How to Pick the Best Shimano Spinning Reel?
This upcoming section will cover the primary criteria that go into the selection of any spinning reel, not just the Shimano brand. These are the features that any spinning-reel-seeker must keep at the forefront of their minds:
Weight
Anglers must always know the average time that they want to spend out on the water surface as that will be a determining factor in a lot of features, and weight is one of those features. If you spend a lot of time fishing, you will gravitate towards a reel on the lighter side.
Nevertheless, you’ll always want to balance weight and capabilities. Don’t go too low with weight, as you might end up with a useless reel.
Handle
The handle is one of the most critical parts of the reel. You must go for something that is:
- Ergonomically designed so that it does not hurt your hand
- Lightweight as to not add unnecessary heaviness to the reel
- Waterproof so that it does not jeopardize the rest of the device
- Ambidextrous
Drag System
The drag system is, in simple words, the tension placed on your line when you’re trying to reel in your catch. Put too much pressure on your line, and it’ll snap; put too little pressure, and your catch will have its way.
Hence, an easily adjustable drag system is always the best choice. Another aspect that you must never forget when exploring your drag system is that it must be completely sealed so that it can be waterproof; therefore, saltwater compatible.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings are the core of the mechanism moving inside the reel in order to make it work. To be completely honest, we think that you shouldn’t go anywhere below four ball bearings, although there are some exceptions when other gearing systems are supporting the reel.
Nevertheless, the best option to go for is stainless steel ball bearings. If they are covered with graphite or any other anti-rust material, that would be perfect.
Efficiency Features
Efficiency features are all the technologies placed by brands into the reels to reduce the effort needed by the fishers to cast and retrieve. They include things that eliminate line knots and trouble in general.
For instance, Varispeed oscillation, or Instant anti-reverse, prevents the reel from reeling backward, hence destroying your line and spool. The list goes on and on, so try as much as possible to explore all of your options thoroughly.
Final Thoughts
Shimano does boast an envious collection of products, which is why we chose to review our picks for the best Shimano spinning reels. Before we say farewell, let’s refresh with our top picks.
Our first recommendation is, without a doubt, the Shimano Sedona Fi as it comes with HEGANE gearing, saltwater compatibility, G-Free body, and Varispeed oscillation.
Next, we have our runner-up, the Shimano Baitrunner D. This is by far the best reel for everything and everywhere. It’s strong, durable, lightweight, balanced, and ergonomically designed to fit easily in your hand. Also, let’s not forget the Fluidrive II.
Budget picks are always winners, so here’s ours: the Shimano Sienna. This one is all about giving as many options as possible without making a hole in your wallet. It’s completely waterproof with graphite-covered stainless steel ball bearings, in addition to an M-compact body.