2021 Shimano Reels

Reels are the hottest topic for TackleTour. Everyone wants to know what the latest and greatest is and how they compare to the old guard. What's the best for light stuff, or what's your suggestion for heavy cover. Do we really need different retrieve ratios? It's all in here.
freelancer27
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by freelancer27 » Tue Feb 02, 2021 5:50 pm

Found a couple of pics from a guy that I follow on IG that compares the 2016 Antares DC with the 2021 Antares DC.

I am a bit disappointed tbh. The 2021 Antares DC looks to be almost exactly same in size than the 2016 version. I was hoping that the 2021 version was close/exactly the same size as the 2019 version.
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jrk
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by jrk » Sun Feb 07, 2021 9:36 am

Cal wrote:
Fri Jan 22, 2021 11:37 am
Cracker wrote:
Fri Jan 22, 2021 11:31 am

Looks like the same 4x8 DC with 4 modes and 8 settings.
Weight is identical - 220g
The most recent generation Antares DC is equipped with i-DC5 ... the 4x8 is from a previous gen... Shimano may or may not have updated the settings but regardless, the price tag is growing increasingly difficult overlook.
All of the Antares and Calais DC reels I own or have owned, including the 2016 Antares, which to my knowledge is the latest Antares DC made prior to this new release, have always been 4x8...the only i-DC5 reel I own, currently, is the 2020 Calcutta Conquest 100 DC. I would have tried a different variant of the 2016 Antares DC if I had known they had one with i-DC5, as the 2016 4x8 was the only one that I felt was to restrictive in the breaking algorithm.

Looking forward to hearing if their latest tweak to the 4x8 algorithm has brought performance back to the earlier variants or better.

freelancer27
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by freelancer27 » Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:37 pm

Jist got a reply from Jun of japantackle.com


He said that the 2021 antares dc is in the same body of the 2019 antares a.

Not sure what to believe now :-k

HobeyBaker
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by HobeyBaker » Thu Mar 25, 2021 5:43 pm

It looks like it will be at least a 150 size spool based on the line capacity. I would assume this to be a completely new offering and not sure how closely related it will be to the Antares 70 frame. I’m looking for a new Alabama rig reel so I’m fine if it’s a 200 size spool.

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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by Fran87 » Sat Apr 10, 2021 4:40 pm

Does Anyone know if new Antares 21Dc has drag alarm?

Would be it good for mid-swimbaits?

Thanks

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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by Loafer » Sun Apr 11, 2021 12:05 am

freelancer27 wrote:
Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:37 pm
Jist got a reply from Jun of japantackle.com
He said that the 2021 antares dc is in the same body of the 2019 antares a.
Not sure what to believe now :-k
Hello, Friend!
Please, look at this video (timecode 08:06): https://youtu.be/Pjyx54_mlfc
Guy compared 4 Antaries reels for size. I think 2021 DC is a little bigger than 2019 MGL (A), because it has 37 mm spool (2019 has 34 mm spool).

freelancer27
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by freelancer27 » Mon Apr 12, 2021 5:47 pm

Loafer wrote:
Sun Apr 11, 2021 12:05 am
freelancer27 wrote:
Thu Feb 11, 2021 10:37 pm
Jist got a reply from Jun of japantackle.com
He said that the 2021 antares dc is in the same body of the 2019 antares a.
Not sure what to believe now :-k
Hello, Friend!
Please, look at this video (timecode 08:06): https://youtu.be/Pjyx54_mlfc
Guy compared 4 Antaries reels for size. I think 2021 DC is a little bigger than 2019 MGL (A), because it has 37 mm spool (2019 has 34 mm spool).
Thanks for sharing! Yes, I figured that the DC version would be slightly larger to accommodate the bigger spool. First English speaking users are posting their vids on YT. Wondering if the DC version is as smooth and refined as the 2019 version. So far, all my DC reels felt a bit hollow (execpt the latest CC DC).

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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by oops » Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:14 pm

Welp, it might finally happen. I've wanted a Conquest since I first saw one as a high schooler that couldn't even dream of being able to afford it. Missed a few good deals on the previous 100HG here and on another forum over the past few years. Don't know if I'll be able to resist this time. Been about 3 years since I purchased my last baitcasting reel. Maybe it's time. I always worry that it'll be uncomfortable in my small hands but they just look more ergonomic with every release.

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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by SSS » Fri Apr 16, 2021 12:30 am

oops wrote:
Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:14 pm
Welp, it might finally happen. I've wanted a Conquest since I first saw one as a high schooler that couldn't even dream of being able to afford it. Missed a few good deals on the previous 100HG here and on another forum over the past few years. Don't know if I'll be able to resist this time. Been about 3 years since I purchased my last baitcasting reel. Maybe it's time. I always worry that it'll be uncomfortable in my small hands but they just look more ergonomic with every release.
They're as comfy as a low profile reel. Comfort is not a thing to worry with these reels.

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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by ss30378 » Fri Apr 16, 2021 8:14 pm

oops wrote:
Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:14 pm
Welp, it might finally happen. I've wanted a Conquest since I first saw one as a high schooler that couldn't even dream of being able to afford it. Missed a few good deals on the previous 100HG here and on another forum over the past few years. Don't know if I'll be able to resist this time. Been about 3 years since I purchased my last baitcasting reel. Maybe it's time. I always worry that it'll be uncomfortable in my small hands but they just look more ergonomic with every release.
826FA49B-DBA4-430C-9E71-EC3B0960A872.jpeg
826FA49B-DBA4-430C-9E71-EC3B0960A872.jpeg (108.32 KiB) Viewed 3474 times
I couldn’t resist either...

Mike son
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by Mike son » Sat Apr 17, 2021 7:10 am

ss30378 wrote:
Fri Apr 16, 2021 8:14 pm
oops wrote:
Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:14 pm
Welp, it might finally happen. I've wanted a Conquest since I first saw one as a high schooler that couldn't even dream of being able to afford it. Missed a few good deals on the previous 100HG here and on another forum over the past few years. Don't know if I'll be able to resist this time. Been about 3 years since I purchased my last baitcasting reel. Maybe it's time. I always worry that it'll be uncomfortable in my small hands but they just look more ergonomic with every release.
826FA49B-DBA4-430C-9E71-EC3B0960A872.jpeg
I couldn’t resist either...
You fish it yet? Thoughts? Thinking about selling my 15' 100hg and grabbing the new one.

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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by goldrod » Sun Apr 18, 2021 11:30 am

Mike son wrote:
Sat Apr 17, 2021 7:10 am
ss30378 wrote:
Fri Apr 16, 2021 8:14 pm
oops wrote:
Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:14 pm
Welp, it might finally happen. I've wanted a Conquest since I first saw one as a high schooler that couldn't even dream of being able to afford it. Missed a few good deals on the previous 100HG here and on another forum over the past few years. Don't know if I'll be able to resist this time. Been about 3 years since I purchased my last baitcasting reel. Maybe it's time. I always worry that it'll be uncomfortable in my small hands but they just look more ergonomic with every release.
826FA49B-DBA4-430C-9E71-EC3B0960A872.jpeg
I couldn’t resist either...
You fish it yet? Thoughts? Thinking about selling my 15' 100hg and grabbing the new one.


Try sending him a PM.. I KNOW he will tell you how it is.. cause I spoke with him and his words were
" better than the new zillion"
If I remember correctly.. its a bad reel.. i have just paid for another DC version of it..
You want regret buying either one.. Its a reel that is as precise as luxury time piece
For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible

ss30378
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by ss30378 » Sun Apr 18, 2021 8:50 pm

Mike son wrote:
Sat Apr 17, 2021 7:10 am
ss30378 wrote:
Fri Apr 16, 2021 8:14 pm
oops wrote:
Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:14 pm
Welp, it might finally happen. I've wanted a Conquest since I first saw one as a high schooler that couldn't even dream of being able to afford it. Missed a few good deals on the previous 100HG here and on another forum over the past few years. Don't know if I'll be able to resist this time. Been about 3 years since I purchased my last baitcasting reel. Maybe it's time. I always worry that it'll be uncomfortable in my small hands but they just look more ergonomic with every release.
826FA49B-DBA4-430C-9E71-EC3B0960A872.jpeg
I couldn’t resist either...
You fish it yet? Thoughts? Thinking about selling my 15' 100hg and grabbing the new one.
I have spent some time with it now and like I said to a few folks directly it’s like nothing I’ve used before. I’ve had steezs, zillions, metaniums, millionaires and so on and this is a new animal. Everything in this feels engineered, precise and like Jorrick said similar to a precision time piece or something out of an aerospace shop.

Casting is very similar to the 20 metanium. I was toying with 5” weightless senkos and it was effortless to put them exactly where needed and distance was similar to the metanium. I had all 4 brakes on and just using the dial and I could cast straight into a 5-8 mph headwind and still get good distance without any control issues. The only thing that doesn’t click on this (which may cause complaints) is the brake adjustment dial. It’s smooth with the perfect amount of tension but does not click.

Retrieve was the big change from the norm. I use mostly high speed ratios so 7.4 it was for me. The silky smoothness was to be expected for something like this but the noticeable difference was is the the tiny amount of effort to turn the handle. This is a 7.4 ratio but feels like a 4:1 on the retrieve. I caught myself burning baits back just because it felt like nothing was there. I guess this is the Infinity drive working? And since folks were wondering, yes there is 2 pinion bearings still with the infinity drive.

Very comfortable to palm for a “round” reel, sits a touch lower than the previous model so if you like the 14/15 model you will like this one. Overall if you like round reels and don’t mind something heavier than the normal 5-6oz reels than this is a fine piece of machinery that looks as good as it fishes.
Last edited by ss30378 on Mon Apr 19, 2021 10:25 am, edited 1 time in total.

Slazmo
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by Slazmo » Sun Apr 18, 2021 9:53 pm

Cal wrote:
Fri Jan 22, 2021 6:15 pm
jjbarry wrote:
Fri Jan 22, 2021 5:51 pm
Is anyone aware if there will be any special releases from Shimano for their centennial celebration in March?

Cheers
I read a rumor back in December of a Stella 100th Anniversary edition, but since it is missing from this announcement, doesn’t look like that reel is forthcoming unless Shimano North America reveals it at ICAST... seems odd that Japan would skip though.
Turned out to be a Ltd Ed Book...

Not sure if anyone has mentioned these yet?
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Mike son
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Re: 2021 Shimano Reels

Post by Mike son » Mon Apr 19, 2021 8:12 pm

ss30378 wrote:
Sun Apr 18, 2021 8:50 pm
Mike son wrote:
Sat Apr 17, 2021 7:10 am
ss30378 wrote:
Fri Apr 16, 2021 8:14 pm
oops wrote:
Thu Apr 15, 2021 11:14 pm
Welp, it might finally happen. I've wanted a Conquest since I first saw one as a high schooler that couldn't even dream of being able to afford it. Missed a few good deals on the previous 100HG here and on another forum over the past few years. Don't know if I'll be able to resist this time. Been about 3 years since I purchased my last baitcasting reel. Maybe it's time. I always worry that it'll be uncomfortable in my small hands but they just look more ergonomic with every release.
826FA49B-DBA4-430C-9E71-EC3B0960A872.jpeg
I couldn’t resist either...
You fish it yet? Thoughts? Thinking about selling my 15' 100hg and grabbing the new one.
I have spent some time with it now and like I said to a few folks directly it’s like nothing I’ve used before. I’ve had steezs, zillions, metaniums, millionaires and so on and this is a new animal. Everything in this feels engineered, precise and like Jorrick said similar to a precision time piece or something out of an aerospace shop.

Casting is very similar to the 20 metanium. I was toying with 5” weightless senkos and it was effortless to put them exactly where needed and distance was similar to the metanium. I had all 4 brakes on and just using the dial and I could cast straight into a 5-8 mph headwind and still get good distance without any control issues. The only thing that doesn’t click on this (which may cause complaints) is the brake adjustment dial. It’s smooth with the perfect amount of tension but does not click.

Retrieve was the big change from the norm. I use mostly high speed ratios so 7.4 it was for me. The silky smoothness was to be expected for something like this but the noticeable difference was is the the tiny amount of effort to turn the handle. This is a 7.4 ratio but feels like a 4:1 on the retrieve. I caught myself burning baits back just because it felt like nothing was there. I guess this is the Infinity drive working? And since folks were wondering, yes there is 2 pinion bearings still with the infinity drive.

Very comfortable to palm for a “round” reel, sits a touch lower than the previous model so if you like the 14/15 model you will like this one. Overall if you like round reels and don’t mind something heavier than the normal 5-6oz reels than this is a fine piece of machinery that looks as good as it fishes.
I'm sold! Thanks for sharing!

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