Akios Shuttle 656 STR KURO

At Gerrys Fishing, weve seen plenty of reels claim to be the best, but the Akios Shuttle 651 STR KURO is one of the few that actually delivers. This isnt just a standard Shuttle with a fresh coat of paint; it is a significantly upgraded, high-torque casting machine. By replacing the traditional brass gears with extra-tough 5.3:1 stainless steel gears, Akios has created a reel with the structural integrity to handle extreme winching pressure that would leave other multipliers groaning.

The STR (Stainless Tough) version is also a massive 100g lighter than the standard model. This is achieved through the use of lightweight anodised aluminium side plates. In the world of power casting, weight is everythingthat 100g reduction allows for a faster rod tip speed during the arc of your cast, which translates directly into extra yards on the beach. Finished in a stealth black with striking gold components, the KURO looks every bit as professional as it performs.

Engineering for Distance and Power

The 656 STR KURO is built around a one-piece, low-profile solid aluminium cage. This design is crucial for serious anglers because it eliminates frame flex. When youre leaning into a high-energy cast or pumping a heavy fish through the surf, a rigid frame ensures your spool and gears stay perfectly aligned.

Control is managed by a dual braking system. You have internal centrifugal blocks for baseline safety and an external Long Knobby mag adjuster for fine-tuning mid-cast. Whether the wind is at your back or howling in your face, you have the mechanical authority to push the spool to its limit without fearing the dreaded bird-nest.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Power Beach Casting: Designed for the angler who wants to hit maximum distance on open beaches using the off-the-ground or pendulum cast.

• Mixed to Rough Ground: The stainless steel gearing provides the grunt needed to winch 6oz leads and heavy fish through kelp beds and over rocky ledges.

• Competition Casting: Because it is so tunable and lightweight, it is a favourite for club-level casting matches.

• Winter Cod Fishing: When the tide is ripping and you need the winching power of a boat reel in a shore-sized package, the STR KURO excels.

Gerrys Pro Tip

The stainless steel gears in the KURO are significantly harder than brass. This means they can feel slightly noisier than a brass-geared reel when you first take it out of the boxdont worry, thats just the sound of a gear train that wont strip! My advice is to use a slightly thicker gear grease (like Penn Precision) to dampen the mesh. Also, because this reel is so light, it balances beautifully on high-modulus carbon rods. If youre used to a heavier multiplier, youll find you can move this through the air much faster, so keep your thumb ready on those first few all-out casts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why choose Stainless Steel gears over Brass?

Brass is a softer metal; its smooth, but under extreme pressure (like winching a double-figure Ray through a heavy tide), the teeth can eventually wear or even strip. Stainless steel is much tougher, providing long-term reliability for heavy-duty shore fishing.

How does the weight reduction help my casting?

A lighter reel reduces the overall weight of your setup, which allows you to generate more speed during your casting swing. Higher speed equals more energy stored in the rod blank, which ultimately fires your lead further out to sea.

Is it easy to adjust the magnets during the cast?

Yes. The Long Knobby adjuster is designed to be tactile. You can easily reach it with your fingers mid-cast to increase the braking if you see the line start to fluff, or back it off as the lead reaches its apex to squeeze out those last few yards.

Does it require a lot of maintenance?

Like all premium multipliers, it loves a bit of care. Rinse it with fresh water after every session and put a light drop of high-speed oil on the ABEC 5 bearings every few trips to keep the free-floating spool spinning at its peak.