REEL TALK: Shilton CR
|
|
Time to read 2 min
Despite its status as a desert state, Arizona boasts an impressive variety of fishing opportunities. Anglers here have the chance to chase native trout species in small creeks, cast for striped bass, stalk carp, and float on the surface of serene alpine lakes - all within a few hours of home. Looking for a freshwater reel that performs flawlessly across all these settings? Shilton's super large arbor CR series is one of your best bets. Designed specifically to cover the widest possible range of applications, the CR series is the ideal workhorse for chasing fish all around the state of Arizona.
The secret sauce? A buttery-smooth drag
The standout feature on Shilton's CR reels is undoubtedly the drag. The CR runs a carbon fiber and stainless steel disc system with a one-way bearing. This configuration is the same found across the highest-end reels in the industry. Whether you're hooked into an angry grass carp or a tank of a brown, the startup inertia is effortlessly smooth, which means there's no initial lurch when a fish takes off. While standard in high-end salt water reels, the low startup inertia found in the CR is rare in the freshwater reel space. Anyone who's gone to war with a carp in one of our canals knows just how important that first bit of drag can be.
The retrieve on the CR reels is completely silent (both incoming and outgoing), which is a nice touch, especially when fishing in quiet locations. The large arbor geometry does what large arbors are supposed to do: it maximizes line pickup rate on the retrieve, reduces line memory after a day of fishing, and keeps the fly in the water rather than in your hand.
Built to Last
One of the things that makes CR reels an excellent choice for heavy use is how user-friendly they are. The drag system is fully accessible without tools, meaning you can clean and maintain the reel without sending it back to the manufacturer.
The body is machined from high-grade aluminum and finished with a Type II anodize, which gives it plenty of protection from corrosion, especially in freshwater. If aesthetics are important to you, the CR lineup comes in more than half a dozen colors, from titanium to turquoise and can match any rod in your quiver.
Stat Cast
- Offered in 3 sizes: CR2 (3-4 weight), CR3 (5-6 weight), and CR4 (7-8 weight)
- Type II anodized exterior
- Holds 100 yards of 20 lb. backing
- Silent retrieve
"Designed specifically to cover the widest possible range of applications, the CR series is the ideal workhorse for chasing fish all around the state of Arizona."
The final line
Shilton CR reels punch well above their price point. The drag is as smooth as anything in freshwater, the build quality is serious, and it can withstand years of heavy use. If you're looking for a reel that can be used across the state of Arizona and simply works, Shilton's CR should be on your short list.
Interested in a test ride? Stop by the shop any time to get your hands on our full selection of premium rods.
Related product
Shilton CR3 Reel
$670.00
