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Anglers need make no
compromises with the exceptional value offered by Shimano’s Compre rods
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Date: |
6/9/04 |
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Tackle type: |
Rod |
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Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
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Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.83 + Best Value Award
Introduction:
Most anglers identify Shimano as a reel company first and foremost, but recent
introductions into the rod market with both freshwater and saltwater rods have
made many an angler look twice at pairing their Shimano reels on the company’s
own branded rods. We take a look at Shimano’s freshwater flagship Compre rods to
see just how well these contenders stack up against the competition.
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Shimano
Compre (CPC-X66MHA) Specifications |
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Material |
IM8 Graphite |
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Length |
6'6" |
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Line Weight |
10-20lb |
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Lure Weight |
1/4-1oz |
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Guides |
9 plus the tip |
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Rating |
Medium Heavy |
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Color |
Cherry |
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Action |
Extra
Fast |
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MSRP |
$79.99 |
Impressions:
The Shimano Compre rods
make use of high quality components and feature the Fuji New Guide Concept for a
nice overall package. The rod features a dark cherry color, but in the sunlight
you can see beneath the clear coat and examine the finely wound IM8 blank. The
attention to detail on this rod is impressive, and the lightweight composite
cork butt caps and gold inserts exemplify just how far Shimano was willing to go
to prove they are indeed a bona-fide rod builder.
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For our
tests the Shimano Compre was paired up with the king of round reels, the
Calcutta TEDC |
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Complete Test Rig for Shimano Compre (CPC-X66MHA) |
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Rod |
Compre CPC-X66MHA |
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Reel(s) |
Calcutta TE 200DC |
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Line |
12lb Trilene Big Game |
Real World Test:
I decided to pair the high
end Compre rod with the premium Calcutta TEDC for a truly first-class offering.
I pitted the combo against black bass and striped bass on local lakes abundant
with structure to determine the rod’s casting ability, accuracy, and sensitivity
attributes.
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Casting
accurately was just as easy as casting for distance with the Compre's
confident action |
Casting/Retrieving:
The exposed blank allows
easy access to the main blank, and the nicely recessed seat allowed even our
round Calcutta DC to sit low enough that it was possible to palm with ease. Our
6’6” test model proved to be competent at feeling out structure with deep
running cranks, as well as quick sets on dropping senkos. One thing I
particularly liked about this rod was the fast action, which allowed me the best
of both worlds when it came to long and accurate casts and well managed pitching
in and around structure.
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Shimano
utilizes high quality Fuji components throughout the Compre's construction |
The rod is both effortless
to use and comfortable, due in big part to the use of Grade A cork on the
handle, and an alluring composite cork butt cap that is a good deal more
comfortable than traditional plastic caps when pressed up against your forearm
during casts. The subsequent purpose of the composite cork butt is to further
reduce overall weight. Shimano engineers put a lot of thought into designing a
lighter weight Compre rod, and the butt as well as overall blank were tweaked to
reduce any possible excess mass. The result is a rod that is definitely lighter
than previous generation Compre rods, one that feels more dexterous and precise
to cast.
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A composite
cork butt is both comfortable and lightweight |
Sensitivity:
When Shimano first introduced some of their rods they used proprietary reel
seats, but have now wisely migrated to Fuji
® exposed reel
seats. The Fuji reel seat offers a comfortable streamlined feel and looks right
at home on the Shimano IM-8 blank. Together with the new Fuji Guide Concept,
Hardloy Guides, and gudebond thread wraps the Compre delivers respectable
sensitivity. While not as responsive as say, Loomis IMX graphite, the rod felt
similar to most IM-8 rods we have tested. While other specialty rods can offer
more sensitivity few can even come close to the Compre's overall value when you
figure in the affordability of this rod.
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Attention to
detail is what the Compre is all about, notice the composite cork insert on
top of the cork handle |
Power:
While the
rod was rather typical in the sensitivity department, the power and pure load
handling of the Compre was definitely notable. When fishing for Stripers we
ripped a variety of large jerkbaits putting great strain on the tip of the rod,
and once a fish hooked up we deliberately clamped down on the drag to increase
shock and loading on the rod. To our surprise the Compre was able to compensate
nicely with a taper that exhibits confidence and power through out the spectrum.
While we don’t recommend it, we deliberately “high sticked” the rod with
sizeable Stripers and the rod never showed any signs of tension. In fact the rod
arc’s nicely all the way through the mid section and we were able to win every
bout with the Stripers.
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Fuji Guide
Concept Hardloy guides are a special blend of high grade aluminum oxide, are
diamond polished, and permanently mounted on the frames |
Price:
Here’s where Shimano has the competition sweating bullets. The Compre proves
that Shimano can compete with well known rod manufacturers in terms of
performance, and can do so bearing a price tag that is well below industry
standards for a chief offering. At a price of only 79.99 the Compre is an
outstanding value! So good in fact that we recommend any angler that is looking
at an IM-7 based Clarus rod should seriously consider spending just 20 dollars
more to upgrade to the Compre. The additional 20 dollars gets you higher modulus
graphite and moves you up from Aluminum Oxide guides to the diamond polished
Hardloy components.
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The Compre
was just as good ripping hard for Stripers as it was for finesse fishing for
largemouth |
Warranty:
What could be better than
a Limited Lifetime Warranty? The answer… an over the Counter Limited Lifetime
Warranty. Shimano ensures anglers have no down time by allowing customers
immediate exchanges at participating dealers. This service is yet another nice
touch to an already robust total offering.
Ratings:
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Shimano
Compre (CPC-X66MHA) Specifications |
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Construction/Quality |
Shimano designs a rod with very high quality
components, and the attention to detail is very impressive |
9 |
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Performance |
The rod offered respectable sensitivity and
excellent power. The new Compre is far better than previous Compre rods, and
performed well for a variety of different techniques |
8.5 |
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Price |
An amazing price for so many features, the
Compre delivers premium level performance with a price tag that just doesn't
match! There are plenty of rods out there with lesser components that cost
30-50% more money |
9.5 |
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Features |
Nice features like Fuji Guide Concept, gold
inserts, and a composite butt cap all add up to a feature rich package
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9 |
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Design (Ergonomics) |
The design isn't revolutionary but its very
nice. The reel seat and generous grade A cork handle are in the perfect
position fro finesse fishing |
8 |
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Application |
This particular rod can be used for a wide
variety of fishing ranging from bass to flats fishing. The rod felt just as
good during extreme casting as it did while making precise pitches |
9 |
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Total Score |
8.83 |
Pluses and Minuses:
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Plus
Minus |
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J
Top notch components, and detail in design |
L
Not as sensitive as some specialty rods |
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J
Powerful blank |
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J
Great Lifetime Warranty |
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J
Excellent price! |
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Conclusion:
While our test Compre rod focused on Bass, Shimano does offer the Compre in a
wide variation of models to tackle applications ranging from ultralight
backcountry trout to hardcore Muskie fishing. Eight special saltwater flats rods
are also available in this series, making it possible for all types of anglers
to benefit from the Compre’s amazing performance to price ratio. Our test rod
performed as good or better in all categories than many premium bass rods
costing twice as much, proving that Shimano can build a premium rod and still
make it affordable enough for all anglers. While we have no doubt that most
anglers will still continue to view Shimano as a reel manufacturer first and
foremost, we also
believe that it will become increasingly common for many anglers opt for a 100%
Shimano rig the next time they look to buy their next reel. While the refinement
is respectable, the value certainly is undeniable, the Compre represents a
fantastic overall package for a very reasonable price, making it an easy choice
for our Best Value Award.
Until next time....Tight Lines!
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