Sustain-able
performance over the long haul?
|
Date: |
1/01/07 |
|
Tackle Type: |
Reels |
|
Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
|
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 7.91
Introduction:
The Sustain is one of the
most uniquely positioned series of reels in Shimano’s massive lineup. This
premium reel rests in between the ultra-premium Stella, and the already somewhat
sophisticated redesigned Stradic. Yet the Sustain does not feature a lightweight
series like the cheaper Stradic Mg. Should anglers simply shell out more money
for a Stella, or save that extra money and opt for a Stradic? Caught
right in the middle, we take a look at the Sustain FD to see just who should
consider this series.
|
Shimano
Sustain 1000FD
Specifications |
| Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
2/270,
4/140, 6/110 |
| Gear
Ratio |
6.0:1 |
| Line
retrieve per crank |
29
inches |
|
Weight |
7.8
oz |
|
Bearings |
6BB,
1RB |
|
Additional Features |
Aluminum frame, graphite
sideplate, graphite rotor, titanium spool lip, spare spool, S-Concept,
waterproof drag, A-RB bearings, Fluidrive II, Super Stopper II, Machined
aluminum handle shank, Septon grip, Maintenance port |
| MSRP |
$229.99 |
The Shimano Sustain is positioned
right below the Stella
Impressions:
The previous
generation Sustain was one of my favorite reels. At the time the Sustain was so
much more than the Stradic, and yet right on the border of what was acceptable
in price for serious anglers. While I often dreamt about the Stella, the price
tag was just more than my tackle budget could bear, so I found myself having to
settle for the Sustain. But “settling” was not what the Sustain was about…I soon
discovered it was truly a premium reel with a rich package of features and
plenty of the same technology and refinement that made the Stella so alluring.
A look at the Sustain's clean
profile
Season after season the
old Sustain delivered, and when Shimano revamped their entire spinning reel
lineup the features once found only in the Stella and Sustain started making
their way down the lineup. When S-Concept came about suddenly the previous
generation reel began to feel a bit dated, and the Stradic became an even more
outstanding value, cannibalizing a lot of angler interest once reserved for the
Sustain and Stella.
The Sustain has a new compact
shape, due to S-Concept design
The current Sustain is a
little lost in between the Stradic and the Stella, caught in between the
flagship offering, and an already very advanced reel, which has proven to be a
great value for the money. What then does the Sustain FD do to differentiate
itself? Let’s find out. In each of our categories we drew direct comparisons
between the Stella 1000FB, the Sustain1000FD, and the Stradic 100FH for a more
complete picture. (Evaluated as an entire series, not just the ultralight 1000
size)
Zander and JIP check the thickness
of the ice
Real World Tests: My
previous Sustain and Stradic were both 1000 size so for the very best comparison
we procured both the Sustain 1000FD and a Stella 1000. In this way we could not
only draw comparisons between the old Sustain and the current generation, but
how well the new FD reel stacked up to it’s higher and lower priced siblings.
The Sustain is easy to cast
For our tests the entire
team headed straight for the hills, or rather the base of the Eastern Sierras.
Just a few days before the road closures the temperature was already below
freezing and while there was little snow as of yet, the rivers were only one
tenth the size we were used to fishing because so much of the water had already
iced over, or even frozen solid in shallow areas.
Fishing the edge of the river
Next Section: Testing in the cold..
