The changes that Shimano have made to the Sustain series for the upcoming season are more than just skin deep. While the grey, silver and gold livery looks super cool, there have been a number of important design modifications made to them as well.

The development of Shimano’s new CI4 carbon interfusion material has given birth to the Stradic CI4. Ultra-lightweight, precision componentry and clever design from Shimano engineers resulted in an unexpected present to Stradic fans around the world.

Shimano has always had a no compromise philosophy when it comes to producing what many believe to be the world’s finest angling equipment – pick up a new TwinPower FC and you will instantly be able to see and feel why.

Building from the phenomenal success of the FB series, the new TwinPower FC boasts many features expected to be found on a reel at double the price. Lightweight waterproof aluminium frame, waterproof drag system, double anodised cold-forged spool, ARC/Propulsion system, one-piece SR bail system, Power Roller, Super Stopper II and SR Concept just to name a few.

A true superstar of the Shimano threadline line-up, the Stradic has long been regarded as one of the most affordable work-horse reels available on the fishing scene today.

The Stradic FI makes use of Shimano’s Paladin Gear Durability Enhancement for increased operating life, the Propulsion Line Management System that permits greater casting distance with less effort, while AeroWrap II lays the line neatly on the spool without any dips or hills. It utilises Shimano’s SR Concept with an SR-3D gear and SR One Piece Bail Wire.

The Baitrunner D is the paramount range of the new Baitrunner collection, boasting the best features of the previous range and boldly combining them with new Shimano technologies and design to deliver the best Baitrunner yet.

As the name suggests, Shimano’s ground-breaking BaitRunner threadline was designed with bait fishing in mind. The body is made of light-weight and non-corrosive graphite, there’s an aluminium spool with a line keeper clip, three A-RB bearings and one roller bearing, stainless steel spool shafts, collapsible handle assemblies, as well as waterproof, heat dissipating front drags with non-centring bails.

When consumer demand cried for an upgraded Baitrunner, Shimano not only redesigned the original but also went one step further – the addition of two entirely new ranges to meet the ever-increasing number of applications and environments that hardcore Australia fisherman continue to put them through.

When competitors often down-spec reels to create “entry” level options – Shimano does the opposite and adds more! Built entirely from the ground up, the new ST Baitrunner range presents an unprecedented fish catching tool essential for anyone wanting to fish with a threadline or where a Baitrunner function is required.

This Saros series is capable of tackling exacting fishing challenges as wide ranging as working Stiffy Minnows in Tasmanian estuaries for monster black bream, to casting 145 millimetre Flick Baits around inshore bommies for big, knobby-headed reds.

It’s not often that you find a reel that has tournament performance and technology but is available at an affordable price – the latest upgrades of the Symetre FJ range provides the ideal choice for professional angler or budding junior where value for money is a priority.

These stylish new silver, grey and gold reels are made from P3, an exclusive Shimano graphite composite that delivers Power, Precision and Performance, and is designed to handle the knocks newcomers to fishing often inflict on their gear.

The Sedona series has long ruled as one of the most affordable, feature rich ranges available within the Shimano spinning reel collection. The end of the market where other manufacturers tend to neglect, Shimano provides fishing solutions to those looking for answers.

The new Sienna FD range of threadline reels are equipped with four ball bearings for smooth and effortless operation and a precision gear system built for reliability and performance.

Perfectly suited to anglers just getting started in fresh or light saltwater fishing. They are robust, reliable, and continue the Slade tradition of being extremely good value for money. They feature a strong, corrosion-resistant XT7 body and a precision machined aluminium spool. The front drag on Slade reels is robust and capable of handling fast running fish, and a two bearing drive train – coupled with Dyna-Balance – ensures a vibration-free retrieve. AeroWave Oscillation – whereby an oval-shaped oscillation gear creates a consistent spool speed – lays line evenly on the spool, which makes for effortless, friction-free casting. Slade reels come in a stylish silver and grey, corrosion-resistant finish.

Shimano’s evergreen FX threadline range has been given an upgrade, with the addition of a ball bearing and some funky cosmetic changes that will see them continue to dominate the entry level threadline market.

There are three reels to choose from - one suited to freshwater and light saltwater fishing, a larger model more at home when used for heavy freshwater and medium saltwater fishing. All feature a rear drag that is easy to adjust during the course of a long fight, an XT7 frame and graphite spool that keeps weight down to an absolute minimum, and a Quickfire II casting mechanism which permits fast, single-handed casts as the bail arm and trigger always self-centre.