Manufacturer:Shimano
Model:100GA
Type:Baitcaster
Price New 2008:$125
Rod:Tweed Tackle Shop Custom Blank.Japanese Manufactured.
Wow,what can i say,when everyone has seemed to jump on the Spinning Reel Merry-Go-Round,its always nice to have a quality baitcaster in the arsenal.
Lightweight Graphite Frame,4 Ball Bearings,Rubber Grips,Nice.
I feel that the greatest thing about this reel would definately be the drag.Precise.This sucker is Smoooooth.
6.2:1 ratio comes in handy when using hard-bodys.Makes up for the small size spool.
Attractive solid 'machined' handle which is a nice touch.
Have caught some nice fish on this reel,photgraphed on the "Chopping Board Of Death",so can honestly say that this is a quality product at a great price.
Casting is a breeze with the 'Shimano Variable Brake System',which is a simple counterweight system,usually reserved for the bigger $$$ reels.
The spool disengagement system is a bit clunky i thought,so a quick dab of magic oil made quite a difference.Easy fix.
Weighs in at 240 grams which isnt to bad either.
Nice anti-runback system.Smooth.
Another plus is thats it extremely easy to pull apart,there and then,if required,with a 1/4 turn spool access system.Valuable.
Absolutely impossible to thread the line through the front in the dark,making it obsolete for night fishing if you run into trouble.Help.
And as all baitcaster users know,this is inevitable after 3/4 of the line makes its way skyward
.Would be nice to see an easier access for the front of the reel.
But then again,it would make the reels low profile design defunct.
If you are casting less than 6 grams,forget it.This DESIGN not the REEL makes its impossible.
I suppose thats why everyone uses a Spinning Reel....i know that the advantages of the old "egg-beater" has made the baitcaster a rare site.Shame.
A great thing that Shimano has designed is the over-sized Star Drag.Easy to use when you really need it.
Another fantastic feature is the 10 year warranty.I feel this shows Shimano's commitment to there product,and from what i have heard,its worth its weight in gold.Keep the receipt handy !
Comes in the standard Shimano Box,with complete breakdown,so easy to service and clean yourself.
A great reel,very smooth,very reliable,good design and style.
One point that really is a nice touch on this model,is the spool adjustment.This is precision all the way.
Has most certainly stood the test of time....but like all baitcasters,baby them and they will perform for decades.
Berkley GENIII IM6 Dropshot Graphite Fishing Rod Field Test
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Shimano Catana 702 2-4kg Field Test First Generation
Model:Shimano Catana 702
Line Weight:2-4kg
Material:Graphite
Reel:Jarvis Walker 5 Ball Bearing Gold Soverign Series
This was my very 1st Soft Plastics Rod.I have owned it for over 4 years,and absolutely adore it.
At a time when there were big $$$ SP style rods around,this one seems to have a place in the chain of fine tackle for little $$$.
Fuji everything.Good start.
Great quality cork which has taken an absolute beating and yet still remains as goosd as the day i bought it.Quality.
The short butt may be a disadvantage,as it has ZERO pulling power,but that just makes the rod an absolute delight to use,as even small fish seem to put on quite a show..
I notied that about 12-18 months ago,they changed the design,to a longer butt,and a physically heavier taper.Yuk.
Upon inspection of these 'Gen2' models,i was disappointed as they failed to capture the essence,presence and style of the 1st Gen models...disapointed.
I have numerous photos of fish caught on this rod,photographed on the "Chopping Board Of Death",some are really solid fish,which i feel is testament of the design.
Those who own the 1st Gen models will surely agree how robust and sturdy these rods are.
Very thin taper with a stiff tip seems to be a good recipe,and throw in some Fuji Runners and Seat and you most certainly have an excellent Soft Plastics rod.
Close inspection of the blank reveals a classy wrap under the dark blue exterior.Nice.
Weight is one of the lightest around,throwing this old girl around all day is no problem,almost a pleasure....
I know that there are may of Tackle Users out there who have physically better rods,equipped with better materials,but i can guarantee those who dont own ones of these are definately missing out....
2000 sized reel on these rods feels out of place,i would most certainly recommend a 1000-1500 size reel.
Extremely well balanced.My 'ebay special' 1000 sizeTokushima has now taken up residence on its seat,and i am postive the rod has many more years of solid reliable fishing ahead of it.
G Loomis lovers read and weap.....
Line Weight:2-4kg
Material:Graphite
Reel:Jarvis Walker 5 Ball Bearing Gold Soverign Series
This was my very 1st Soft Plastics Rod.I have owned it for over 4 years,and absolutely adore it.
At a time when there were big $$$ SP style rods around,this one seems to have a place in the chain of fine tackle for little $$$.
Fuji everything.Good start.
Great quality cork which has taken an absolute beating and yet still remains as goosd as the day i bought it.Quality.
The short butt may be a disadvantage,as it has ZERO pulling power,but that just makes the rod an absolute delight to use,as even small fish seem to put on quite a show..
I notied that about 12-18 months ago,they changed the design,to a longer butt,and a physically heavier taper.Yuk.
Upon inspection of these 'Gen2' models,i was disappointed as they failed to capture the essence,presence and style of the 1st Gen models...disapointed.
I have numerous photos of fish caught on this rod,photographed on the "Chopping Board Of Death",some are really solid fish,which i feel is testament of the design.
Those who own the 1st Gen models will surely agree how robust and sturdy these rods are.
Very thin taper with a stiff tip seems to be a good recipe,and throw in some Fuji Runners and Seat and you most certainly have an excellent Soft Plastics rod.
Close inspection of the blank reveals a classy wrap under the dark blue exterior.Nice.
Weight is one of the lightest around,throwing this old girl around all day is no problem,almost a pleasure....
I know that there are may of Tackle Users out there who have physically better rods,equipped with better materials,but i can guarantee those who dont own ones of these are definately missing out....
2000 sized reel on these rods feels out of place,i would most certainly recommend a 1000-1500 size reel.
Extremely well balanced.My 'ebay special' 1000 sizeTokushima has now taken up residence on its seat,and i am postive the rod has many more years of solid reliable fishing ahead of it.
G Loomis lovers read and weap.....
Pflueger Trion 1-3kg 1piece HM45 Field Test
Brand:Pfleuger
Model:Trion
Line Class:1-3kg
Cast Weight:Handles anything up to 8grams
Product ID:PFLT-SP701ULT
Price As Tested:$80 BCF (Be quick)
Pieces:1
Line weight tested:1kg
Reel used:Tokushima ss1000 11 Ball Bearing
HM45 Graphite.Nice weight.
Well above average cork quality.
Fuji seat and Alconite guides.
Good amount of runners.Suitably spaced.
Binding looks cheap,not straight finish when bound.
Extremely light,perhaps the lightest i have ever used.
Attractive Split Butt design.Aluminium (?) caps on ends of cork.
First impression was tip was a bit 'soft'.Ok for HB,but for SP,i would have prefered something a bit stiffer.However was equally up to the task.
Fantastic using bait.Lots of feel.I only use small sinkers,so casting distance is always an issue,but with this rod,i can throw little weights further than i am used to.Especially my 6g Surface Poppers.
When i used HB's and SP's i have found that this rod is absolutely perfect for this application.
Seems to pull in the weighter fish with ease.I found that with the butt length,i can really stick it to the bigger species.
Overall unreal value @ $80.Trying making it for that !!
Blank construction looks nice in sunlight,with the internal wraps showing...classy.
Out of the 5 that i looked at,only 2 had the reel seat and runners lining up.This is an absolute disgrace by Pflueger,which should have been correctly lined up without customers checking,and should have been found before hitting the shelves,if there was a quality control in place.
Overall 8/10.
Looses points for seat alignment issue and cheap looking binding.
Good Points
*Value for money
*Light as a feather
*Good cork
*Fuji gear with heaps of guides
*5 year 'Very Conditional' Warranty
*Great at all different styles of fishing
*Great looking blank
Model:Trion
Line Class:1-3kg
Cast Weight:Handles anything up to 8grams
Product ID:PFLT-SP701ULT
Price As Tested:$80 BCF (Be quick)
Pieces:1
Line weight tested:1kg
Reel used:Tokushima ss1000 11 Ball Bearing
HM45 Graphite.Nice weight.
Well above average cork quality.
Fuji seat and Alconite guides.
Good amount of runners.Suitably spaced.
Binding looks cheap,not straight finish when bound.
Extremely light,perhaps the lightest i have ever used.
Attractive Split Butt design.Aluminium (?) caps on ends of cork.
First impression was tip was a bit 'soft'.Ok for HB,but for SP,i would have prefered something a bit stiffer.However was equally up to the task.
Fantastic using bait.Lots of feel.I only use small sinkers,so casting distance is always an issue,but with this rod,i can throw little weights further than i am used to.Especially my 6g Surface Poppers.
When i used HB's and SP's i have found that this rod is absolutely perfect for this application.
Seems to pull in the weighter fish with ease.I found that with the butt length,i can really stick it to the bigger species.
Overall unreal value @ $80.Trying making it for that !!
Blank construction looks nice in sunlight,with the internal wraps showing...classy.
Out of the 5 that i looked at,only 2 had the reel seat and runners lining up.This is an absolute disgrace by Pflueger,which should have been correctly lined up without customers checking,and should have been found before hitting the shelves,if there was a quality control in place.
Overall 8/10.
Looses points for seat alignment issue and cheap looking binding.
Good Points
*Value for money
*Light as a feather
*Good cork
*Fuji gear with heaps of guides
*5 year 'Very Conditional' Warranty
*Great at all different styles of fishing
*Great looking blank
Shakespeare Deceiver DCV1025X Field Test
Model As Tested : Shakespeare Deceiver DCV1025X
Features:
9 Ball Bearings
One-way Clutch instant anti-reverse bearing
Machined and anodized aluminium spool
New hybrid body design combines metal and graphite parts for a lightweight and durable reel body
Metal body with metal side cover for precise gear alignment
Anti-twist Titanium coated line roller and Sure-Click Bail
Machine cut pinion gear
Metal handle with Comfort-Grip knob
Smooth multi-disc drag system
Left/right convertible fold down handle
On/off anti-reverse
Model Line Capacity Weight Bearings Gear Ratio
DCV1025X 105m/2kg 207g 10 5.2:1
http://www.purefishing.com.au/reels/...deceiver-spin/
First impression was the paintjob.GMH fans would love it,Tiga Mica Pearl.
Upon taking of the spool, i noticed the multi disc drag gear,which mainly consists of 2 fibre washers,different widths,a SS316 bearing,machined metal washer and the followed by the Digi-Cut gears.Twin disc system.
Spool ofcourse is Aluminium,drilled and ported,solid internals.Looks good.Except,brand sticker looks cheap.Will eventually crack and fall off.
Solid body sealing by the way of good size SS316 nut washer and probably a SS316 steel retaining clip.
This reel is light,the Alum Spool and line makes a difference,but its still light.
207grams without line,not bad.
Comfortable grips,but sort of cheap looking,which is probably why it was $70.
9 Ball Bearings and 1 One way Roller is a good thing,but obviously bearing quality would be poor.Cheap bearings cant operate under extreme contamination from Salt,Sand,Dirt.Time will be a factor on how long this reel can withstand punishment.
Nice Bail Arm action,light,and spool and arm engage without fuss.Titanium Coated Ball bearing line roller.The standard.
The fish i caught over the weekend,other than the the 32 @ TF,were small,some maybe cracking just over 22,but most about 15-20.
Drag worked extremely well.Fine tuning is superb.One of the better ones i have found.Should load up to 4kg.As most reels of this size are capable of.
Peeling line of through the roller at a decent weight,the line pulled through well the Titanium Coated Line Roller,with no grinds or bumps...so a nice drag....impressed.Needs decent lube.
Load up with my fave line,it had no problems performing as it should.
I was throwing poppers and plastics around for hours,and it performed flawlessly.
Maybe i will throw a bit of oil in in,run in that cheap grease in,pull it appart,and re-pack with some quality muck.
Was a bit weary of buying a Shakespeare,as they seem to have dropped of after selling out to Kmart Krue,but i do honestly feel that they have manufactured a solid price reel.....time will tell...
But i do remember a time when the name standed for good quality tackle.And early 80's gear was always classed as good quality.
Good reel,value for $$,a bit of a bling thing going on,but i have seen worse...overall a solid addition to anyones tackle.
And maybe it also needs to come with a full-exploded view reference,it does come with instructions and also how to tie a knot,but no break-down.Doh.
Features:
9 Ball Bearings
One-way Clutch instant anti-reverse bearing
Machined and anodized aluminium spool
New hybrid body design combines metal and graphite parts for a lightweight and durable reel body
Metal body with metal side cover for precise gear alignment
Anti-twist Titanium coated line roller and Sure-Click Bail
Machine cut pinion gear
Metal handle with Comfort-Grip knob
Smooth multi-disc drag system
Left/right convertible fold down handle
On/off anti-reverse
Model Line Capacity Weight Bearings Gear Ratio
DCV1025X 105m/2kg 207g 10 5.2:1
http://www.purefishing.com.au/reels/...deceiver-spin/
First impression was the paintjob.GMH fans would love it,Tiga Mica Pearl.
Upon taking of the spool, i noticed the multi disc drag gear,which mainly consists of 2 fibre washers,different widths,a SS316 bearing,machined metal washer and the followed by the Digi-Cut gears.Twin disc system.
Spool ofcourse is Aluminium,drilled and ported,solid internals.Looks good.Except,brand sticker looks cheap.Will eventually crack and fall off.
Solid body sealing by the way of good size SS316 nut washer and probably a SS316 steel retaining clip.
This reel is light,the Alum Spool and line makes a difference,but its still light.
207grams without line,not bad.
Comfortable grips,but sort of cheap looking,which is probably why it was $70.
9 Ball Bearings and 1 One way Roller is a good thing,but obviously bearing quality would be poor.Cheap bearings cant operate under extreme contamination from Salt,Sand,Dirt.Time will be a factor on how long this reel can withstand punishment.
Nice Bail Arm action,light,and spool and arm engage without fuss.Titanium Coated Ball bearing line roller.The standard.
The fish i caught over the weekend,other than the the 32 @ TF,were small,some maybe cracking just over 22,but most about 15-20.
Drag worked extremely well.Fine tuning is superb.One of the better ones i have found.Should load up to 4kg.As most reels of this size are capable of.
Peeling line of through the roller at a decent weight,the line pulled through well the Titanium Coated Line Roller,with no grinds or bumps...so a nice drag....impressed.Needs decent lube.
Load up with my fave line,it had no problems performing as it should.
I was throwing poppers and plastics around for hours,and it performed flawlessly.
Maybe i will throw a bit of oil in in,run in that cheap grease in,pull it appart,and re-pack with some quality muck.
Was a bit weary of buying a Shakespeare,as they seem to have dropped of after selling out to Kmart Krue,but i do honestly feel that they have manufactured a solid price reel.....time will tell...
But i do remember a time when the name standed for good quality tackle.And early 80's gear was always classed as good quality.
Good reel,value for $$,a bit of a bling thing going on,but i have seen worse...overall a solid addition to anyones tackle.
And maybe it also needs to come with a full-exploded view reference,it does come with instructions and also how to tie a knot,but no break-down.Doh.
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