Today I decided to try the Shimano Scimitar, an under $50 rod from Shimano.
According to Shimano in regards to the Scimatar, “The ideal choice for anglers seeking a rod with high performance and an eye-catching aesthetic, Shimano engineered the Scimitar series of rods with the ideal powers and actions for anglers looking to tackle various fishing applications without limitations. Featuring Titanium Oxide guides combined with a cork rear grip and EVA foregrip, the Scimitar series is the true do-it-all rod that won’t back down from a challenge”.
I opted for the Shimano Scimitar 66ML 2PC SPN C (SMS66ML2C) with fast action, medium light power and supports lure weight 3/8-3/4 and supports 10-15 lb. mono line and grip length at 8 inch made of P-Cork and a guide made of Titanium Oxide. The rod itself is made of lightweight, sensitive graphite composite blank.
And also a plus, Shimano doesn’t charge extra if you want to go smaller or larger, the $49.99 is the base price.
I opted for the 6’6″ version as it fits inside my car perfectly without having to hit my windshield.
While one can purchase the Shimano Sienna combo with a Sienna rod and reel (500 to 2500), I preferred to go with the Scimitar rod for its lightweight and durable Titanium Oxide guides for strength and low weight (40% lighter than standard stainless stell guides), they are also corrosion proof and will not rust in saltwater. In fact, when titanium is exposed to oxygen, it forms a natural titanium oxide layer that acts as a barrier for further corrosion. Meanwhile, the Sienna guides are made of Shimano Hardlite guides (aluminum oxide) which are also lightweight but not corrosion proof.
Also, I wanted to pair my own reel and if I was going to try a Sienna Reel, it had to be a C3000FG.
The Shimano Sienna C3000 is part of Shimano’s lower cost line for their reels at $35.
This features a G FREE BODY which shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod. This helps reduce fatigue and enhance comfort.
Also, the spool has a special ring shape and suppression of line trouble and promotes long casting performance.
The C3000 features a gear ratio of 5 with a maximum drag force of 8.5kg and the weight is at 250 (so no difference from the 2000 and 2500 version) and has a spool diameter and stroke of 45/14.5.
As for line, this reel allows for 2.5-180, 3-150, 4-100 nylon mono, 2.5-160, 3-130, 4-100 fluoro and 1-400, 1.5-270 and 2-180 for PE braided.
As for the body of the reel, it uses a strong, lightweight XT-7 composite (graphite/plastic) body and frame, featuring a cold-forged aluminum spool for durability and improved casting for durability and improved casting.
The line retrieve is 71, handle length at 55mm and 3/1 bearings.
The Sienna C3000 features a “Super Stopper 2” (instant anti-reverse with no back play) which is great in having that instant stop.
My feeling is that as a low cost reel, at $35, this reel actually feels well-built and competes with Daiwa’s Crossfire LT Spinning Reels and Sweepfire LT Spinning Reels at the same price (which I also own).
I had no problems casting this reel and getting really good distance and had no problems with tangles.
The drag is plastic and worked, but it was a different feeling from my other Shimano’s but I think that is probably common with more cheaper reels. The bail was another thing that I was afraid that I may bend it because I think I have gotten used to thicker, heavy-duty bails and I felt there was accidental closure. Not as much but again, that is part of the difference with a more expensive reel and an inexpensive reel.
I went wishing with this combination with no problems. Using a YO-ZURI Super Braid 50 lb. and tested with a Daiso minnow lure, but then changed it out for Ned rig with a wacky hook.
The wacky hook of choice was a 1st contact Tungsten wacky jig head because its Tungsten and has the weed guard assists that help prevent snags and I used various plastics.
The KEITECH worms held up well but the Gary Yamamoto Daiwa SV Concept Neko Straight Worm while highly effective due to its soft, salt-infused plastic, this formula notoriously sacrifices durability. When used for high-impact finesse techniques like the Ned rig, they often tear easily after one or two fish or during rigging and I should have known better to use this for Ned rig. If I had to do it again, would have done a Texas rig.
But for the most part, I enjoyed the ultralight feel of the Shimano Scimitar. While light weight, I look forward to comparing this with the Shimano Solara which is way cheaper and is also light.
As for the Shimano Sienna C3000, for a $35 reel, it works darn well!
