Shimano Scorpion 1001XT - Review

Last year, the Shimano Scorpion model has features that have been given a new look of the Scorpion XT 1500. The model that has been retuned it comes with a more aerodynamic characteristics, furious with the position of the lower body and drag capabilities have been enhanced.

Introducing the Shimano Scorpion 1000XT. Reel comes with the right control (1000) and left (1001) have begun to enter the Malaysian market in the second quarter of 2010. Entry is made in stages as demand is high, including in Europe and the United States market.

Shimano Scorpion 1001XT was introduced at the Osaka Fishing Show. For this 2010 version, the Shimano Japan has made a re-tuning of the Scorpion 1500XT by introducing new models of Scorpion 1000XT. When I saw this reel at the store and hold it, the new model is more 'sporty'. It is just as light as 190 grams and is able to provide maximum drag pressure of 4.5kg! (According to factory specifications). Scorpion 1000XT is the latest reel from Shimano Scorpion family after 1500XT model. Scorpion model 1000XT differences can be seen by the reduced weight of 20gm make Scorpion 1000XT is just as light as 190gm. The use of color is more prominent. 32mm diameter spool reel and body design has been improve with a more compact and more aerodynamic look.

We have the opportunity to perform tests on this reel. 2 units of Scorpion 1001XT tested in two separate lines. First on the river with rocky and heavily targeted species have current Sebarau while the second in the lake area is inhabited by Giant Snakehead species as the main target. In conclusion, we found the following....

Ergonomic

If you look back in history baitcaster reel production. Most reel-reel produced appears quite large and bulky. Thanks to technological advances that have greatly assisted to the production of baitcaster. Baitcaster reel produced today is much more advanced and more ergonomic. Therefore, baitcaster reel such as Shimano Scorpion 1001XT has been through phases of upgrading and re-tuned.

The prices are almost same but which one is more stylish? versatile? and beautiful?

The overall shape of Scorpion 1000XT is similar to the Shimano Aldeberan, but both are using the different materials in the production of 'Drive Gear'. Shimano Scorpion 1000XT is a reel that easily operated, even with its small size and light weight advantage to the angler who likes to make a cast with only one arm.

Which one is 'bigger' and 'slender'?

Featured ergonomic, hand position is more tightly, the level of 'tumb' is in low position with the width of the body and the overall design a more slender to ensure that the hand can make a stronger grip on the reel and a reel seat when the cast is made. Therefore, in terms of comfort this reel was produced with the most ergonomic design at all especially for the angler who has a small surface of hand.

The Scorpion 1001XT looks very similar to Scorpion 1501XT but 1001XT image is more refine.

The Scorpion 1001XT looks narrower rather than Scorpion 1501XT.

The 'Tumb' is approximately in the same lavel but the 1001XT body is more slim.

Again, the Scorpion 1001XT looks narrower, slim and impurities.

Casting

With only a 190gram weight, Scorpion 1001XT is far superior to lighter, smaller and still look solid.Thus, the reel can be categorized into heavyweight classes, but constructed in a compact size.However, performance of the reel especially the ability to get the throwing distance was further enchance by the use of which has a spool diameter is only 32mm. Use of this spool is indirectly able to throw micro lure more easily and smoothly. Shimano Super Free Spool Application has also been a great help to get better throwing distance away, especially for micro lure.

The Scorpion 1501XT height is looks little bit high and looks a bit 'bulky' compare to 1001XT. Both still used the Shimano Variable Brakes System (SVS). The old system but still proof the best cast control system.

Ready to cast.... Perfect for Pitching

In our view, what makes the Scorpion 1001XT is a great reel that is his ability to throw different types of lure at one setting only. When setting Cast Control Knob and the spool tension properly made, lure such as Rapala Glass Fat Rap weighs 18gm and Popper River to Sea Bubble Pop can be thrown in so well at all and after that, when the lure such as light as 6gm like Rapala Coundown or Smith Panish and is thrown, without much problem it can easily be thrown in and still be able to get the optimum distance without no tampered or changed to a new setting. This capability makes the Scorpion 1001XT is a very versatile reel.

Retriving

Scorpion 1001XT comes with 7 ball bearing with 6 nos of S-ARB and a roller bearing as Scorpion 1501XT. However, Scorpion XT 1501 series comes with 5 S-ARB, 1 A-RB and 1 Roller Bearing.All the 7 ball bearings were placed at key parts of the rotating includes Knob. Directly makes this reel so smooth and silent. In fact, the gear ratio is also very suitable for almost any type of lure.

Scorpion 1001XT offers a maximum 64cm of line retrieve in one rotating handle makes this reel a high-speed reel in the 1000 size. Therefore, this reel is suitable for use in the swift waters and rocky area

A very nice 1.5kg Kejor (family of Carp fish (Cyprinidae).

No problem at all on Scorpion 1001XT

Drag

Although the Scorpion reel 1001XT looks small but Shimano engineering, this reel can give a maximum pressure up to 4.5kg!. Is this true? Feeling unsure is because the size of the reel is relatively small. Therefore, we decided to test this reel drag system. To get good results, the test is done by targeting the Giant Snakehead species. This is because we believe that this species is able to provide strong resistance. We chose the Temenggor Dam, Royal Belum as the field tests.

Seriously, this rod is hard-pressed by a brutal Giant Snakehead, but thanks to the Scorpion 1001XT drag… you even can even feel the drag power and it so smooth.

1.8kg Giant Snakehead on Scorpion 1001XT with No.2 Toray Super PE and Duel NTDF Side Popper. Not surprise!! This reel also suitable for Topwater lure such as popper and pencilbait.

Finally, we manage to tested the drag reel with the ferocious Giant Snakehead.

Seriously, this brutal Giant Snakehead really test the Scorpion 1001XT drag.

The drag tested up to the limit!!!!

Seriously, you can feel the drag power of Scorpion 1001XT.

Just a little bit more...

There you can see it now....

Finally.... A 4.2 kg hideous Giant Snakehead landed on Scorpion 1001XT

After 3 days of testing with 2 units Scorpion 1001XT, the test results found that the drag system works very well. Although the drag locked tight, the main line can still come out with a very smooth and no sense of 'stuck-block'. Thus the fish can be brought under control when the line pulled by the fish. The design of 'Star Drag' is also contribute a lot of help. Drag can be adjusted easily when the game requires quick action by angler. No problem with the system and the power of drag is so easily felt when we landed Giant Snakehead magnitude 4.2kg. Roughly, this clearly proves that the reel drag system is more than able to hold the fish runs.

What in the engine

If we look at the engine, Scorpion 1001XT is not much different with the other Shimano reel. However, there are two part that attract our attention, the parts are 'Drive Gear' and 'Pinion Gear'.

Worth for money, good for long term....'Drive Gear' and 'Pinion Gear’ are made from ‘High Strength Brass

When retrieving, the 'Drive Shaft' will be turning the 'Drive Gear' and then the power will flow directly to round the 'Pinion Gear’. This is where the most important and critical point as it rotates. Both are part of this contact requires the strength to do their job. This is necessary because the two parts will be received at a higher friction when the rope is pulled by a fish or when retrieving.

Typical Shimano engine

Therefore, Shimano introduced a material that is called ‘High Strength Brass’ as the main material for making 'Drive Gear' and 'Pinion Gear’. ‘High Strength Brass’ is a material that has better resistant to corrosion. In addition, it is far stronger and lighter than stainless steel. In the long run, this technology will make the reel is long lasting, durable and can be used for saltwater fishing. This is where the advantages of this reel. Shimano will ensure that only high quality reel to be ‘born’. And this is what makes this reel a quality machine. It has almost all the features of a reel that expensive, and most importantly to give satisfaction to the angler.

Finale.

Overall, this reel is an amazing new model and a new point for the production of high-profile reel design in a fairly reasonable price. At the price of RM700-RM800, Scorpion 1000XT really worthwhile to own. This is because this model has the optimum performance for use either in freshwater or in saltwater. Whether owned by men and women, would increase the appearance of 1000XT Scorpion caster image through stylish design or its power when fighting fish.