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Shimano launches the new Teramar series of rods, designed to fit angler's
specialized needs
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Date: |
10/04/04 |
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Tackle type: |
Rod |
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Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
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Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.66
Introduction: Shimano continues to
introduce rods with specific applications and the new saltwater inshore Teramar
rods are an illustrious example. The new Teramar series was created with anglers from
three main territories, the Southeast, Southwest, and West Coast. This allows
anglers in the respective regions to pick a rod specifically designed for the
type of fishing found in their very own backyard.
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Shimano
Teramar West Coast TMC-X76M Specifications |
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Material |
TC4 Graphite |
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Pieces |
1 |
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Length |
7'6" |
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Grip |
Grade A cork |
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Foregrip length |
5.0" |
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Reargrip length |
13.5" |
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Line Weight |
10-20lb |
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Lure Weight |
1/2-1oz |
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Guides |
9 plus the tip |
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Rating |
Medium |
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Color |
Olive Green |
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Action |
Extra Fast |
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MSRP |
$129.99 |
Impressions: Teramar rods look and feel different than just about any rod
out there, and TC4 construction is the reason why. TC4 has been employed by
Shimano before, and proved itself on the water in the popular Talora
saltwater rods. This distinctive graphite has proven to be extremely durable and yet
still quite lightweight, making it the idyllic choice for Shimano's new series of
inshore saltwater rods.
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Introducing
the new Teramar West Coast rod. Notice the unique TC4 wrap (upper left) |
The Teramar rods come in three
colors, each for the particular region that the rod is specifically designed
for. Blue for Southeast, Grey for Southwest, and Olive green for West Coast. The
Southeast and West Coast rods feature TC4 construction while the Southwest rods
make use of high modulus TC4 for an extra crisp sensitive feel. We decided the
first rod we would test should be a West Coast casting model.
The rod sports the matchless TC4 wrap which almost looks like millions of randomly intertwined
threads beneath a protective coating. In actuality TC4 is a high modulus
construction that features a double horizontal inner layer of dynamic fibers
with an inner and outer spiral of graphite. The TC4 used on the West Coast
series rods is IM-7 while the South West rods feature IM-8.
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Complete Test Rig for Shimano Teramar West Coast TMC-X76M |
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Rod |
Shimano Teramar TMC-X76M |
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Reel(s) |
Shimano Calcutta 250 |
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Line |
P-Line Spectrex IV 20lb test |
Real World Test: Shimano has adopted a
sharp acronym called "S.A.L.T." which stands for "Shimano Advanced Light Tackle."
Their goal is to increase the experience per fish, and catching them on lighter
tackle makes the game many times more exciting. We wanted to see just how
exciting the new Teramar West Coast rod was for ourselves, and decided to toss
an assortment of lures at some coastal rockfish.
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Fuji new
guide concept design helps improve casting ease and distance |
Casting: We tested the casting with the Teramar WC (West
Coast) by tossing a series of swimbaits and various megabait jigs. What we
discovered was that the TMC-X76M bears a rather conservative line and lure
weight specification at 10-20 and 1/2-1 respectively. We put on some huge
swimbaits and started chucking away with no tribulation. Then we clipped on
progressively larger Megabait jigs, and eventually even moved up to 8oz diamond
jigs! This rod can cast! Sidearm, overhand catapults, or underhand lofts...the
Teramar WC loads up with authority. I felt confident with each cast, and the
Teramar proved that it has the flexibility to work well outside the specified
range. The butt section of this rod is full-bodied, but the real reason the rod
is such a competent
caster is the way that TC4 is wound. The rod may have a thin diameter and feel
light, but underneath the graphite spun surface is another layer of graphite
always ready to bear the increased burden of weight. The ability to cast
big jigs underhand or slightly to the side with ease, make this rod an excellent
choice for party boats where real estate on the rails can often be extremely
limited.
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Quality Fuji
alconite guides are used throughout, and the rod is certainly braid capable |
Sensitivity:
The Teramar WC proved it had the ability to catapult swimbaits and jigs without
breaking a sweat, but how did it fare in terms of refinement? The Teramar
WC was put to the test jigging the exact same jigs and swimbaits at the bottom
of the ocean floor. Tests began at 50 feet and went all the way to 100 foot
depths. We used the same spectra based line as we used in our recent
Lamiglas BackBouncer field
tests. When jigging metal at 50 feet you can recognize just about every alcove,
but at 100 foot depths it became more of a challenge. The rod had more
difficulty translating exactly what structure was down there, and thus it was
more difficult to avoid snag situations. The same was true when dragging
swimbaits, it was tricky distinguishing sandy and hard substructure. In most
cases aggressive strikes can be felt with no difficulty. We would have loved to
see the Teramar WC come with the same higher modulus IM-8 graphite used on the
Southwest series of rods. This would likely result in a slightly stiffer more
responsive rod.
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The
rod uses a Fuji TCS reel seat which is comfortable to hold, and the TC4
based West Coast Teramar delivered reasonable sensitivity when going deep |
Power:
The TMC-X76M falls right in
the middle of the lineup in terms of power specifications on paper, but the same
TC4 construction that makes this rod a solid caster also makes it a capable
hauler. The
Teramar WC arc's cleanly
and you won't be afraid to horse big fish to the surface with this rod. The rod
feels solid and yet forms a very nice arc when laden with big fish on the end of
the line. Fuji guide concept design allows for an even spacing of pressure, and
the rod becomes more flexible than you expect when hooked up, allowing you to
pump the rod effectively during the fight if you feel so inclined.
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An oversized
hook hanger makes it easy to stow those big saltwater swimbaits and jigs |
During our tests we
landed a ton of rockfish and serious slime was getting just about everywhere on
the front of our test Whaler. As we were nearing our limit I was lucky enough to
hook into a nice Cabezon which decided to save all its fight until it broke the
surface. As it thrashed around the surface and JIP went in with the net I made a
misstep and in very ungraceful fashion proceeded to fall backwards. In an effort
to brace myself I threw my right hand backwards and my right hand up.
Consequently the rod went straight up in perhaps the worst example of
high-sticking JIP or I had ever seen. To our surprise the Teramar WC bore the
additional pressure, and actually catapulted the big cab right to the surface,
and as I got back into fighting position JIP successfully heaved the Cab into
the boat! The rod had survived, I had survived, and the fish...well, he wasn't
so lucky. Ultimately the Teramar WC proved to be quite a powerful performer,
capable of muscling in fish from the depths with modest effort.
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The West
Coast trigger rod's genuine Fuji TCS Reel seat held our Calcutta test reel
securely, no wobble was experienced even when hauling sizeable rockfish |
Price:
Shimano rods are known for their value and at a price of 129.99 this rod
delivers yet again. The
Teramar WC is a great value for anglers looking to pair up their Calcutta's with
a worthy rod. The components used on this rod are excellent, and for just over
100 dollars anglers also have the peace of mind of Shimano's excellent warrantee
as well (see below). Though the inshore saltwater space is becoming increasingly
crowded, few rods can offer such a balance of power, durability, and price.
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An
ergonomically shaped Pacific Bay fighting butt graces the bottom of the cork
handle |
Applications: Teramar is all about
applications that match your region. Whether you reside on either coast, there
is a rod that is going to fit your requirements. When we take a closer look at
the West Coast series there are two main categories of rods, the Casting type
like we tested, and the jig/bait models for those who enjoy more live bait
fishing techniques. The bait models boast heavier line capacities and large
black Diamondback™ grips for comfort. These inshore rods offer a variety of
models well suited for many applications including swimming plastics, heaving
jigs, and putting down bait.
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The Teramar
West Coast rod towed in plenty of Cabezon on our field test, and handled
these "bull headed" fish with authority |
Warranty:
Shimano
allows anglers two different
choices to address damaged or broken Teramar rods in the field. All Teramar rods
are guaranteed to perform for life. The first way is to send the rod back to
Shimano for evaluation. Send the rod with your dated receipt and a explanation
of the problem and Shimano will either replace or repair the rod and pay for the
shipping on the return. While this is similar to industry standards Shimano goes
above and beyond with a second option, over the counter replacement. Simply take
the damaged rod to a participating dealer with your dated receipt and you will
walk out of the store with a brand new rod. Rods that are damaged by misuse or
accident are not covered under the warranty but they can still be repaired or
replaced by Shimano for a nominal fee.
Ratings:
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Shimano
Teramar West Coast TMC-X76M Ratings (?/10) |
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Construction/Quality |
Shimano is building better and better rods,
and the new designs like the Teramar West Coast series demonstrate that
Shimano has done their homework when it comes time to building a region and
application specific offering. The quality of components and construction of
TC4 are top notch |
9 |
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Performance |
Performance is excellent in terms of casting
and pure lifting, the only area that the rod loses a point in is pure
sensitivity. We believe the higher modulus TC4 would yield better results
and would have loved to see that employed on our test rod |
8 |
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Price |
This is a great rod offering and at 129.99 it
is an exceptional value. There may be rods offering more refinement but the
price is at least 60-80 dollars more in cost, and few can match the rod's
great durability |
9 |
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Features |
The rod is simple in layout but does make use
of advanced TC4 construction and the Fuji Guide Concept design |
8 |
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Design (Ergonomics) |
Overall ergonomics are very good. The extended
handle provides additional leverage. No complaints here |
9 |
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Application |
This rod is designed for West Coast anglers
and we appreciate it! While anglers in other regions can also appreciate
this rod, the attributes are perfect for this area's fishing |
9 |
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Total Score |
8.66 |
Pluses and Minuses:
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Plus
Minus |
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J
Application specific |
L
Not as sensitive as some other graphite rods |
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J
Durable! |
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J
Quality components |
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J
Great Price |
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Conclusion: Shimano builds the reels that many angler's consider the best
there is, and now they are turning heads with their latest rods. Shimano is
serious about building a quality rod and the new Teramar Inshore rods are an
excellent example of just how far Shimano is willing to go in terms of designing
a beautiful region and application specific rod, that performs like a premium
rod, but is just a fraction of the cost. While a higher modulus IM-8 graphite
offering in all three Teramar series would have been ideal, I still have no
problem recommending these rods to any angler looking for a solid coastal rod
that will deliver the power and range necessary to handle the wide range of fish
found on our coastline, and best of all, the equitable price will allow you to
find the perfect matching reel to complete your new inshore combo.
Until next time....Tight Lines!
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