Shimano Vanford
Although Shimano’s new Vanford spinning reel was designed to target the freshwater market, its X-Protect technology and water resistance allow it to handle inshore saltwater species as well. Built on a CI4+ body for lightweight feel and carbon rigidity, Vanfords come with a MagnumLite rotor for less rotational inertia than traditional rotors, meaning quicker responses. Other features include cold-forged Hagane gears, Silent Drive and MicroModule Gear II technologies. Sizes range from an ultralight 500 up to a 5000-size model; the latter features a 6.2-to-1 gear ratio and collects 40 inches of line per crank. The reels cost $229.99 and $239.99.
Penn International Limited Edition Liberty Reel
Penn built its new 50VISW Liberty reels as a functional piece of patriotic art. Its spool is wrapped in the pattern of Old Glory — anodized, hydro-dipped and ceramic-coated so it’s safe to fish. One sideplate bears the inscription “Give me liberty or give me death,” and “United We Stand” is engraved on top. The reel features the Quick-Shift II two-speed gear system, Dura-Drag, and Versa-Strike adjustable strike stop. It offers a max drag of 45 pounds, and holds 1,505 yards of 130-pound test. Only 1,000 of the Liberty reels will be made and sold for $999.95.
Okuma Cavalla
Okuma’s new Cavalla boat rods are built on durable 24-ton carbon blanks that also feature ultimate-flex reinforcement tip technology, which increases lifting strength and power. The rods complement Okuma’s Cavalla lever-drag reels, released last year. The seven new models include two spinning and five casting versions in 6-foot to 7-foot lengths, in powers ranging from medium to extra heavy. Components include Sea Guide stainless-steel guide frames with zirconium inserts, Fuji DPS reel seats with stainless hoods, and EVA foam grips. The rods cost $99.99 to $119.99.
St. Croix Legend Triumph Inshore
The new St. Croix Triumph Inshore rod series includes six spinners with full cork handles and seven casting models with a mix of full cork and split-grip handles. Lengths range from 6 feet 8 inches to 7 feet 6 inches; powers range from medium-light to heavy, and actions include moderate, moderate-fast and fast. The one-piece Triumphs feature SCII carbon and new cosmetics, including Sea Guide components such as Atlas Performance slim aluminum-oxide guides with sandblasted frames, and a special SeaSmoke color. Prices range from $130 to $150.
Costa Waterwoman 2
Costa’s Waterwoman sunglasses represented the very first female-focused performance frames the company had introduced. With this second-generation model — Waterwoman 2 — Costa has enlarged the frame width to fit more face shapes and sizes. The frames come in four colors – Shiny Ocean Jade, Shiny Black, Shiny Blonde Crystal, and Shiny Wahoo. Lens options include a variety of tints in polarized 580 glass or plastic, depending on frame choice. The sunglasses cost $189 to $269.
Fusion Apollo WB670/ERX 400
Building on the success of the RA670, Fusion’s new Apollo WB670 stereo offers a space-saving solution that can be tucked out of the way and controlled through a compatible multifunction display. The stereo features Fusion’s digital signal processing, which enables the optimization of speakers, subwoofer and amplifiers in each zone. It also comes with PartyBus-Network capabilities to allow boaters to choose music throughout the boat and stream with Apple AirPlay 2. The ERX400 wired remote with ethernet connectivity allows users to control audio entertainment in any zone and across multiple Apollo stereos. The remote comes with a 2.7-inch LCD display and features a shallow mounting depth. The Apollo WB670 costs $449.99, and the ERX400 costs $229.99.
Simrad NSSevo3S
The new Simrad NSSevo3S chartplotter and fishfinder comes in 9-, 12- and 16-inch models and features a built-in GPS receiver, 1kW chirp sonar with Active Imagine and ForwardScan, upgraded charting, support for Halo dome and open-array radars and for Simrad autopilot systems. The SolarMAX IPS display screens offer broader viewing angles and can be mirrored to compatible iOS and Android devices for access anywhere on board. Prices range from $2,499 to $5,999.
Clarion CMSP Speakers
Clarion has launched a new premium marine line with the CMSP speakers. Offered in 6.5- and 7.7-inch sizes, the new speakers are matched with 10-inch subwoofers (sold separately). Engineered for open-air sound, the speakers feature a silk-dome tweeter with neodymium magnet and ferrofluid cooling for high-frequency detail, and a second-order, high-pass tweeter filter. Available with a gunmetal or white sport grille, the larger speakers come with built-in RGB LED lighting; on the smaller models, the lighting is an option. Prices range from $149.99 a pair to $239.99 a pair.
Ocean Signal SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro
Ocean Signal says it has developed the world’s most compact Category 1 (auto-deploy) Emergency Position Indicating Rescue Beacon in the SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro. The new unit features a 10-year battery life and complies with IMO regulations that require an auto-release housing be provided for mandatory fitted EPIRBs. The SafeSea EPIRB1 Pro releases automatically once submerged in water and will float free from a sinking vessel. At the surface, it transmits the boat’s distress message to authorities for 48 hours. The unit weighs 14.9 ounces and measures 178-by-89-by-100 mm. The EPIRB costs $549.95.
