve ratio)
Origin Made in Malaysia
MSRP 29,500 JPY (~$190)


Introducing Shimano's 2024 Scorpion 200/201 MD

Impressions: Traditionally, Scorpion is to burgundy as Curado is to green. Every now and then Shimano will deviate from this tradition, but the manufacturer usually includes at least a highlight color here or there acknowledging that tradition. For Scorpion 200 MD that means red highlights at the bolt holding the handle in place and at the spool tension knob. That's it. Otherwise the reel is an uncharacteristic (for Scorpion) neutral, dark grey. Frankly, if it weren't for those red highlights and the scorpion logo on the spool tension knob, I'd think this was a Curado variant.

 


These red highlights are a call back to Scorpion's color origins

 

As for its physical features, the new Scorpion MD is rated as a 200 sized reel, but is the same shape and size as previous generation Scorpion MGL and DC which are rated as 150s. Shimano merely provides a slightly deeper spool for more capacity in the 200 (~16.3 cm3 vs ~15.4 cm3).


The 24 Scorp MD makes a mean partner with my Gan Craft Deadsword Magnum

Real World Tests: Given that uptick in line capacity, my usual strategy of using hollow braid to a mono or fluoro leader didn't need to apply. So instead, I got a little lazy with the Scorpion MD and decided to just fill it up with some spare Sunline FX2 braid in 80lb test and fish it straight with no leader. I first paired it with my Gan Craft Dead Sword Magnum, a seven foot, six inch JDM stick rated up to five ounces in lure weight, for the majority of the reel's tests. However, to change things up, I did match this reel up for one trip with my Megabass Orochi X10 F7-71XT Swamp Survivor.


Brake adjustment dial is located at the front underside of the non handle sideplate

Casting: So the big deal with Shimano's MD (Monster Drive) casting reels is the fact they've been tuned for the presentation of oversized baits. Personally, I feel a more appropriate label for these reels would be MC for Monster Cast instead of Monster Drive. The latter infers modification of the gears which is not what the tuning is actually about. Stepping off my tackle box, for the Scorpion MD, that means 4 brakes on the SVS Infinity brake system which, to be honest, look the same to me as those found on the 150 sized 2019 Scorpion MGL.


Four brakes - similar if not the same as the 2019 Scorp MGL

Nevertheless, I was able to cast any manner of bait from the three quarter ounce Megabass Big Gabot to a variety of big baits up to five ounces in weight. There is a non-ratcheted external brake dial (i.e. no micro clicks) on this reel at the front underside of the non-handle sideplate adjustable from one to six (1-6). I fished it with the dial set at 2 and did not find the need to ever adjust from there.


Stock handle is 90mm in length

Retrieve: Available in two retrieve ratios, I fished the XG variant of the Scorpion 201 MD which comes with an 8.5:1. Gear mesh and feel is typical Shimano meaning very smooth and refined. If there's one thing that Shimano does well, it's to deliver reels with very smooth retrieve. It just so happened I fished a few topwater rats with on this reel and while I'd normally opt for the slower retrieve variant for topwater presentations, I was able to remain disciplined and slow my retrieve with the XG enough for effective presentation of these rats. However, what I really like to fish with higher speed, large capacity reels like this are glide baits.


Micro-module gears

Next Section: Just how different is this Scorpion?

 

   

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