Sustain-able
performance over the long haul? (continued)
The Stella is the only reel
of the three to make use of SR-Concept design, and a component of that design is
the S-Finish, SR-Guard, and S-Shield, all of which are designed to enhance
durability and the overall life span of the reel. Take the SR-Guard fin, this
protruding edge along the length of the back of the reel elevates the surface,
reducing damage from impacts or boat rash. The fin is even coated with titanium
for increased resistance to collision damage. Edge:
Give it up for the SR armored Stella.
Septon handle grips replace the
wooden knob on the previous version
Applications: The
Sustain 1000FD we tested is primarily a trout and panfish reel, with the
limitations really stemming from capacity rather than gearing. The gearing is
good enough to play larger species like bass, and the reel can make a quality
drop shot reel when fishing ultralight lines.
One of the benefits of a light
outfit is really getting close to the fish
Like the Stradic series
the Sustain comes in a wide range of sizes all the way up to the 8000 size which
is designed for serious saltwater use. When you consider the full range of sizes
all three series of reels can pretty much do it all. Shimano coat’s their Mg
reels so they are saltwater capable, and unless weight reduction is the highest
priority all three families will serve you well. Edge: No edge, all three reels
are equally suited for the full range of applications.
The Sustain 1000FD is a quality
reel, alone it is certainly better than the previous model, but not as much
improved as the Stella FB and the Stradic FH and MgFA
I still remember that wintry
day hiking back to the truck in the Sierras. Cal was hobbling back on a tender
knee, I was contending with a freezing wet boot, and JIP was struggling to keep
the camera steady with the cold biting into his hands.While
we were all run a bit ragged the field test had been a good one, and we had
formulated some pretty strong opinions about where each of these reels stood.
Opinions that would only be reinforced by the subsequent testing in the weeks
that followed.
Ratings:
|
Shimano
Sustain 1000FD Ratings (?/10) |
|
Construction/Quality |
The
Sustain is still built well and this version is just as good as the previous
version, but unfortunately it is missing some of that unique character as it
looks so similar to the other Shimano reels |
9 |
|
Performance |
Overall performance is good, but not a huge boost in comparison to the other
reels (Stella and Stradic). Competition is fierce both inside the Shimano
lineup and from other competitors, and the Sustain needs a major performance
bump on the same level that the Stradic received in the redesign
|
8 |
|
Price |
The
new Sustain gets a greater price penalty than it received when we last
tested it, Why? Because the competition has gotten so much better, and for
the same money there are a lot of choices. There is room in this series for
more options and added value. A Magnesium version of the Sustain would be a
big plus |
7.5 |
|
Features |
Good
features overall but would have loved to see improvements in the basic
construction including an aluminum sideplate and rotor for starters. Right
now the Stradic really is gaining ground here |
8 |
|
Design (Ergonomics) |
Overall ergonomics are good, but the reel could be lighter, further weight
reduction is necessary on the larger models.
|
8 |
|
Application |
The
1000 size is best for panfish and trout, but the Sustain has a reel for just
about every occasion. Once again the Stradic does too, and for 110 dollars
less. The lack of a magnesium version will be a bit of a turn off for
anglers that are very concerned about overall rig weight |
7 |
|
Total Score |
7.91 |
Pluses and Minuses:
|
Plus Minus |
|
J
Better technologically than the previous
version |
L
No Mg version |
|
J
Quality construction |
L
The Stella is really that much better |
|
J
Wide range of sizes available |
L
The Stradic is catching up, and the better
value |
|
J
Reasonable price |
|
|
J
S-Concept design |
|
Conclusion:
The revamped Sustain
remains a quality reel,
and while it may have
lost some individuality
it has become a better
reel overall. The
problem for the Sustain
is that the Stradic too
has become a better
reel, and is actually
more improved overall.
The Stella too has
improved, and only
widened the gap between
itself and the Sustain.
When it comes to
ultimate refinement and
the latest and greatest
features the Stella
stands alone. For the
money the Stradic is the
best choice, especially
for anglers looking for
a lighter 2500 size
reel. So where does that
leave the Sustain? In a
bit of a quandary we are
afraid, as products
right in the center
often are. Anglers
looking for the best
bang for the buck in a
quality reel will find
what they are looking
for in either the
Stradic FH or MgFA.
Anglers that want the
best will not rest until
they are armed with a
Stella, making the
Sustain the reel of
choice for anglers that
want more than what the
Stradic has to offer,
but are simply unwilling
to pay the high cost of
ownership associated
with the Stella. Make no
mistake, the Sustain FD
is an excellent reel,
but surrounded by class
leading siblings like
the S-Concept based
Stradic and the
SR-Concept equipped
Stella it unfortunately
finds itself edged out
of the spotlight.
