Opinions on Shimano Chronarch B?

[Micro]

I need a new cranking reel.  I'm considering another Zillion.  But with the Chronarch 100BPV on sale at Tackle Warehouse for $186, it's kinda hard to pass up.  

I used to own a Curado 200DPV which I liked very much, except the size.   It had a shallow spool and cast a whole range of cranks sizes very well.  And I used to own a Revo Winch, which I didn't care for when it came to casting lighter baits, but the size was perfect.  So the Chronarch B addresses both these issues.

I know its being replaced.  Is there anything wrong with the Chronarch B?  Please give me your thoughts on this reel.  

Thanks.

[Sam]

Hey Micro,

For $270 what can we say other than don't drop it overboard.  ;D

seriously, it is one of the top Shimano reels.

The Chronarch B or the Chronarch Mg are beautiful baitcasters. Both have one A-RB Roller Bearings.

The "B" has more ball bearings and features over the Mg so for another $10 I would suggest the "B" model be considered.

So where did I get all of the above?  Out of the Shimano catalog I managed to scarf up at the Green Top sale the Friday of the Richmond Fishing Expo.  

Talk about a beautiful catalog.  It has all of the Shimano product line. It weighs at least two pounds.

So PM me if you want any additional info or I can photocopy the pages and fax or scan them in and e-mail them to you.  

[djmax22]

Nothing wrong with the Chronarch except the weight, but the Daiwa Zillion weighs just as much. Flip a coin.

[Micro]

8.8 vs 9.1.  Not a whole lot of difference.  

Sam, I talked the Daiwa rep out of a 2009 product catalog at the show.  Great bathroom reading!

[UBA]

Micro, have you considered converting one of your STX's gears over to the 5:1 gear set that the Winch uses. Just a thought I know you are a huge Revo fan. If not the Chronarch is a great a reel.

[-nick-]

Actually the Chronarch B is only 170 at ***! If you click on the thing that says something about *** matching spring sales then click go shopping it takes an additional 10% off when you put it in the cart!

[SoCalRob]

Have you considered the Curado 200E5?

[Micro]

I have considered the 200E5.  I'm sure it's a fine reel (hard for me to admit ;D), but it doesn't appeal to me.  I am, however, wishing I never sold my Curado 200DPV.

I'm really interested in the Chronarch B.  I know it's being replaced, but the Chronarch B always seemd to me to address all the issues I had with other Shimano reels.  It has a killer finish, has metal sideplates, looks fantastic, has a shallow spool (I don't like deep spools).   And the gear ratio seems ideal.  And for $186?  My local BPS is selling them for that price, too.  

[calikid]

There is nothing wrong with this reel performance wise.  I own several.  There is only one glitch...the Chronarch nameplate on the front (over the line guide) fell off on one of mine.  I understand Shimano will send another one to you if this happens.  And I need to call them!

Other than that, great reel!

[fishinfiend]

This is a superb reel for crankbaits. They are very smooth and cast very well. I am very pleased that I got one before they were discontinued.

[brandonmccray]

I absolutely love mine. I have the 101B. It has a very low start-up inertia. A roll cast is all that's needed for maximum distance when casting lures 3/8 and up; and the distance is great. Also, it's a very consistent caster. There aren't large variances with distance or accuracy for a given input. It has a very smooth operation on the retrieve. The deposition finish can be brittle, but the reel itself is a tank.

[fathom]

this is a reel you obviously have an affinity with.

you should get it and not look back.

[Micro]

I do appeal to it.  I just bought the TD Zillion 4.9 High Power.  I may still pick up a Chronarch B given its price.

[guitarkid]

Have you considered the Curado 200E5? A flooger?

                  -gk