The Shimano Citica D is a revolutionary breakthrough in Shimano's lineup of baitcasters. They tricked it out with new features and now I'll tell you what I think of all the goodies on this reel. It's definitely built like a truck. Retailed at $120, this reel should be given some consideration.

Here is a list of all the new features that Shimano has put on this model.

• - Low Mass Drilled Spool (D and DPV models only)
• - High Efficiency Gearing
• - Dartanium Drag
• - PV Power Paddles (200DPV & DSV models only)
• - Drilled Handle Shank
• - Dartanium Drag
• - Recessed Reel Foot
• - Clicking Drag Adjustment
• - Reduced Mass VBS Hub
• - More, Tough Metal!
• - 5 Bearings (4 on 100DSV)

I am very glad that Shimano included the Low Mass drilled spool in this reel. It definitely took some of the weight off of the spool for nice long casts. It may not be the Magnumlite, but it's a step up from the older model.

High Efficiency Gearing is now the rage for Shimano low profile reels and is now in the Citica. Torque is important for handling large fish and that's what HEG is all about. It does add some weight to the reel, but I think it's definitely worth it.

PV Power Paddles are a nice addition to the 200 sizes. They are larger than most grips and are great when handling big fish to make sure you're fingers don't slip off track.

The new drilled handle shanks that come on a few low profiles in Shimano's lineup do come with all Citica models. It's a great, weight reducing feature that also adds to the reels looks.

Dartanium drags are a Shimano classic for smoothness and used to be only known to such reels as the legendary Calcutta. It has finally been included in the Citica. In fact, it has been known as one of the smoothest drags in the world for a fishing reel.

The Shimano Citica now sits low on the reel seat and is a nice welcome for palming, especially for smaller hands. This is all possible because of the Recessed Reel Foot, one of the features that the older model didn't have.

Ultimate precision in drag adjustments is now available on the Citica. The drag star clicks when adjusted to make drag adjustment easier. The star drag is also metal which means fewer breaking parts.

To keep weight down to a minimum, Shimano did drill and "skelatize" some things, including the Reduced Mass VBS hub. It reduces the weight of the spool in order for it to make it spin faster, thus making longer casts.

Like I said at the beginning, this reel is built like a truck. If you don't mind the weight (9.9 oz. 200 sizes, 7.9 oz. 100 sizes) and like a tough, metal fishing reel, then give this one a try. It has a lot more metal parts than the older model which means less parts breaking. But if you're concerned about the weight, I would consider something like an Mg type reel. I personally don't mind the weight, so this reel was perfect for me.

The three more ball bearings is another improvement from the crude two bearings total in the older model. It indeed makes for a far smoother low profile baitcasting reel.

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