Best Shimano Spinning Reel for the money in 2020. Tried, tested & reviewed

Image	Name	Top Choices	Latest Pricing
	Shimano Stradic HG Spinning Reel	Our Favorite	Amazon
	Shimano Stella Fi Spinning Reel	Premium Pick	Amazon
	Shimano Nasci 2500 HF Spinning Fishing Reel	Great Value	Amazon
	Shimano Sedona Fi Spinning Reel		Amazon
	Shimano Sienna Front Drag Spinning Clam Reel		Amazon

Pricing of these Shimano Spinning Reels Range Between $37-$790

Shimano Stradic HG Spinning Reel Review

Click Image For Latest Pricing

The Shimano Stradic HG Spinning Reel has a stronger design and is much more lightweight than other spinning reels available on the market. Due to its Magnumlite (MGL) rotor, it’s also smoother and produces 22% less inertia. When it comes to retrieve, this reel is very responsive, not to mention that it has a solid gear ratio of 6.0:1 that increases its efficiency. Its Coreprotect design makes sure it remains protected from water, sand and dust.

The Xship technology on the Shimano Stradic HG Spinning Reel brings improved gear efficiency through the double bearing pinion gear system. This means the reel has an increased torque to the retrieve and more cranking power. Besides, the same system helps with the smoothness. This reel doesn’t feature anti-reverse in order to be more watertight and durable. It has a G-Free body that reduces fatigue and provides the best weight balance.

The Shimano Stradic HG Spinning Reel is the number 1 choice for light lure and soft plastic fishing, but this doesn’t mean it isn’t efficient for other techniques too. It should be used with a rod that’s also lightweight, especially if going to fish for longer hours.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Strong
• Optimal power
• Great torque
• Large gear ratio
• MGL rotor
• Coreprotect design
• Hagane Gearing
• Durable
• X-Ship technology

Cons

• No anti-reverse
• Easily scratches
• Doesn’t come oiled

Shimano Stella Fi Spinning Reel Review

Click Image For Latest Pricing

Anglers who are ready to pay a little bit more for a spinning reel with many impressive features should definitely stop at the Shimano Stella FI Spinning Reel, which is not only of very high-quality and offering increased performance, but also quite stylish. This reel provides the perfect balance between brute force and finesse, no matter if used for salt or freshwater fishing not to mention it easy to cast. Besides, its components are very solid and durable, just as they should be in a high-end spinning reel made by a reputable manufacturer.

The Shimano Stella FI Spinning Reel is especially designed to make the fishing experience easier, as it’s equipped with the Micromodule Gear Technology that eliminates even the slightest vibration and helps the winding to be impressively smooth. Besides, it improves the feel of the lure so the angler can instantly act on any knock. This reel also features the S-Direct gear system that eliminates any movement of the core elements within it, this way providing the most precise alignment with the gear components.

The G Free Body design of the Shimano Stella FI Spinning Reel has the center of gravity shifted closer to the rod and a worm shard oscillation mechanism at the top part of the reel’s body. This mechanism increases the efficiency of winding and prevents fatigue.

Pros

• High-quality
• Stylish
• Balanced
• Strong
• Durable
• Micromodule Gear technology
• S-Direct gear system
• G Free Body design
• Center of gravity closer to the rod
• Lightweight

Cons

• Expensive
• The line tends to wind itself around the gear area
• High maintenance

Shimano Nasci 2500 HF Spinning Fishing Reel Review

Click Image For Latest Pricing

What’s great about the Shimano Nasci 2500 HF Spinning Fishing Reel is that it’s available at a very good price, even if it can be categorized as a high-end product. It’s the ideal option for those anglers who want great performance without having to spend all their money on a reel. It features the same technologies as the Stradic and it makes fishing a more enjoyable experience. This means it’s equipped with the Xship and an MGL rotor. Besides, it weighs only 8.8 ounces (250 g), so it prevents fatigue during long fishing sessions.

The Shimano Nasci 2500 HF Spinning Fishing Reel has a maximum drag force of 9 pounds (4 kg) and a gear ratio of 6.2:1. Its retrieve is very smooth, not to mention that it has 4 shielded stainless-steel bearings and 1 that’s a roller. The anti-reverse has been eliminated for the reel to be more balanced and watertight. When it comes to its line retrieve per crank, this is 35.80 inches (90.0 cm), which is more than enough for bass and trout fishing.

The Shimano Nasci 2500 HF Spinning Fishing Reel can be used in both fresh and saltwater conditions, as it’s built from high-quality materials that are resistant to rust and corrosion. It’s suitable not only for beginner anglers, but also for those who are more experienced and want increased performance.

Pros

• Great value for money
• MGL rotor
• Xship technology
• Good maximum drag force
• 4+1 stainless-steel bearings
• Lightweight
• Suitable for beginners
• Durable
• Resistant to corrosion and rust
• 6.1:1 gear ratio

Cons

• No anti-reverse
• Not as smooth as the Stradic
• Fragile handle

Shimano Sedona Fi Spinning Reel Review

Click Image For Latest Pricing

The Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel is perfect for those anglers who want increased performance at the lowest cost possible. Besides, it’s suitable for beginners and not in any way high maintenance. Obviously, it doesn’t have all the high-end features available on more expensive Shimano spinning reels, but it surely does the trick, not to mention it can be used for all kinds of techniques, from freshwater to shore and even boat fishing. It combines the Propulsion line management system with a Power Roller mechanism for more precision and for reducing line twists.

As for the other features of the Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel, one of these is the AR-C spool design that’s greatly efficient when it comes to improving casting distance. The spool’s top lip allows for the line to come off very easily, which reduces resistance and allows for casting to take place at further distances. Therefore, there’s no need for great effort when casting with this reel. Besides, it has a compact body, which means it’s easy to use and prevents fatigue during long hours spent fishing.  

The Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel has the T-knob from the end of the handle and the drag knob made from plastic so that it’s more lightweight. For the same reason, it’s made from HGT 7 M composite that also provides more strength.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Suitable for beginners
• Versatile
• Propulsion line management system
• Power Roller mechanism
• AR-C spool design
• Lightweight
• HGT 7 M composite
• Durable
• Strong

Cons

• No anti-reverse
• Plastic knob is not very comfortable
• Slippery knob

Shimano Sienna Front Drag Spinning Clam Reel Review

Click Image For Latest Pricing

The Shimano Sienna Front Drag Spinning Clam Reel is especially designed for those beginner anglers who don’t yet know what they need from their spinning reel. While it doesn’t have all the top-notch capabilities that pricier Shimano reels have, it does offer durability and a robust design, all at a very good price. Besides, it comes with the most important features needed for a spinning reel in its category. For example, it has the drag knob on top of the spool for easier adjustment while fighting a fish.

Aside from the Front Drag system, the Shimano Sienna Front Drag Spinning Clam Reel is equipped with Power Roller, which means it reduces line twists when both retrieving and casting. Its Dyna balance counterbalances the rotor and thus, eliminates wobbling during retrieval. As well for a more efficient retrieval, the reel is built with the Fluid Drive II technology, while the Varispeed tech with which is built makes sure the line is distributed evenly on the spool.

Having all the previously mentioned features, the Shimano Sienna FD Drag Spinning Clam Reel runs very smoothly and ensures big catches for anglers who don’t know how to operate a drag system yet. It’s suitable for lake, freshwater, estuary and saltwater fishing.

Pros

• Perfect for beginners
• Durable
• Strong
• Great price
• Front drag
• Power Roller
• Dyna balance
• Fluid Drive II technology
• Varispeed
• Smooth

Cons

• No anti-reverse
• Small
• No quick trigger