Shimano's New Generation Antares 70HG Reel

Available: Late March 

MSRP: all sizes - $599.99

Bringing bass anglers versatility for easy pitching and flipping, along with the ability for long distance casting with a wide variety of lures, Shimano introduces the next generation Antares baitcasistng reel. The flagship series in Shimano low-profile design casting reel line-up, the Antares is offered in a 70HG size.

When casting the Antares 70HG, whether throwing a heavy jig or light jerkbait, anglers will quickly notice the low inertia start-up of new MGL III spool. “The reel requires so little effort to start rotating so it’s ideal to pitch lightweight lures,” said Trey Epich with Shimano’s product development team. “Plus when you need to make that long cast with heavier lures, the easy to control spool rotation and high level of brake control offered makes the Antares 70HG equally ideal for those situations.”

To further add to the performance benefits of the MGL III spool, the Antares 70HG features Shimano’s ‘Stable Spool Design’ (S3D) combined with its ‘SilentTune’ feature. By reducing the vibration in the bearing that supports the spool – even when the spool is rotating at high speeds during the cast, anglers will feel an enhanced level of smoothness and casting. 

With the Antares next generation reel, anglers will also experience Shimano’s MicroModule gear system technology that reduces the size, while increasing the number, of gear teeth on the pinion and drive gear. “While our MicroModule gearing provides the utmost in smoothness, the Antares 70HG lightweight magnesium HAGANE Body provides rigidity and durability,” Epich notes. “As our flagship low-profile reel, we want anglers to know they can enjoy season-after-season use by relying on the best in Shimano fishing reel technology.

The Antares 70HG has a 7.4:1 gear ratio, retrievin 31-inches of line per crank.  It features Shimano’s SVS Infinity brake system, has 10 S A-RB (anti-rust) ball bearings in strategic locations, a one-way roller bearing for no handle back play, and weighs in at 7.8-ounces. It will handle from 105 yards of 30-pound test PowerPro braid, or 85-yards of 12-pound mono.