Shimano Spinning Reels Compared

Why Choose a Shimano Spinning Reel

Shimano has been in the business of making sports equipment for nearly 100 years. They started with bicycle parts in 1921 and have only grown from there. It is actually their history of manufacturing high-quality bicycle parts that made it so easy for them to transition into making high-quality fishing gear.

Their world-renowned spinning reels benefit from high-efficiency gearing (HEG) and a continually evolving front drag reel design. There's almost no limit to the fish you can catch with a Shimano reel. Freshwater, saltwater, small and easy, or big fighters, you can hook them all. It is just a matter of finding the reel that suits your needs.

How to Choose a Quality Spinning Reel

Type of Fish & Environment

The first choice you have to make is whether you are planning to fish in saltwater or freshwater. Each environment presents different challenges and opportunities which certain reels are better suited for. Next, decide on what type of fish you are going for. The strongest Shimano spinning reel is made for relatively light inshore fishing for species like sea bass or bluefish. If you are going for anything bigger than Shimano has other reels that would be more appropriate.

Weight & Size

Decide what weight and size of reel is best for you. There are light and ultralight models, but as weight drops, price often goes up. You also need to consider the size. This determines your line capacity, weight, and also how well the reel will fit on to your rod. Small spinning reels are given a size designation that ranges from 1000 (10) to 3500 (35), while large spinning reels can go from 7000 (70) to over 9500 (95). 

Drag System

Spinning reels come with either a front or rear drag reel design. Usually, a front drag system offers a smoother drag, while a rear drag system is more comfortable to adjust when fighting a big fish and easier to change spools on. Which is better is mostly just a matter of preference.  

Ball Bearings

Make sure to check how many ball bearings the reel has. As a general rule, the more ball bearings you have, the smoother the reel will perform on the retrieve. At a minimum, you typically want at least four ball bearings to give the reel enough stability and support to make it bearable.

Spool Style (internal or skirted)

The spool can either come internal or skirted. Internal spools are becoming more outdated because they are more prone to problems with the line slipping and wrapping around the shaft. Skirted spools alleviate this problem and work much more easily. If you can opt for one over the other, go for the skirted spool.

Line Capacity

Line capacity is how much fishing line you can fit on to your reel. This is designated with two numbers usually, one for the length of the line and another for the weight or diameter of the line. For example, Shimano makes a reel with a line capacity (mm/m) of 0.25-165 / 0.30-110 / 0.35-80. That is, the reel can hold 165 meters of 0.25 mm line, 110 meters of 0.30 mm line, or 80 meters of 0.35 mm line. 

Reel Features

The other key features that you should always check are body construction, the gear ratio, the grip, and whether or not there are anti-reverse handles. Aluminum and graphite are often some of the best materials to make a reel out of, and you should avoid plastic parts when you can. The gear ratio works so lower ratios like 3.6:1 retrieve slower but with more torque while higher ratios are the opposite. A quality grip and anti-reverse handles are also excellent features to look for in a reel.

Price & Warranty

Price is certainly a deciding factor when picking a reel, but make sure you consider it in light of all the other features mentioned. The cheapest reel isn't always the best value. The Shimano warranty is limited, and it is only effective in Europe, Russia, the Middle East, and Africa. It lasts for two years and ensures that Shimano products are free from defects upon purchase.

8 Best Shimano Spinning Reels Reviewed

Read our reviews below or watch our video on the top Shimano spinning reels. We discuss why each model is a good choice and what type of angler it is best suited for.

1. Shimano Stradic CI4+ 4000

The Shimano Stradic CI4+ is packed with technology and innovation. It is our top pick for a reason. The carbon tetraiodide body and cold-forged aluminum spool make the reel unexpectedly light for the up to 24 lbs of max drag and continual use you can get out of it.

This model is built with CI4+, which is 2.5 times stiffer than regular CI4, making the reel more rigid and more efficient. Corrosion-resistant S ARB bearings and the design improvements of the G Free Body also come together to make a stronger and more effective reel.

The heart of the reel runs on Shimano’s cold forged Hagane drive gear, which maintains smoothness and strength even under heavy loads. One key hallmark of the Shimano Stradic is the Aero Wrap system.

This system feeds the line to the spool with a power roller that lays line evenly and tightly in parallel coils. This allows the line to exit the spool in a smooth, frictionless motion. The ARC patented spool design benefits this as well with its angled spool lip that helps with longer, more accurate casts. Combined with the MGL Rotor, which uses an asymmetrical rotor profile to improve balance, this reel moves how you need it to and doesn’t wear you down.     

2. Shimano Stradic HG

3. Shimano Syncopate Freshwater

4. Shimano Sahara FI

For all the bass fishing aficionados out there, the Shimano Sahara FI is the reel for you. This spinning reel is remarkably strong and durable for its size and price point. The reel itself is made up of a lightweight and robust composite material called XT-7while the spool is made of high-quality cold-forged aluminum.

The body constriction has been engineered to optimize the weight and balance of the reel as well. X-ship design features move the pinion gear close to the centerline of the large diameter drive gear, which allows more power to be transferred from the handle to the rotor.

That pinion gear is also supported by two Shimano ARB bearings, which create more stability. The drive gear itself is made with the cold-forged Hagane technology, which makes it lighter, smoother, stronger, and better performing under heavy loads. In a fight with a largemouth bass, the bass won't know what hit it.

The reel is designed with a G-Free body, which shifts the center of gravity in the reel closer to the rod by moving the worm shaft oscillation mechanism. Overall this makes repetitive casting more comfortable and less tiresome. This reel also comes equipped with super stopper II technology, which eliminates free play in the handle when the reel is set in anti-reverse.        

5. Shimano Nasci Inshore

The Shimano Nasci inshore spinning reel is one of the few reels on this list that can stand up to the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing. It is packed full of the technology that Shimano is known for, but it is the Coreprotect technology specifically that makes this such a versatile reel.

Coreprotect prevents water from entering the body of the roller as well as the roller bearing unit, which allows the reel to be used in corrosive saltwater conditions. The body of the reel is made of the lightweight and robust composite material called XT-7, while the spool is made of high-quality cold-forged aluminum.

The construction also makes use of Shimano’s X-ship design features that move the pinion gear close to the centerline of the large diameter drive gear allowing more power to be transferred from the handle to the rotor. The drive gear is the Hagane drive gear, which is cold-forged to make it more durable than traditional diecast machined gears.

This reel is the first to combine the Hagane gear assembly with Coreprotect technology. That means the reel can stand up to freshwater and saltwater fishing and still perform. For the versatile inshore fisherman, this is the reel for you.   

6. Shimano Sedona FI

Shimano spinning reels can be a little expensive for some budgets, but it is possible to get comparable quality and ability within the brand for under $100. The Shimano Sedona FI is definitely the reel to go for in that case.

The price point usually pushes the upper end of the price range closer to $100, but the reel packs more value than that into its compact frame. One of the more unique traits of the reel is PowerRoller technology, which uses a specially designed groove to reduce line twists. This works exceptionally well with thin mono and braid. 

The line itself is laid down with the Varispeed II oscillation system, which moves at variable speeds to lay the line flat and smooth on to the reel. This allows for smoother, snag-free, longer casts. The ARC Spool with an angled spool lip also helps with this.

When using braid, these spools are proven to reduce backlash and wind knots. The reel itself is made up of a lightweight and robust composite material called XT-7, while the spool is made of high-quality cold-forged aluminum. The Hagane gear drive and G-Free body are also present in this reel as they are nearly standard across all the best Shimano reels.    

7. Shimano Thunnus CI4

8. Shimano Sienna FE

About the Shimano Company

Shimano was founded in 1921 with a borrowed machine and rented space. Since then, the company grew to specialize in precision bicycle parts and eventually, fishing gear and other outdoor equipment. Now Shimano is a globally recognized and respected brand based out of Osaka, Japan.

They live by their mission statement, which is "To promote health and happiness through the enjoyment of nature and the world around us." They pursue this mission with quality front and center in their minds. This is why the spinning reels they make are so well crafted.

Comparing Shimano Reels to Other Brands

Choosing the Right Gear Ratio for a Shimano Spinning Reel

The gear ratio of a reel tells you how many times the spool turns for each turn of the handle. So, a gear ratio of 5.4:1 would mean the spool turns exactly 5.4 times for every one turn of the handle. This means that a reel with a gear ratio of 3.6:1 will be slower than one with a higher gear ratio, like 8.1:1. Despite being slower though the lower gear ratios provide more torque to bring in those massive fish. 

This means that lower gear ratios (5.4:1 and lower) are perfect for the likes of deep crankbaits and big swimbaits. This is perfect for hauling in heavier fish, using heavier baits, and maintaining a slower presentation.

A more medium gear ratio (6.1:1 - 6.4:1) is more versatile, providing a delicate balance of strength and speed. These can be used with shallower medium-depth crankbaits and spinnerbaits. The highest and fastest gear ratio ( 7.1:1 - 8.1:1) is perfect for any lure you primarily work with your rod, like jigs or jerkbaits.

Shimano Spinning Reel Sizing Guide

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can I use a Shimano spinning reel for crankbaits?

Absolutely, you can use just about any lure with Shimano spinning reels. Some reels are better suited for certain types of lures, but Shimano reels are versatile. A baitcaster is usually better suited for a crankbait, though.  Smaller sizes of Shimano spinning reels seem to work best with crankbaits. 

Are there any special care and maintenance steps for Shimano spinning reels?

The care and maintenance of Shimano spinning reels are relatively simple and very important. As an example, let's go over how to clean a Shimano Stradic spinning reel.

After following these steps, you can then reassemble the reel. Regularly performing this maintenance will earn you additional years out of your Shimano reel.

Spinning vs. Baitcasters - which one is better to use?

A basic rule of thumb is to fish with spinning reels when you use a lighter line and baitcasters when you use a heavier line. Baitcasters provide higher gear ratios than spinning reels, so they are ideal for faster presentations. They are great for power fishing techniques like pitching and flipping as well. This means that the lighter line and relatively slower presentation of a spinning reel make them a better choice for beginner anglers. 

Do Shimano spinning reels have a lifetime warranty?

Shimano provides a limited two-year warranty effective only in Europe, Russia, Middle East, and Africa, which covers manufacturer defects. It is effective from the date of purchase, and you will need the original receipt for any warranty requests. It might be possible to find a better warranty or return policy through a third-party vendor selling Shimano equipment. Still, more often than not, with regular cleaning and maintenance, a Shimano reel holds up just fine. 

How do I contact Shimano for reel warranty repairs?

Shimano’s recommendation for handling reel warranty repairs is to take your reel with the original dated invoice or receipt to an authorized Shimano dealer. You need to include a description of the problem. If the Shimano dealer decides the problem matches the warranty policy, then they will return it to Shimano and replace the item free of charge.  

Where can I buy these Shimano spinning reels?

There are certified Shimano dealers, but the best place to find the largest assortment of Shimano products is Amazon. Inventory and pricing are usually better there, and you can read all the reviews from previous buyers. All warranties and return policies still apply as well. In this guide, we've made sure to include Amazon links to each of the reels we recommended, so it is easy for you to find what you want.

Conclusion