Designed for anglers around the world, Shimano reels set the benchmark for high quality and reliability. Japan company Shimano has been a world leader in reel construction for many years, constantly improving new technologies and releasing new reel models. The company offers reels of various sizes, technical parameters, and different price levels, from budget to premium class. Each angler will be able to choose the right reel for him.

In the article we will talk about the most important technical characteristics that have the greatest importance when choosing a reel, we will list the 10 best Shimano reels according to the price-quality ratio.

What materials are Shimano reels made of?

• XT-7 - Shimano's proprietary composite material used in low-end and mid-range reel housings is extremely durable and lightweight.
• XGT-7 – Shimano carbon fiber material, improved from the proven and reliable XT-7 material used for mid-range reels.
• Ci4+ – an exclusive material created on the basis of carbon and polyamide. Ci4+ is 1.5 times stronger than XT-7 and 20% is lighter. This material is used by Shimano for the production of medium and premium reel housings.
• Magnesium – a lightweight magnesium alloy that Shimano uses in some of its high-end reels to reduce reel weight. The use of magnesium alloy allows to reduce the weight of 10% compared to aluminum.
• Aluminum – aluminum alloys are widely used by Shimano in the production of reels. Cast aluminum is used in the production of bodies and rotors. Cold forged aluminum is used to make some reel bodies, spools, reel mechanism internals.

What technologies are used in the production of Shimano reels

Hagan

It is a technology that allows for stronger and more resistant reel housings. Hagane bodies are curved from a single piece of aluminum alloy instead of multiple pieces, so they are more resistant to mechanical stress and more stable. In addition, this technology makes it possible to increase the force of the coil and reduce vibration.

X-Ship

Technology that increases the efficiency and stability of the reel. The X-Ship's gear unit is mounted to provide greater reel stability. This makes it possible to achieve higher power and reduce mechanical vibration.

CoreProtect

Technology that increases the resistance of the coil to water and dust. CoreProtect is a special housing protection layer that protects the coil from moisture and dust. This technology allows you to maintain optimal reel performance, even in difficult fishing conditions.

SilentDrive

Reduces vibration and noise. The SilentDrive system is used in the gear unit which reduces noise and vibration when turning the reel.

MicroModule

Increases reel efficiency and strength. The Micromodule gear unit is designed to reduce the vibration of the gear unit, making it stable and efficient. In addition, this technology allows to increase the strength and durability of the reel.

Shimano reel markings

Shimano currently manufactures a wide fishing reel range, and each reel is unique. Therefore, the letters and numbers used in the name represent certain properties or functions.

This use of the letter system is to allow you to choose the same model but with different features. Here's what the use of letters means:

• "M" at the end – (Middle body spool) middle reel drum.
• "MS" at the end – (Middle shallow spool) medium-small coil drum, slightly smaller than the M series drum.
• "S" at the end – (Shallow spool) shallow spool drum, has a shallower depth and can hold less cleaner.
• "SS" in the back – (Super shallow spool) very shallow drum, has even less depth than a shallow reel, this gives less weight to the reel.
• "C" at the beginning – (Compact body) the entire reel mechanism except the drum is one size smaller, eg: C2000 reel has a 1000 size spool body and a 2000 size drum.
• "PG" at the end – (Power gear) reel with a lower gear ratio, less line twist per turn, easier to pull out big fish.
• "HG" on the back – (High gear) reel with increased transmission ratio, more line can be wound in one revolution, allows for fast bait transfer
• "XG" in the back – (Extra high gear) reel with very high gear ratio, very fast reel.
• "F" at the end – means that the reel is made for the European market, the letter after the “F” means the generation of the reel in Latin alphabet order. For example: "FA", "FB", "FC" refers to the first, second and third generation coils.
• "DH" at the end – (Double handle) reel with double handle.
• "SW" at the end – (Salt water) the reel is designed for sea fishing, allows fishing in salt water, corrosion resistant.
• "R" at the end – (Rear) reels with rear friction brake.

Shimano reels - Top5

Shimano Catana FD

Shimano Catana The company has been producing FD coils since 2019. Catana series reels are the best selling spinning reels in Europe. The Shimano Catana reel belongs to the budget reel segment. Compared to the reel (FC) of the previous series, Shimano Catana FD has a new, modern and striking black design. The reel body is made of XT-7 composite material. The reel has a V-shaped aluminum casting drum. An additional drum is not included.

Shimano Twin Power FD

Shimano Twin Power FD (Shimano 20 Twin Power) reels have been produced by the company since 2020, and the Twin Power series itself since 1987. In terms of ranking, it is the third reel in the Shimano series after Shimano Stella and Shimano Vanquish. Previous generations of Shimano Twin Power FC (Shimano 15 Twin Power) were produced from 2015 to 2020. The reel body is made with Hagane Body technology, the reel body is plastic, the reel cover is with an aluminum alloy leg. The internal reel mechanism is made using Hagane Gear technology, the main gear is cold machined and has an enlarged diameter. The gears are made using Micromodule II technology, have a special geometry and provide quiet and smooth operation of the reel. SilentDrive technology ensures minimal friction between gears, making the reel run smoother and quieter. The labyrinth-based X-Protect system protects against water and dirt. The rotor is made of aluminum alloy with metallized plastic inserts. Line loader shackles based on SR technology.

Shimano Ultegra FC

Shimano Ultegra FC (Shimano 21 Ultegra) reels have been produced by the company since 2021. The reel replaced the previous generation Shimano Ultegra FB reel (Shimano 17 Ultegra). The reel belongs to the middle class. The strong and light body of the reel is made of CI4+ composite material, the body is made using G Free Body technology, which brings the center of gravity of the reel closer to the rod. The reel has a Hagane Gear drive, the gears of which are produced by cold forging. The reel has Micromodule Gear II tooth geometry, Silentdrive system, LONG STROKE SPOOL, X-Ship system, S A-RB sealed ball bearings, labyrinth type X-Protect protection against water and dirt.

Shimano Stradic FL

Shimano Stradic FL The company has been producing the reel (Shimano 19 Stradic) since 2019. The reel replaced the previous generation Shimano Stradic FK reel (Shimano 15 Stradic). The coil belongs to the upper limit of the middle class. The reel body is made using Hagane Body technology. Layout inside the body according to the G Free Body concept. The main pair, built on the Hagane Gear concept, is the X-Ship system. The reel uses Micromodule Gear II technology. The Silentdrive system reduces the distances of the reel mechanism to a minimum. The reel has 6 S A-RB ball bearings. The reel drum is made according to the LONG STROKE SPOOL concept, ensuring an increase in the casting distance of the 5-10%. The reel has protection against water and dirt ingress - X-Protect.

Shimano Stella FJ

Shimano Stella The company has been producing the FJ (Shimano 18 Stella) reel since 2018. The reel replaced the previous generation Shimano Stradic FL reel (Shimano 14 Stella), which was produced between 2014 and 2017. Shimano Stella reels are a flagship line of premium fishing reels featuring the latest Japanese reel technology. The reel body is made using Hagane Body technology, made of aluminum and magnesium alloy, which gives the body high stiffness and strength with minimal weight. The reel mechanism is based on the Hagane Gear concept, the gears are manufactured using Micromodule II technology, where the gear teeth are smaller and have rounded edges, which ensures perfect mechanism operation and ideal softness. G Free Body technology has moved the gears of the reel mechanism closer to the rod and the angler's hand to shift the center of gravity, which increases angler comfort and increases casting distance and accuracy. The Silent Drive system reduces the distances of the reel mechanism to a minimum. The X-Ship system transfers more power from the reel handle to the rotor thanks to a special arrangement of gears. The reel has 12+1 S A-RB bearings. The reel has protection against water and dirt ingress - X-Protect. The reel has an ARC reel which has a beveled reel collar which provides less friction between the line and the reel, increasing casting distance and accuracy. The reel uses Rigid Support Drag technology.

Shimano 20 Vanford

Shimano 20 Vanford reel, brand new reel model, produced since 2020. The Shimano 20 Vanford reel belongs to the middle price segment. The reel body is made of lightweight CI4+ carbon fiber composite. The MagnumLite (MGL) rotor is made of magnesium alloy. Reel mechanism based on HAGANE Gear. Thanks to the MicroModule Gear II and SilentDrive technologies, the reel works smoothly. The AR-C aluminum drum is made using Long Stroke Spool technology. The reel has protection against water and dirt ingress - X-Protect.