Shimano prepares to introduce the much anticipated redesign of the Chronarch series, the new D version is a major departure from the previous generation reel and places greater emphasis on weight reduction and improved ergonomics without sacrificing power or refinement. We previewed the new Chronarch D and had the opportunity to conduct some preliminary field tests on the new version.The first thing anglers will notice about the Chronarch D is that it looks a whole lot like the Core, it is actually dimensionally identical and can be considered an aluminum version of the Core. The paint finish on the reel is a combination of silver and white and recalls some of the colors in the older Chronarch reels.
The minute we picked up the reel and held it hand side by side with the Chronarch B the difference in weight was instantly perceptible. The new Chronarch D shaves a whopping 1.4oz. off the Chronarch B which puts it below the weight of the original “A” version by .3oz and below the Gold “SF” reel by .8oz.
Both the frame and both sideplates on the Chronarch D are all aluminum and the reel makes use of an ultra lightweight A7075 aluminum magnumlite spool. Shimano went to town when it came to loading the Chronarch D with features and preserved the powerful HEG (High Efficiency Gearing) with a durable brass drivetrain. While the bearing count has not changed (6+1) they have been upgraded to S-A-RB ball bearings.
