Shimano blends Power with Weight Reduction with the Sophisticated new Chronarch
D
Date:
12/17/08
Tackle type:
Reels
Manufacturer:
Shimano
Reviewer:
Zander
Introduction: Shimano
prepares to introduce the much anticipated redesign of the Chronarch series, the
new D version is a major departure from the previous generation reel and places
greater emphasis on weight reduction and improved ergonomics without sacrificing
power or refinement. We previewed the new Chronarch D and had the opportunity to
conduct some preliminary field tests on the new version.
To view the video in high
quality click on the video and go to You Tube and click on
"watch in high quality"
Shimano will debut the new
Chronarch D in January
Shimano has had a busy year and they follow up the recent
revamp of the Curado and Citica series reels by tackling the higher end
Chronarch line. When the Chronarch transitioned from the A to the current B
version most anglers appreciated the added refinement and power offered by the
new reel but some griped about the increase in weight.
Does it look familiar? It should,
the Chronarch D is an aluminum version of the Core
The Chronarch A and SF had a strong following, myself
included, and some anglers missed the understated elegance of the A and SF
series reels, and while the ION plated finish of the Chronarch B effectively
repelled boat rash there were many die-hard fans that still preferred the
painted white and gold originals. Enter the Chronarch D, a reel that seeks to
blend the best of both worlds all in one package.
The reel returns to a white finish
with a silver two tone top section that recalls past favorites in the lineup
The first thing anglers will notice about the Chronarch D
is that it looks a whole lot like the Core, it is actually dimensionally
identical and can be considered an aluminum version of the Core. The paint
finish on the reel is a combination of silver and white and recalls some of the
colors in the older Chronarch reels.
The Chronarch D will have a line
capacity of 10/110 and 12/90
The minute we picked up the reel and held it hand side by
side with the Chronarch B the difference in weight was instantly perceptible.
The new Chronarch D shaves a whopping 1.4oz. off the Chronarch B which puts it
below the weight of the original “A” version by .3oz and below the Gold “SF”
reel by .8oz.
The reel features a Magnumlite
spool and S A-RB bearings
Both the frame and both sideplates on the Chronarch D are
all aluminum and the reel makes use of an ultra lightweight A7075 aluminum
magnumlite spool. Shimano went to town when it came to loading the Chronarch D
with features and preserved the powerful HEG (High Efficiency Gearing) with a
durable brass drivetrain. While the bearing count has not changed (6+1) they
have been upgraded to S-A-RB ball bearings.
Palming is identical to the Core
Cast control is courtesy of Shimano’s VBS system and is
accessed through the same flip open “escape hatch” design as the Core. The
Chronarch D also makes use of a Dartanium drag which is designed to deliver
11lbs of maximum drag pressure.
When casting the Chronarch D
performs well across the spectrum
