You've probably already noticed that "Light Tackle" wasn't included in the title of this article, but I can assure you, you will undoubtedly sense its omnipresence in the following paragraphs. This piece is not a comparison; instead, it is a who's who in the high-tech world of Japanese casting reels. I've always tried to do things differently from everybody else when fishing. This means employing different tactics and gear and using high-performance rods and reels.
Within the last five years, I've switched over to Japanese domestic casting reels. These are similar to U.S. models in some cases but improvements in the form of more ball bearings with higher tolerances, lighter weights, custom handles and spools, and even some unique colors. These characteristics pretty much separate the domestics from the imports. Take a look on japantackle.com, and you'll see some impressive reels that carry hefty price tags, but are they worth it?
I believe they are. There is no doubt that the Japanese reels I currently use outperform their U.S. cousins in performance. For years I relied on the staple of casting, the Shimano Curado. In my opinion, it is the standard that all casting reels should be measured. This reel is the benchmark of toughness and reliability. About five years ago, I observed a stir in the bass fishing world as so many guys started talking about replacing bearings and drilling out handles and spools to increase casting distance and decrease weight on their reels. "Super tuning" became the "in" thing for those seeking higher performance from their factory reels. ABEC 7 bearings became the hot item as anglers rushed to swap their factory BBs with the new ones. I never jumped on that bandwagon; instead, I leaped headfirst into the Japanese market and bought my reels direct from overseas. These reels featured all new bearings and other characteristics that usually make "Japanese only" products exclusive.
Shimano Scorpion 1001 4X4 SVS
My first experience owning an import reel came with my decision to buy the Shimano Scorpion 1001 and 1501. These reels were modeled after the Curado with a host of features that made them serious players in the high-performance reel market at a fraction of the price of some of the most popular models. The Scorpion features better bearings than the Curado, a variable brake system, and Super Free drilled out titanium coated spool. The 1001's featured the removable side plate that let you get at the adjustable spool weights. I loved the new reels immediately as they were lighter and more comfortable to fish. The 1001 model features a super low profile, and I honestly forget it is even there sometimes. I became so infatuated with these 1001s that I owned seven of them at one time.
Here are the Stats on the Shimano Scorpion 1001 4X4 SVS
- Weight-8.1oz
- Line Capacity- ~100yds 10lb
- Brakes-VBS system, weight balanced and adjustable spool, adjustable spool tension knob
- Drag- micro-adjustable click drag
- Spool- drilled aluminum titanium coated wiffle spool, Super Free
- Ratio-6.2 to 1, 22" per revolution
- Titanium Coated SiC line guide
- Handle-Contoured Septon grips
- Drag power-3lbs
- Bearings-4bb+1 roller bearing
Ergonomics: The Scorpion 1001 series reel is about as comfortable to fish. To get to the spool weights, the side plate of this reel flips open and rotates downward, staying attached to the reel and providing quick access to the titanium-coated drilled spool. Though constructed entirely of aluminum, the burgundy finish gives the angler a sense that the reel is made of plastic rather than a lightweight metal.
Drag: The drag on the Scorpion seems a little light at 3 pounds. I've not had many hair-raising experiences, and it is a Shimano drag system. Noted to be one of the smoothest and most reliable manufacturers, this reel's drag is smooth indeed.
Retrieve: In a word, the Scorpion is very smooth. Crank the handle of this little reel, and you instantly realize that it is smooth and quiet. There is no gear noise as everything seems to mesh perfectly. It picks up line very nicely at 22" per crank. Not bad for a small capacity spool.
Casting: Before I went exclusively with this reel, I owned two Chronarchs and two Metanium XT's, the Japanese version of the Chronarch. In my experience, and after several years of using all of the reels, the Scorpion buries them both in casting performance. The thing about this little dynamo is that I can throw a 1/2-ounce jig on 17-pound test with it or a 1/8-ounce crankbait on 6-pound line. It is highly versatile as an all-purpose reel and uniquely allows you to throw real ultra-light lures like no other reel in its class and perhaps even most of the higher classes of reels. The difference between this reel and many other light-tackle-oriented casting reels is that the Scorpion does not feel like a toy, has a high capacity spool unlike most others, and is likely the most versatile reel market. It is the amphibian of casting reels. Simply put, the light-weight titanium-coated spool seems to spin forever. With the addition of the SVS/VBS braking systems, you can accurately dial in your reels to prevent backlashes; it's almost foolproof with a micro-adjustable click-drag that locks the settings in. Most other reels do not have the click adjustment.
Conclusion: The Scorpion 1000/1001 reel is an excellent value overall and an excellent choice for someone just getting into Japanese exports. There are a couple of things that I do not like about the reel. First, not unique to it but instead commonplace on most of the exports, the reel handle is about an inch shorter than I prefer. I always beef it up with an aftermarket power handle. Next, the light 3-pound drag may scare some people off but consider that it may be a fail-safe to prevent line breakage. This past season I landed three bass approaching 7 pounds on the Scorpion, and only one of them had me all over the place and peeling line off the drag. This was more likely due to the use of 6-pound line and a lighter rod, but I can deal with it comfortably knowing that this reel will be dependable and provide me with features most don't.
I've used the Scorpion for several years, and I can tell you it is a dream to fish with. This small reel throws traditional baits with ease. I use several of them for pitching and flipping duty while lobbing jig and pigs to nasty places. Perhaps where this reel excels is where most others fail. It has the unique ability to throw some genuinely ultra-light baits. I've tossed 1/16-ounce jig-n-pigs on it with success. I use it with my Kistler Helium rods to form some of the lightest combos I've ever imagined.
Scorpion MG 1001
Hot off the presses, the Scorpion MG picks up where Shimano Japan left off with the standard Scorpion. The reel is the same in size and shape but is silver rather than wine burgundy. The first noticeable difference is that the reel weighs 2.1 ounces lighter than its cousin, thanks to the addition of unique magnesium that CAN be used in saltwater. The MG also has an even smoother spool that rests on better quality bearings in the new ARB series. These bearings are ten times more resistant to rust than standard bearings. I pushed the thumb bar and gave the spool a spin. I watched in awe as it didn't seem to want to stop for a long while, longer than I was used to anyway.
The MG also features a micro click adjust on the drag that most other reels do not have. This allows the angler to lock in one of 16 settings. Accidentally knocking the drag set loose will be a thing of the past. I relish that I can repeatedly dial in the same setting with little effort even after breaking the reel down for a cleaning I neurotically do pretty frequently.
Here are the Stats on the Shimano Scorpion 1001 MG
- Weight-6.1ounces
- Line Capacity- ~100yds 10 pound
- Brakes-VBS system, weight balanced and adjustable spool, adjustable spool tension knob
- Drag- micro-adjustable click-drag, 16 preset selections of tension Spool- drilled aluminum titanium coated wiffle spool, Super Free
- Ratio-6.2 to 1, 22" per revolution
- Titanium Coated SiC line guide
- Handle-Contoured Septon grips, drilled out magnesium frame
- Drag power-4lbs
- Bearings-4bb+1 roller bearing Price- about 250.00
Ergonomics and Design: The Scorpion MG features the same frame as the standard Scorpion. It is a sharp-looking silver color that depicts its metallic makeup's accurate feel. This is a low-profile reel, and even anglers with small hands will find this reel very comfortable. Despite its gossamer size of 6 ounces, this reel is all business and does not feel like a toy. Shimano listened to anglers on this one.
Drag: The Scorpion MG was improved by adding a sturdier drag. Slip weight was improved by a whole pound over the standard model. This will be beneficial. In essence, the reel is even more versatile as its ability to cast lighter baits increases; the addition of extra drag allows heavier lines to be utilized.
Retrieve: The MG picked up where the Scorpion SVS left off. It still has that super smooth retrieve that helped form its legacy.
Casting: With essentially the same drive system, although lighter, this reel casts like a dream. It is improved even on the original Scorpion, which was as good as they come.
The bottom line here is that you get even better performance along the lines of the ability to fling lighter baits effortlessly, a smoother setup for both cranking and casting, more comfort in lighter weight without sacrificing spool diameter or making the reel feel like a toy. I will eventually switch all of my Scorpions over to the MG. It is that much better. Although I do not plan to use it in saltwater, knowing that I can give me even more confidence in the reel. I'm a freak when it comes to weight. With the Scorpion MG 1001 and a 7 foot Kistler He70MHC, I can have a solid setup that weighs in at less than 10ounces. I could get even more neurotic and team the reel with a He66MLC for something just about 9 ounces. The 1001 MG teamed up with a He70MC weighing 9.25 ounces. That is insanity! For a mere 27,000 Yen, this baby can be all yours! And don't be shy, it is well worth it.
Shimano Antares
This is the top-of-the-line Shimano casting reel built Japanese style after the American released Calais. This reel features all things that anglers dream of in a casting reel. The spool control knob is click controlled for precise adjustment. This means you can dial in a setting and come back to it if you change lures a couple of times in a days fishing. The Antares also comes equipped with the variable cast control, which allows you to adjust the weights to slow down the spool on the cast. Next, the Antares has a titanium line roller to reduce friction and prevent damage to the line.
Shimano makes its already high-quality drag even more efficient with the addition of carbon drag washers. No-slip, no grind, these washers make this drag system bulletproof. The weight is kept to a minimum with Magnesium on the spool. At 8.5 ounces, it is on par with the lightest full-size casting reels. The spool is blended with other materials to be used in salt water without any damage to the Magnesium. The Antares sports a 5.8 to 1 gear ratio making it relatively quick. Ten anti-rust ball bearings in the drive and one on the roller round out the high-performance features of the reel.
- Precision "click" cast control coupled with easy access
- Shimano VARIABLE BRAKE SYSTEM
- Conical titanium line guide
- Pure carbon drag washers
- Super-free spool
- Line capacity: 120 m of 12 pounds, 100m of 14 pound
- Gear ratio: 5.8:1
- Ball Bearings: 10 Anti-rust ball bearings plus one roller bearing
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
Of course, at about 339.00, the Antares isn't for everyone. I use three of these reels for flipping jigs, and I have no complaints. They are simply the best casting reels I've owned. The Shimano name means quality.