Here’s an update to the new Shimano Voltaeus rods. These are the “Ugly Stiks” of Shimano. I’ve used a pair of these rods for trout and bass and they are lightweight and extremely durable, and the best part, a great value!!! Shakespeares Ugly Stiks have a limited warranty but the Shimano’s Voltaeus Rods have a limited LIFETIME warranty.
Here’s the producTTpreview on TackleTour: http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshimanovoltaeus.html
New for Spring ‘09 – Engineered with its proprietary ‘Uni-Fiber’ construction process, Shimano kicks off the new year by introducing the new Voltaeus rod series, offered in 29 models for every kind of freshwater use and certain saltwater situations. According to Justin Poe, rod development manager for Shimano, the Uni-Fiber blanks will provide anglers with “an incredibly durable yet lightweight fishing rod with exceptional sensitivity. And no matter what you fish for, you find a Voltaeus in the length and action you want.”
By utilizing three different composite materials – including carbon for sensitivity and lightweight and T-glass for durability – and chemically bonding them together in the manufacturing process, Shimano is able to overcome the adage that an ultra durable rod had to have heavy feel to it. “In designing the Voltaeus rods, we fished with many different rods that are known for their durable, can’t break it image,” said Poe. “While that is a valued feature, anglers today want more than just that – they also want a rod that is light in weight and a true pleasure to fish, sensitive with true defined actions, and built with high-tech components. With Voltaeus, we provide angler’s with today’s version of yesterday’s favorite.”
The Voltaeus series includes 13 freshwater spinning rods – everything from 4’6”, 5’ and 5’6” ultralights, 6’, 6’6 and 7’ medium actions, 6’6” and 7’ medium heavy and 7’ heavy action models. There are two-piece rods offered in 5’6”, 6’, 6’6” and 7’ lengths.
For freshwater casting, the Voltaeus line-up includes 8 rods – 6’, 6’6” (both 1- and 2-piece models) and 7’ medium actions, 6’, 6’6” and 7’ medium heavy actions and a 7’ medium light.
For saltwater situations, Shimano offers 4 spinning and 4 casting models – with 6’6” medium and medium heavy, 7’ medium and 7’6” medium heavy actions offered in both spin and cast versions. All are one-piece models.
“Along with this extensive line-up, a unique construction process to provide both durability and sensitivity, stainless steel guide frames and custom designed reel seats, “ said Poe, “we also back the Voltaeus rods with Shimano’s limited lifetime warranty. For any type of angler and for any type of fishing, you can’t go wrong with Voltaeus.”
Suggested retail: from $39.99 to $59.99 – the attached tech sheet on the Voltaeus series provides specifications and pricing on each of the 29 models.
