Monoblock Appreciation Society.

[Teal101]

I'ze Nambu Shikki came first. Only mechanical difference really is either 5.8:1 or 6.8:1 Gear ratio. HG68 was the first of the 6.8s. Some have Carbon Fibre handles, but most early models had alloy.

The XR was released in 2007 and the Nambu in 2009 according to my records.

[aussiebasser]

I'ze Nambu Shikki came first. Only mechanical difference really is either 5.8:1 or 6.8:1 Gear ratio. HG68 was the first of the 6.8s. Some have Carbon Fibre handles, but most early models had alloy.

The XR was released in 2007 and the Nambu in 2009 according to my records.

I was certain I got my first in December 2008. Maybe not.

[hardb8]

From memory the I'ze Factory produced the Nanbu Shikki before the XR100 was released. Pretty sure the I'ze Factory are the true founders of the "Monoblock" platform.

[Teal101]

I'ze Nambu Shikki came first. Only mechanical difference really is either 5.8:1 or 6.8:1 Gear ratio. HG68 was the first of the 6.8s. Some have Carbon Fibre handles, but most early models had alloy.

The XR was released in 2007 and the Nambu in 2009 according to my records.

I was certain I got my first in December 2008. Maybe not.

You may be right and my records may be wrong. Anyone know the actual release year for the Shikki? I know the XR100 had a prototype made prior to its release as well that was not released to the public. Looks like the Shikki was around 2007 as well after doing some digging.

[hardb8]

The I'ze Factory are the pioneers of this design. Plat have it listed as being paged on 4th August 2007. I was in touch with Ogawa san in regards to a purchase of one at this time. I recall it was showcased quite some time before this date also, as I was anxious as to why it was taking Plat so long to have them in stock. I'm now positive it was released between the I'ze Light and the XR100. Probably designed and engineered in 2006, maybe even 2005, then released at from memory, early to mid 2007.

[Tube]

@igl00jx: wow, where did you finally found those sideplates?

[aussiebasser]

Being that the I'ze factory is the size of a normal bedroom, I'm sure they passed on the design to Yuki, or was Yuki involved with I'ze?

[aussiebasser]

The I'ze Factory are the pioneers of this design. Plat have it listed as being paged on 4th August 2007. I was in touch with Ogawa san in regards to a purchase of one at this time. I recall it was showcased quite some time before this date also, as I was anxious as to why it was taking Plat so long to have them in stock. I'm now positive it was released between the I'ze Light and the XR100. Probably designed and engineered in 2006, maybe even 2005, then released at from memory, early to mid 2007.

Thanks mate.

[hardb8]

Being that the I'ze factory is the size of a normal bedroom, I'm sure they passed on the design to Yuki, or was Yuki involved with I'ze?

We know in the past Daiwa and the I'ze Factory have had some success in past ventures, I.E. the custom TD-Z series, and the I'ze Light. I don't know who approached who in the creation of the Shikki, I'ze to Daiwa or the reverse, but it seems the ideas/dreams of the I'ze Factory have been brought to fruition with the help of Daiwas' engineers. They started with the Millionaire platform, one which they had already worked on, knew well, and had previously tweaked in 2005 creating the awesome I'ze Light. They then had it taken to the extreme, producing what we know as the Nanbu Shikki. As you know it is one exquisite piece of craftsmanship. Personally I think it is one of, if not the, most striking round reel to come out of Daiwas workshops, including their own designs, or any of their other collaborations. Aesthetically, insanely beautiful, with its etched Japanese inscriptions, cross bar relieved drilling, milled drive side plate, and drilled drag star fingers. It is the first of the Monoblock reels, the link from the Millionaire series, and probably to this day, still the lightest of the entire family due to its mounting method.

After Yuki and Daiwa struck their deal, it was known that Megabass had access to Daiwas tooling and machining. Therefore the ability to create the XR100, from a design already laid out.

[aussiebasser]

The I'ze factory is/was inside the Daiwa factory.

[Redlinerobert]

Has anyone visited the I'ze factory? Paired with a Jabberwock Evo sb I love that reel.

[Deaknh]

Has anyone visited the I'ze factory? Paired with a Jabberwock Evo sb I love that reel.

Isn't that factory located in heaven?

[samreye84]

My first post. Wow the reels on here are so nice. I would love to get a purple one. I only have one so far.

Just got my new rod to pair with my fairly recently acquired Red Monoblock. I actually like the rod more than the reel.

[Redlinerobert]

After a long search, some shrewd negotiating, and a substantial amount of luck, I have something very special inbound from Japan.

[igl00jx]

After a long search, some shrewd negotiating, and a substantial amount of luck, I have something very special inbound from Japan.

I have a feeling it's purple