The 6.2:1 ratio is backed by large ergonomic tactile handle grips, forged aluminium frame and star drag with 'dartainium' washers.

High Efficiency Gearing (HEG) eliminates flex and boosts leverage with massive torque delivery.

Super Stopper, adjustable clicker... need we go on?

Suffice to say the 6 A-RB bearings plus Roller Bearing deliver unparalleled smoothness under maximum power.

Features:

• 6 A-RB Ball Bearings & 1 Roller Bearing.
• Aluminium spool and XT7 Body.
• Single Steel Power Handle.
• Stainless Steel Gears.
• Super Stopper.

"OK", I hear you say, "So what is it really like to use?" and "Is it worth the high price?"

My first encounter with the Shimano "Trinidad" reel was back in May 2003, when I popped into Torbay Angling at Paignton, intending to buy a Shimano "Calcutta" multiplier to supplement my now ageing Abu "Morum 7700" reel, which alas is no longer in production.

"Adie" showed me the, then brand new on to the market, Shimano "Trinidad" 12 lb class reel and I was immediately impressed by its apparent build quality.  I spent far more money than I had intended and quickly became the proud owner of one of the first of these reels in the UK.

One of my early trips out saw it loaded with 300 yards of 14 lb b.s. Berkley "Fireline" braid, and mounted on my 12 lb class North Western Rodcraft 12 lb class lightweight kevlar 8 foot long boat rod, which I use for Bass.

I didn't find the Bass that day, but I did connect with not one, but two, Spotted Ray, which were clasped together in a loving embrace!  The one that remained attached to the hook exceeded 5 lbs, more than 100% of specimen weight.  The other which let go at the surface was larger.  I told the story on this site at the time.

I'd like to be able to tell you that the rod and reel easily pumped these two fish to the surface, but I'd be lying.  The rod did not have the backbone to haul these two up from 165 feet of water against a fast flowing 4.6 m tide.  I had to hand-line them to the surface, stopping periodically to retrieve the loose line back onto the spool of the reel.

However, I persevered, as you do, and caught several nice Plaice, using this reel.  It really came into its own a couple of months later, when I used it to wind up some very nice mid-Channel Black Bream, of 5 lbs and 4 lbs, from 360 feet of water in Hurd Deep, during a trip to Guernsey.  The full story is elsewhere on this site.

The high gearing, 6.2 : 1 ratio, allied to that comfortable large rubber clad handle makes retrieving line a breeze.  There's no level wind available on this range, so you have to lay the line evenly onto the spool with your thumb.  It's not a problem.

The clutch is the smoothest I have ever used.  There is no jerking or juddering as a big fish pulls off line against your properly adjusted 'star' drag, which you can set accurately in small increments, with a click feature, similar to that found on some of the older Shimano "Speedstar" reels.  It's a joy to use.

It has an additional adjustment control for the tension of the ratchet, which is also sited on the left hand end plate of the reel.  I must admit I've not found a use for that adjuster yet, although I have played around with it.  The ratchet is quite loud and very handy as an audible bite indicator during those few moments when you are obliged  to leave your gear unattended.

I'm told they are also excellent casting reels for beach fishing, but I haven't tried using them for that purpose myself.

So, am I glad I bought it?  Yes.

In fact I've since bought the 30 lb class model too for deep water wreck fishing using braid line.  It too is excellent.  I've landed some really nice big Cod, Pollack and Conger while using it.  A single turn of the handle on this model retrieves about 42 inches of line!

This reel is available in 12; 14; 16; 20; 25; and 30 lb class models, with r.r.p. ranging from about £369 to £429, depending on the size.  If you take the trouble to shop around, you should be able to find these models at discount for between £260 and £300 depending on which example you choose.

Yes, I'd buy another.  The 16 lb model would be nice with 20 lb class line, but I already own several other reels in that power bracket, so I lack a convincing excuse!