Shimano Solstace FA spinning reel
The rough and tough Shimano Solstace
Reviewed by James Ramirez - 2004
Impressions: The Shimano Solstace was my first
reel since I seriously started fishing. This is a
type of reel that is not very flashy. I have owned
two of these. My first Solstace got sand in the
bearing system and sounded like a coffee grinder.
The one pictured is my second.
|
Shimano Solstace 2000 FA Specifications |
|
Line Capacity |
140/6, 120/8,
100/10 |
|
Gear Ratio |
5.2:1 |
|
Weight |
9.7 ounces |
|
Extra Features |
3+1 bearings,
Quickfire II, A-RB Bearings, Fluidrive gear
system, free aluminum spool. |
|
Price |
$49.99 |
Setup for the 2004 Season
Reel: Shimano Solstace 2000FE
Rod: 6'6" Medium action Bass Pro Shops Pro
Qualifier Metal IM-8
Line: 8lb P-Line CX-Xtra Strong (on primary
spool) -
8lb Maxima Ultragreen (secondary spool)
Out on the Water
(Casting, Presentation and Drag
system)
This reel is one of my favorite spinning reels
because it can take the abuse and simply
out-performs my other spinning reels. During the
testing period this reel was spooled up with P-Line
and Maxima. In September I switched to P-line and I
find it to be better than 8lb Maxima ultragreen in
so many ways. Casting distance with this reel is
superb. Thanks to P-Line's springy nature, I can
actually cast dry flies with ease. Other techniques
I use with this reel are drop shotting, cranking and
jerking lighter lures. Casting is a walk in the park
with Quickfire II (2). Quickfire II is a trigger
that flips the bail open so you don’t have to touch
the bail while casting. The drag on this reel is
great. I have been able to fight large fish with
ease.
The solstace 2000 FA can whip lures far with ease,
from 1/16oz to 1/4oz. With a 5.2:1 gear ratio this
reel is very versatile reel, from difficult
placement of a lure to casting across the river this
reel can handle many different environments.
Lures that can be thrown with ease.
Quickfire II In action
Ergonomics
Ergonomically, this reel is a value performer. It
performs great while out on the water and has a
great price. Unfortunately to keep the price low the
reel must have plastic. The Quickfire II feature and
other components are made of plastic. With an
aluminum frame and a matte finish which hides the
major scratches, this reel, with care can look
stunningly beautiful.
Shimano Solstace 2000FE Ratings 0/5
Construction & Quality - This reel can take
the abuse from the elements and has been solid after
3 years of ownership 5
On the Water Uses- Casts lures like a bullet
and has a great drag system 5
Ergonomics - Strong aluminum frame, but uses
plastic components 3.5
Comparison against similar products - Why buy
old reels when shimano came out with better
technology? 3
Price – Why not Pay $50 bucks for a
performer... 5
Total score - - - 4/5
Positives and negatives
Positives
--------------
- Easy casting
- Superb Drag
- Solid reel
Negatives
---------------
- Plastics
- Why pay for a throwback, when you can get a
new-model Shimano Sahara?
