The Shimano Flagship Anatares and Metanium Baitcasters now
Available Stateside
| Date: |
10/21/13 |
| Tackle type: |
Reels |
| Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
| Reviewer: |
Zander |
Introduction:
How many times
have you looked across the pond and wondered why do the reel manufacturers keep
the best stuff exclusively in Japan? The lines between JDM enthusiast imports
and high end baitcasters has just been crossed as Shimano announced this morning
that it is now making both the Antares and Metanium baitcasters available to the
U.S. market.
This
announcement came as little surprise to some anglers that were wondering just
when Shimano was going to revamp their flagship reels. Rather than create
something specific for the U.S. market the company has finally done what many
anglers have specifically asked for, they have made their arsenal available to
anglers seeking the highest performance, and are willing to pay for it.
Just what U.S. Shimano Enthusiasts
have been asking and waiting for, the full on release of the Antares
Antares:
For those that have not been following the JDM enthusiast market the Antares is
designed as a flagship reel with all of the latest Shimano technologies. The
reel is constructed out of magnesium and weighs in at 7.9oz. and is available in
5.6:1 and 7.4:1 gear ratios and right and left hand retrieve. Each reel comes
loaded with 10+1 bearings and what Shimano calls “Micro Module” gearing which
makes use of smaller teeth and more of them for more contact points between the
drive gear and pinion gear. This design is intended to create a more efficient
gear train, and one with less gear “feel.” The reel also benefits from X-Ship
for improved gear durability and a reduction of friction between the spool shaft
and gearing, which is designed to enhance casting performance, especially with
lighter finesse lures. Shimano then combines this with their “G Free Spool II”
which is a large diameter lightweight magnesium spool and a conically shaped
levelwind to reduce friction. With a magnesium frame and spool combination you
can imagine that this reel is not intended for use in saltwater.
“Our new
Antares reels are all about long-distance casting performance, and the latest in
baitcasting reel technology,” Robby Gant, with Shimano’s product development
team said. “We know there’s a avid group of bass anglers who want to fish with
nothing but the best – and this is it from Shimano.” So how much will this
flagship reel cost? Try $599.99 per copy, performance doesn’t come cheap but
that probably won’t deter Shimano enthusiasts that are just happy the reel is
finally available domestically, and backed with local warranty coverage and
support.
The Metanium blends magnesium and
CI4+ carbon material together for a versatile reel that is now the lightest in
the lineup
Metanium:
Does the Metanium look familiar? This reel is basically the Japanese Chronarch
CI4+ and is positioned above the domestic reel with use of a combination of
magnesium and CI4+ material which gives the reel a more refined and entirely
different feel, something we have experienced firsthand as we have been
comparing the reels side by side on the water. The Metanium is available in
6.2:1, 7.4:1 and a blazing fast 8.5:1 retrieve in both right and left hand
configurations, and all reels come loaded with 9+1 bearings and the same type of
micro module gear system as the one found in the Antares. These reels are
extremely lightweight at only 6.0-6.2oz. depending on gear ratio, and are
designed to be an extremely versatile high performance reel series. With so many
retrieve ratios to choose from there is a Metanium for everything from cranking
to flipping applications. “It’s all about being versatile when it comes to the
Metanium reels,” said Gant. “Not only do we offer anglers extremely light and
exceptionally smooth reels, but you also have your choices in gear ratios so you
have the optimum reel speed for the fishing techniques you use most.” Unlike the
Antares because the reel doesn’t have as many exposed magnesium components this
reel can be used in light saltwater applications as long as it is rinsed after
each use. The Metanium reels will retail for $419.99 each.
Over the course
of the next week both the Antares and Metanium will start becoming available at
e-tailers and retailers. These ultra-premium reels are certainly not for
everyone, and at these price points they definitely cater to the enthusiast
crowd. Shimano has been criticized by anglers over some of their mainstream
baitcast moves, just think Chronarch E and Curado G, and over the last few
seasons there is no doubt that competitors have gained ground in the high-end
space, but the introduction of the Antares and Metanium are an opening salvo,
proving that the company is taking the premium segment of the market very
seriously. Today is an exciting day for Shimano fans, as well as fans of
ultra-premium reels in general, and we look forward to the trend of a unified
global product line continuing.
