Has anyone seen the ads from Academy on the new Shimano Chronarch Reel for $269.99 (models CH-100B; CH-100BPV; CH-100BSV)? I checked Shimano's website, but they do not have any information posted on this model. I was wondering what the gear ratio is, number of bearings, etc. Anyone with any info on this reel?

Go to tackletour.com. On the right side of the home page is a list of articles. Scroll down to archives and click on it. Then scroll down to Shimano reels and pick out the 2005 reel review.

I played with one of these reels at Bass Pro the other day. They are really sweet!!!!!

I concur

I dont think they look as good as the old style. I like that Pearl paint!
DG

I looked at one yesterday at Academy. I think they are a lot heavier than the orginal, and the look isn't all that. I'm planning on getting the new Chronarch MG this weekend. Super light and very smooth. The one I looked at even felt smoother than the Calais they had.

Hope it is as rugid as the original Chronarch that I have had now for over 9 years. Just had it serviced and it's just like brand new.

Id rather have the new MG over the other new model. Its alot lighter (5.6 oz) and is a whole lot smoother. And also if you want the old chronarchs (regular, SF, MG) a guy at Academy told me there will be no more after the ones stores have now are sold. Gander MTN. had the Chronarch SF on sale for 170, but i think they are already sold out.

The new Chronarch 50MGs are small and very light. The Calais 100 (the small one ) is super smooth but it is heavier than the 50MGs
The 50MGs cast very well but what do you expect since they are a Shimano. They just keep getting better.

On a side note, I think that the new Daiwa Fuego and the Sol are going to give them a run for the money.

The new mg's frame is constructed of magnesium. Be careful if you use these in brackish or saltwater as magnesium will corrode

I bought 2 100B's for my christmas present! Can't wiat to fish them. Let me know what you all think!

Steelers

I got my 100B's in yesterday and had to hit the water.

All I can say is SMOOTH! Flipping and throwing with this reel is effortless.

I used it on a 7' St. Croix, med. legend elite.

Great set up.

Steelers

well there is a protective coating on the 50 mg's they are supposed to not be effected by the salt water. and another thing is the 50 mg's are nothing more than a curado with an mg frame just to let you know what you are getting. the calais has 12 bearings the 50 has 6 don't think they are nearly as smooth. just my 2 cents. but the part about the 50 being a curado is the truth. the guts are the exact same as curabo 100sf. so thats an extra 100 dollars for a mg frame?????