Ergonomics: The smaller profile of the Antares A70 is a welcome improvement over previous Antares reels, and when you compare them side by side the new reel looks much more compact, and sleeker in overall appearance. The new reel palms much more naturally, and while previous Antares reels were comfortable, this is the first one that really seems to disappear in hand.

This is the best palming, most ergonomic, Antares yet

The Antares A70 7.8oz. weight is heavy for a magnesium reel, but in reality this baitcaster’s hybrid design of a magnesium frame and aluminum sideplates is all about providing a smoother more solid feel while casting and retrieving, versus chasing the lowest weight possible. If Shimano had used aluminum in the frame they probably could have achieved the same performance, but the reel would have been even heavier.

Overall I like how solid the Antares 70 feels, it looks and handles like a flagship baitcaster should. I especially like the smooth infinite tuning allowed by the externally adjustable SVS infinity cast control system, and the spool tension knob’s micro-click dial, versus a rotating knob, is an especially nice, almost luxury watch-like touch.

My precious sure likes fingerprints! I literally had to polish it with a microfiber between shots

Though the reel makes use of both aluminum and magnesium it is hard to tell with the thick plated coating which gives the entire reel that liquid metal look, as well as providing a little extra durability. The handles and knobs are anodized a deep grey, and the handle screw is recessed and covered, which further adds to the reel’s overall clean and streamlined look. The only thing I don’t like about the reel’s ergonomics and styling is that fact that the polished finish is an absolute fingerprint magnet. It really didn’t matter how clean I thought my hands or gloves were, if there was one bit of oil anywhere the Antares would find it!

The fun factor fishing this reel is off the charts

Price & Applications: The Antares A70 is a flagship reel in every sense, and that includes the $599 dollar price of admission. This reel is nearly as expensive as some of the premium Calais and Antares DC reels, including the Antares DC Monster Drive JDM reels. Interestingly in the U.S. premium DC reels have started to disappear from the company’s lineup, and instead the much more affordable Curado 150 DC, equipped with the easy to use I-DC4 system, introduces the technology to a completely new segment in the market. I’ve always felt that the DC system was somewhat like a turbo or supercharger in a sports car, whereas the Antares A is more like a naturally aspirated machine, taking the approach of tuning and refining the core engine to achieve a higher level of performance.

The Antares sits nice and low on most rods

When you compare the new Antares A70 to the current Antares 100 reels there really is no comparison, save the slight bump in capacity of the original, and the availability of a left hand retrieve version. When it comes to performance and ergonomics the Antares A70 is the better reel in just about every way. It casts better, it, it feels smoother under load, it is easier to adjust on the fly, and is significantly more comfortable to palm.

The Antares A70 paired very well with the G.Loomis Conquest and other top end rods

Even though the new Antares A70 looks like a futuristic sci-fi weapon, complete with a “Terminator” class liquid metal skin, the reel is rated for freshwater only. Some magnesium reels have a coating which enables them to be used in saltwater, but because the sideplates and thumb rest on the Antares A70 are made of aluminum (the same build construction as the previous Antares), the use of these dissimilar metals excludes the reel from saltwater use. I personally fished the reel in brackish water over the last two months and haven’t experienced any issues, but would recommend that if you are going to invest in a reel this expensive, it is best reserved for freshwater duty.

Though the new Antares can be used as a workhorse reel, where it really shines is as a finesse reel, and when casting ultralight baits and delivering your lures to pinpoint targets is essential. This reel pushes the envelope when it comes to casting the light stuff, and I absolutely love it for fishing finesse jigs, unweighted plastics, ned rigs, and bait finesse techniques. Rest assured when you need to tie on a crankbait, or small swimbait, the reel’s exceptional drive train is absolutely up to the challenge.

I really liked how the reel handled light 8 and 10lb. fluorocarbon lines. This reel is absolutely an option for bait finesse techniques

The only real competitor to the Antares A70 is either a Antares DC JDM reel (if you prefer DC), the JDM Daiwa Steez SVTW ($535), or Steez SV TWS ($549). Each of these reels bring different desirable traits to the table, and if you are looking for the ultimate lightweight magnesium baitcaster then you should go with a Daiwa Steez, but if you want the smoothest casting and retrieving reel available the Antares A70 is going to be your top choice. Either way the price for entry is such a significant investment that this reel is likely going to garner interest from tackle enthusiasts, and shunned by value oriented anglers that simply cannot wrap their mind around dropping six hundred dollars on a low profile baitcaster.

The A70 delivers on the Antares legacy of performance oriented design and flagship level refinement

Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide):

Pluses and Minuses:

Afflicted? Ultimate Enthusiast? Find the Antares A70 at

Tackle Warehouse