ARES Elixir Shiko Mebaru

Shiko means highest grade, and Nissin markets this as the lightest mebaru rod in the industry. The numbers support the claim: 80 g at 5.40 m, where the standard Fine Mode rod of similar length runs well above that.

Six rods cover 5.40 m to 7.20 m in two grades, Kouchou at 0.5 to 1.0 号 harisu and Koukouchou at 0.6 to 1.2 号, all closing to 101 cm. Weights run 80 g to 155 g.

Prices run ¥32,000 to ¥48,800 before tax, roughly double the standard family, which is what the weight saving costs. The hardness grade is the variant axis: one length is sold in several grades, each with its own weight, tippet rating, price and product number.