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Shimano blends Power with Weight Reduction with the Sophisticated new Chronarch
D
(continued)
  There
will be two versions available, the CH100D7 with a quick 7.0:1 gear ratio and
the CH100D5 with a 5.0:1 gear ratio. The D7 is capable of bringing in 30 inches
of line per crank and the D5 will retrieve 9 inches less per crank. Both reels
will weigh in exactly the same. The D7 will be available in right and left hand
retrieve and the D5 will only be available in right hand retrieve at the time of
launch.
A look underneath, this new Core
offers a significant weight reduction over the "B" version and is also lighter
than the classic "A" and "SF" reels
We fished the Chronarch D
and performed some abbreviated field tests to get a better idea of how the new
reel actually compares to the current “B” version as well as the Core. The
Chronarch D is instantly appealing because it blends the performance and fluid
feel of the current version with the more compact and ergonomic design of the
Core. The Chronarch D feels natural in hand and the white color really brings
back fond memories of the popular “A” version.
The same flip down easy access of
the Core reveals the reduced mass VBS hub
In terms of refinement the
Chronarch D felt a bit smoother than the Core as well as the Curado thanks to
the high-end bearings throughout including in the knobs. The Chronarch D may
sacrifice a bit of weight over the Core but brings an extra level of
sophistication with a new cold forged aluminum handle shank that is drilled for
weight reduction and an accompanying cold forged aluminum drag star. The handles
are all septon and as with other Shimano reels feels grippy both wet and dry.
In the sun it is easier to see the
two tone treatment in the finish, it reminds of a Lexus paint job
When fishing the Chronarch
it instantly felt familiar, probably because we have put in so many hours with
the Core/Metanium Mg. Suffice to say if you like the Core then you will love the
Chronarch D. The Chronarch feels more solid than the Core, and honestly a bit
more refined as well. The Core does weigh noticeably less and is 1.52oz. lighter
than the Chronarch D so anglers seeking the ultimate light weight rig will still
opt for the Core, but the Chronarch D at a lower price point will surely come
into play as another option.
The reel sports a tapered Ti
levelwind insert
Because the Chronarch
bears the same profile as the Core our next question to Shimano was whether or
not there would be a new Mg version as that position would logically already be
occupied by the Core. Jeremy Sweet, Reel Product Manager at Shimano confirmed
that there would indeed no longer be a Chronarch Mg in the lineup.
There will be two reels available
at time of launch, the D7 (7.0:1 gear ratio) and the D5 (5.0:1), only the D7
will be available in both right and left hand retrieves at the Jan release
In terms of performance
the reel feels fluid on retrieves and exhibits no backplay in the handle. Like
the Core the Chronarch D feels more “connected” in terms of gearing tolerances
than some Shimano reels in the past.
The sleek face of the new
Chronarch D
When casting the Chronarch
D was excellent across the spectrum and especially good at controlling extremely
light weightless rigged plastics. We caught a number of fish during the test but
none were really big enough to test the upper limit of the drag, but the
dartanium drag did feel very smooth.
The reel makes use of all metal
components and the drag star and handle are both cold forged
The recently launched
Curado E is actually more compact in form factor than the Chronarch D but is
more angular, the Chronarch has more fluid lines and both reels weigh in exactly
the same. When it comes to which reel feels better when palming it will come
down to individual ergonomic preferences.
Septon "Technical L" grips are
used on both versions
The Chronarch D will slot
in nicely between the new Curado E and magnesium based Core. In terms of price
the new Chronarch D will retail for 30 dollars more than the current “B” version
at 299.99. The Chronarch D will be available at both retail stores and online
e-tailers shortly after the New Year.
The handle has been shaped and
drilled for weight reduction
Conclusion:
The Chronarch D will appeal to anglers that like the Core’s design but don’t
require the level of weight reduction that necessitates the use of magnesium.
The Chronarch D merges the weight reduction of Shimano’s recent reel
introductions with the sheer cranking power and fluid feel of the current
Chronarch B. This new Chronarch offers just about all the features that make
Shimano reels so popular and feels very solid for a reel weighing only 7.6oz. We
look forward to how the reel will perform over the long haul and will follow up
this preview with a complete in depth field test.
The Chronarch D returns to much of
what made the original reels so popular but adds in all of Shimano's latest
advancements, it actually feels more solid and refined than the Core in many
respects
So
far we like what we have seen and are excited about the different retrieve
ratios, especially with our “year of the Crank” reviews coming up. For many
anglers the Curado series has always been a mainstream workhorse reel and the
Chronarch represents a more refined offering that crosses over into premium
territory. This latest version holds true to this positioning and offers many
features that enhance refinement, and are designed to make this reel not only
functionally superior but a pleasure to fish with as well. For those anglers
that felt like the Chronarch B strayed too far from all that the series should
be the new D version is going to be a very welcome addition to the lineup as it
recalls some of what made the Chronarchs of yesteryear so popular and still
preserves much of what is good with the current reel.
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