Searching for a high-gear baitcasting reel that handles salt and fast inshore species? Your search is over, this is the Shimano Chronarch G series. Introduced in 2017, it’s a saltwater version of the freshwater reel the Chronarch MGL. If you love the performance of the MGL but tend to fish brackish or inshore salt, get this reel.
MicroModule With X-Ship
A new feature for the Chronarch G series is the introduction of MicroModule gearing. This is a fine tuning for the gear teeth, making finer cuts so that there is more teeth and better contact. Greater contact transfers more power with a smoother feel. An added bonus is the gears are brass which equates to durable performance.
Shimano matches the brass micro-gears with X-Ship. This addition is to further improve gear durability in harsh salt environments. Shimano adds double support for the pinion gear. This balances the pinion gear under heavy loads when cranking.
Why do these features makes a big difference for inshore fishing? Understand this, more gear contact and high gear ratios means you have the ability to lose a lot less fish. In particular when say a speckled trout gets hooked and turns toward you. The higher gearing allows you to reel in fast, keep slack out of the line and good bend in the rod. Thus, a soft mouth speckled trout can’t wriggle out of the fight.
Excellent Features Of The Chronarch G
Models At A Glance
The body of the reel is comfortable to palm and lightweight due to the carbon body and side plates. While the long handles, (90mm) for the HG model and (95mm) for the XG provide more fighting leverage.
Both right and left handed models are available, product number 150 is right and 151 for left. The G series comes in either a high gear (HG) ratio of 7.1:1 or and extra high gear (XG) of 8.1:1. While the HG weighs in at 6.5 ounces and the XG is 6.7 ounces.
For line capacity all models hold (#test/yard) of 10/120, 12/110, 14/90 for mono. While for braid they hold (#test/yard) of 20/150, 30/135, 40/105.
A max drag of 10-11 pounds and crank per inch of 30-34 is more than capable to fish trout, redfish and flounder. To combat the salt all models have 8 shielded anti-rust bearings with 1 roller bearing.
Chronarch G Versus Tranx 200
Look I get it, why spend the money for the Chronarch G if you can get the cheaper Tranx 200? Well, they are different reels that excel at different types of inshore saltwater fishing.
First, the Chronarch G has higher gear ratio, more bearings and its lighter in weight. Plus it has Shimanos newer brass “Micro-gears” and X-Ship. The reel delivers a supreme level of smooth gearing that blows the Tranx 200 out of the water. Add to this, it has higher end reel construction and weighs 2 ounces less.
Whereas the Tranx 200 does have high gear ratio models, it only has 3+1 bearings. The basic rule is the more bearings a reel has the smoother it is. This isn’t to say that the Tranx 200 isn’t a great reel, it’s awesome for slower inshore species. But for anglers looking for an excellent fast gearing inshore reel, the top choice is the Chronarch G.
The best secret about the 2020 Chronarch G; you can swap out the spool for the MGL type, turning it into a freshwater monster!
Downsides? Gear Maintenance.
As with any Shimano reel that has “micro-gearing” you do have to re-grease the gears at times. I have talked to anglers who mistake newer gritty feeling reels as “lemons.” The main reason for this is, the gears need a re-grease. Which makes sense, every reel needs maintenance, saltwater more than freshwater reels.
Another issue I read and hear about is a hollow feeling to the reel. My guess is the reason is due to the Ci4+ carbon frame and side plates. Composite materials tend to telegraph vibration more than solid metal. The bonus of carbon is it won’t rust which is a huge bonus for salty areas. It’s up to you if this is a problem, it isn’t for me.
Why Pick The Chronarch G?
If you are fishing in inshore saltwater the Chronarch G is a swift powerhouse of a reel. This is the perfect low-profile high geared reel to deliver top level performance. Its excellent saltwater protection ensures you get a durable and reliable casting reel. While the packed in advanced features will put a smile on every saltwater enthusiasts face.
