Akios Shuttle 666 STR KURO The Wide Spool Powerhouse

At Gerrys Fishing, we know that sometimes standard just isnt enough. If you love the legendary casting performance of the 656 Shuttle but find yourself needing that extra bit of line capacity for deep-water marks or heavy-tide estuaries, the Akios Shuttle 666 STR KURO is the ultimate upgrade. It takes the best-in-class platform of the 656 and widens the spool, giving you the extra headroom you need for heavier lines without sacrificing an inch of distance.

The STR (Stainless Tough Reel) designation is where this reel earns its keep. While most multipliers use brass gears, the 666 STR is fitted with extra-tough 5.3:1 stainless steel gears. This makes it a formidable winch, capable of bullying double-figure fish through thick kelp and heavy surf. Despite this added strength, the KURO (Black) edition features lightweight aluminium side plates that strip nearly 100g off the weight of a traditional brass-plate reel. This creates a faster casting action, letting you generate the tip speed required to launch a lead into the next postcode.

Dual-Braking Dominance

Control is the name of the game when youre dealing with a high-capacity wide spool. The 666 STR KURO features a dual braking system that caters to every condition. Internal centrifugal blocks provide a safety net for the start of the cast, while the external long-knobby magnetic adjuster allows you to fine-tune the spool mid-flight. Whether youre casting into a headwind or looking to open it up with a tailwind, you can adjust the brakes on the fly without ever stopping the reel.

Technical Specifications

Examples of Where to Use

• Rough Ground & Rock Marks: The stainless steel gears are designed for high-torque retrieval, making this the go-to reel for winching Cod or Conger away from snags.

• Deep Water Estuaries: The 666 wide spool provides the extra line capacity needed when fishing in deep, fast-flowing water where tide-bow can strip a smaller spool.

• Specimen Hunting: Perfect for targeting large summer Rays and Smoothhounds that require a robust drag and high-capacity spool for long, powerful runs.

• Heavy Surf Conditions: When you need to step up to 18lb or 20lb monofilament to handle abrasive shingle, the 666 offers the capacity that standard 656 models cant match.

Gerrys Pro Tip

The 666 STR KURO is a wide-spool machine, which means there is more mass spinning during the cast than on a standard 656. My advice is to set the Knobby Mag a couple of clicks tighter than you would on a smaller reel for your first few casts of the session. Once the oil in the ABEC 5 bearings has warmed up and youve found your rhythm, you can back it off. Also, because this reel has stainless steel gears, it has a very connected feelyoull feel every head-shake of the fish directly through the handle!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why would I choose the 666 over the 656?

It all comes down to line capacity. If you primarily fish clean beaches with 15lb mono, the 656 is fine. However, if you want to use 18lb or 20lb mono, or if you fish very deep water where a fish might take 100 yards of line on a run, the extra capacity of the 666 is vital for peace of mind.

Are stainless steel gears noisier than brass?

Stainless steel is a much harder metal than brass, so you may notice a slightly different hum on the retrieve compared to a standard Shuttle. This is completely normal and is simply the sound of a much stronger gear train that is built to last a lifetime.

Is the black finish durable?

Yes. The KURO finish is a high-grade anodisation, not a paint. This means it is much more resistant to salt corrosion and the inevitable tripod rash that comes with shore fishing. A simple freshwater rinse after each trip will keep it looking stealthy for years.

Does the 666 STR KURO have a level-wind?

No. This is a CT (Open Cage) reel designed for maximum casting distance. By removing the level-wind, Akios has eliminated mechanical friction, allowing the spool to spin faster and further. You will need to guide the line back onto the spool with your thumb during the retrieve.