Top 5 Shimano Fishing Reels

Established in 1921, Shimano, is a Japanese based company with strong environmental ethics whilst producing some of the finest fishing reels with the latest technological advancements. All of Shimano’s products are geared towards creating a more holistic and authentic fishing experience. Shimano is one of the leading names in fishing reels, with a well-deserved reputation for products that look good, and perform beautifully.

Check out our Top 5 fishing reels from Shimano for 2022, all available, here, at Angling Direct. 

1. Shimano Ultegra XTD Reel

Key Features of the Ultegra:

• Parallel Body

• Super slow oscillation

• AR-C spool

• Instant drag

• Extra spool & line reducers

• 1 S A-RB + 3 Shielded Stainless Steel bearings

• 1 roller bearing

• Front drag

If you’re looking for a top-quality reel for all your carp fishing needs then you need to look no further than the Shimano Ultegra XTD reels. The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XTD and the 5500 XTD are some of the bestselling models in the Ultegra range. These reels from Shimano are developed with the modern carp angler in mind, this reel is widely considered the best carp reel ever made. Matt black throughout, this is an ultra-minimalistic reel that will look great on any modern carp rod setup. 

A notable feature of the Ultegra is the oscillation rate of 50 coils per turn, meaning that the slower the line spools up the more precisely it will lay and, in turn, the easier the line will leave the spool on the cast. This reel is ideal for the distance casting carp angler, as it ensures that you can enjoy flawless distance casts time after time. With the 2 main sizes being 14000 and 5500, anglers wanting a longer cast can opt for the bigger, 1400 XTD size.

Best Models of the Ultegra Reel Series: 

Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD Reel

Shimano Ultegra 14000 XTD Reel 

Shimano Ultegra XTD Spod Reel

Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC Reel

Shimano Ultegra CI4+ Reel 14000 XTC

2. Shimano Power Aero XTB Reel

Key Features of the Power Aero:

• HAGANE Gear, X-Ship pinion system

• HAGANE Body with XProtect

• G Free Body, Hi-Speed Drag

• Parallel Body, ARC Spool

• Bearings: 8 x S A-RB + 1 RB

• Line Lay: 1 Speed, Aero Wrap II, Super Slow 5

• Single machined aluminium handle

• Diecast aluminium body

• Cold-forged aluminium spool

• Gear Ratio: 4.3:1

• Weight: 505g

• Supplied with a spare spool

Featuring a HAGANE gearing system, where all gear components have been 3D designed and cold-forged without cutting, this reel will feel as smooth and sure as the first time you used it, every time.  This high-tolerance gearing is paired with the X-Ship double bearing supported pinion system, giving you increased torque and power, without compromising on the smoothness of delivery and return.

A one-speed line lay with super slow oscillation gives you unparalleled long-distance casting ability, ensuring you can get your line out to the distance you need effortlessly, giving you the ability to go after the bigger, warier fish who are likely to be lurking well beyond the limits of a basic cast.

Popular models include:

Shimano Power Aero 14000 XTB

3. Shimano Speedmaster XTC Fishing Reel

Key Features of the Speedmaster:

• Body Material: XT-7

• Bearings: 4+1

• Family Type: Big Pit

• No extra spool

• Spool Material: Cold Forged Aluminium

• No Waterproof Drag

• Machined Aluminium Single Handle

An updated version of the 2015 Speedcast XTB Shimano reel, the Speedmaster 14000 XTC reel boasts impressive features that make Shimano carp fishing gear better than before! Made from XT-7 material with a cold-forged aluminium AR-C spool, this reel sports a hi-speed drag, the reel also offers a super-slow oscillation thanks to the A-RB bearings (4+1) and 4.3:1 gear ratio. This big pit reel gives a powerful performance for playing those stubborn fish.

Shop for Shimano Speedmaster 14000 XTC, here.

4. Shimano Baitrunner ST RB Reel

Key Features of Baitrunner ST RB:

• Shielded Stainless Steel Bearings

• XT-7 Frame

• Double Handle

• Cap Bail

• Super Stopper II

• Dyna-Balance

• Power Roller

• Diecast Gear

The Shimano Baitrunner ST RB operates on Shimano’s famous Baitrunner system, a system which has made it a favourite for carp anglers worldwide, whether they are lifelong carp fishing fanatics or newcomers to the sport due to its ease of use. The Baitrunner system from Shimano has a lever that is located on the rear of the reel. By activating this lever, it allows the reel to operate in a controlled freespool. This enables any fish which takes your bait to be able to run freely with your line. You can then deactivate the lever to reengage your drag, allowing you to determine exactly when you’re setting your hook to play your catch.

Similar Models from Shimano:

Shimano Big Baitrunner CI4+ XT-B LC

Shimano Big Baitrunner XT-B LC

Shimano Medium Baitrunner LC 5500 XT-B

Shimano Baitrunner ST RB 10000

5. Shimano Aerlex XTB Reel

Key Features of Aerlex Reel:

• Family Type: Big pit/carp

• Bearings: 2 Shielded Stainless Steel & 1 roller bearing

• Line lay: Aero Wrap II

• Extra spool: 0

• Handle: Single machined aluminium

• Body material: XT-7

• Maintenance port: Yes (body)

• Waterproof drag: No

The Aerlex XTB 10,000 and the Aerlex XTB 10,000 Spod are the perfect combinations for long-distance power casting, and really getting the attention of those marginal carp way across the water. The XTB 10,000 Spod and the XTB 10,000 allow you to easily send your rig and free bait out to the same distance, smoothly and with complete accuracy thanks to 5:3:1 gear ratio allow you to bring in 115cm with each rotation, keeping the disturbance of the water to a minimum. 

This Shimano fishing reel is set for performance across the carp angling and sea fishing disciplines, with two stainless steel ball bearings, and one roller bearing. This high-performance reel has an exceptionally smooth action and is designed to withstand the corrosive nature of sea and surf fishing, where salt particles can quickly destroy the gearing mechanism on lesser reels. With a single-machined aluminium handle giving unrivalled durability and power transmission, a strong, rugged, impact-resistant body crafted from Shimano’s ultimate XT-7 material, it is more than built to handle anything the fish or the water can throw at it.

Versions of this Model:

Shimano Aerlex Reel 10000 XTB

Shimano Aerlex Spod Reel 10000 XTB

We hope you enjoyed this guide to the top Shimano fishing reels for sale at Angling Direct. Be sure to check out other product guides, including many reviews on fishing reels on the AD blog and video tutorials over on Angling Direct Youtube.

What Shimano reel is your favourite? Whether it was in our top 5 line up or it is in your fishing arsenal, let us know which one you love the most by social media!

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