Sweet to the “Core,” Shimano’s new
premium magnesium baitcaster (continued)
Ergonomics
cont'd: Overall the Core is a superbly sculpted reel and I fell in love with
the way that the reel palms. The only real issue for fans of magnesium based
baitcasters is the sheer weight. While the Core can be categorized as light, it
doesn’t make it below the 6oz threshold, where the “ultralights” reside.
The tapered titanium levelwind
insert helps make the Core an exceptional caster
Many of the
published specs on both the Core and Metanium are actually incorrect. The
Metanium Mg weights were actually published with incorrect conversion rates, and
based on prototypes. Shimano’s engineers in Japan verified this finding, and
confirmed that the Core does indeed weigh less than the Metanium Mg.
The authentic weights
based upon actual conversion rates are: CORE100MG: 6.081 oz, CORE100MGFV: 6.730
oz, METANIUM MG: 6.159 oz, METANIUM MG7: 6.138 oz. The Core 100MGFV weighs more
due to the bronze drive gearing and PV power grips.
A look at the dressed up button on
the Metanium Mg
Price & Applications:
When it comes to the ultimate in lightweight reel refinement the Daiwa Steez is
still the benchmark for magnesium reels. When you put the Core in your hand you
think “that’s pretty light,” but when you put a Steez in your hand you think “I
can’t believe how light that is.” The Core is however better suited for a wider
range of applications, and while the Steez is more of a specialized reel, the
Core is the more all round performer.
The Septon grips on the Core are
comfortable, and the 100MGFV comes with even larger PV power grips
Is it really fair to
compare the Core/Met to the Steez? Yes. While the Steez is no doubt the more
refined reel, it also represents the flagship for the Daiwa baitcaster lineup.
The Core is actually designed to compete more with the Steez than the more
affordable Fuego, which matches up better with the Chronarch Mg.
The Core like the Metanium Mg is
made in Japan
Which brings us to the
subject of price. The Core 100Mg retails for $349.99, and the Core 100MGFV
retails for 30 dollars more. Interestingly the Metanium reels can actually be
had for $296.00 to $329.00 for both the Mg and Mg7, but domestic anglers will
have to forgo the warranty, and of course no flipping model is available.
Compare all that to the Daiwa Fuego which retails for a modest $229.00 and the
Steez which costs a whopping $449.99.
The 100MGFV's Instagage II
flipping switch
So
let’s break it down.. The Daiwa Steez is like the Ferrari F430 of magnesium
based fishing reels, built with a singular purpose, to be the ultimate magnesium
machine, but one that is better suited for certain applications and certainly
not what one would consider for a daily driver. The Core is also a performance
machine, one that should be respected, and though it carries a lower price tag
it still has a blend of features and performance that can run with the big boys.
In this way we consider the Core to be more akin to a Porsche 911 Turbo, which
by no means is a cheap offering, and while it isn’t as exotic as a Ferrari it
has an awesome level of performance and yet is still civilized enough to be
driven (or cast) everyday.
The Core manhandles even big bass,
and can be used for fishing everything from weightless plastics to mid sized
swimbaits
Ratings:
|
Shimano
Core
100MG &
100MGFV Ratings (?/10)
[Ratings
apply to
the
Metanium
Mg as
well]
|
| Construction/Quality |
The Core is
built
surprisingly
tough for a
magnesium
based reel.
The
materials
used in the
construction
of this reel
are top
notch, and
unlike many
other
magnesium
reels this
one can be
used in
light
saltwater
conditions.
The gearing
and drag can
certainly
handle it |
9.5 |
| Performance |
In
terms of
performance
the Core met
or exceeded
all of our
expectations.
This reel is
a pleasure
to cast, and
the retrieve
while
somewhat
hollow in
feel
compared to
the Calais
is near as
powerful.
The Metanium
gets extra
bonus points
in this
category for
using
bearings in
the handles
rather than
bushings,
but the Core
makes up
some of that
ground by
weighing in
lighter. The
drag on the
Core is
fantastic
for a Mg
based
baitcaster |
9 |
| Price |
The
Core is not
the cheapest
reel and
some anglers
take offense
to the fact
that it
actually
costs more
than a
Metanium Mg
(imported),
but in the
scheme of
the
competition
it isn't
priced out
of line |
8.5 |
| Features |
The Core
abounds with
quality
features
from the
Magnumlite
spool to the
tapered
levelwind
insert. The
Core
actually
gets bonus
points over
the Metanium
in this
category as
the 100MGFV
features the
useful
Instagage II
flipping
switch, sure
it isn't for
everyone,
but for
power
fishermen
its a very
nice option
|
9 |
| Design (Ergonomics) |
The Core
palms
beautifully
and is easy
to fish all
day long. It
may not be
the lightest
reel out
there, but
it is among
the most
balanced
when it
comes to
light weight
and power |
9 |
| Application |
The Core
offers
anglers more
power than
they will be
used to in a
reel that is
designed to
be light.
The
protectant
coating on
this reel
make it a
good choice
for anglers
that fish
fresh,
brackish,
and even
light
saltwater
applications |
10 |
|
Total Score
|
9.08 |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus Minus
|
| J
Great blend
of
attributes
(truly
multi-application) |
L
Not cheap,
and the Core
is actually
higher in
price than
the Metanium
Mg imported |
| J
Excellent
caster |
L
No bearings
in Core
handles |
| J
Fantastic
drag for a
Mg reel |
L
Overall
weight is
higher than
competing
premium Mg
based reels |
| J
HEG gearing
shines,
great
balance of
speed and
power |
|
| J
Exceptional
ergonomics |
|
| J
Flipping
option on
Core |
|
| J
Finally, a
premium Mg
reel from
Shimano
(even looks
enthusiast) |
|
Conclusion:
The Core is
different than most
other magnesium
reels in that it
doesn’t sacrifice
any power in the
pursuit of reduced
weight. What results
is a reel that while
not as lightweight
as the competition
offers an intriguing
blend of ergonomics
and functionality.
When I look at the
Core and the
Metanium side by
side I still wish
the Core had
bearings in the
handles, but prefer
the Core’s more
enthusiast oriented
styling, especially
the red magnumlite
spool. It also is
nice to see a
completely different
version (100MgFV)
being introduced
just for domestic
power applications
with more robust
gearing and the
Instagage II thumb
bar. The Core in
many ways is
actually similar to
the Calais in
design, and actually
is able to stand on
it’s own in terms of
a new series in
between the
Chronarch and the
Calais. When
compared with
competitor offerings
it can easily match
up with the Fuego,
and even the past
generation TD-Z in
many respects.
However if you
compare it to the
Steez many of the
fans of magnesium
based reels will
find that the Steez
does offer a
distinctive level of
sophistication that
is yet to be
duplicated. The Core
however offers a
better blend of
features for anglers
looking for a
magnesium reel that
can do it all. Is
the Core perfect?
No. Does it possess
a perfect balance?
Just about. For the
finest balance of
finesse and power in
a magnesium reel we
have seen to date
the Core (and MetMg)
is a worthy
recipient of our
Editors Choice
Award, simply put,
this is one “sweet”
reel.
Looking for a Core?
Check out
Tackle Warehouse.
