Top 10 Best Shimano Spinning Reels Tested By Experts [2024]
Shimano is a phenomenal brand that manufactures true masterpieces when it comes to fishing reels. They are the absolute best.
Every professional fisherman will have Shimano reels in his top three recommendations. It’s all because the brand has maintained quality over decades.
While Shimano baitcasters are well renowned, their spinning reels also have an unflinching reputation. You can always find the best Shimano spinning reels, regardless of where you are fishing.
Whether you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater, inshore or offshore, Shimano always has a suitable spinning reel available for you.
Let’s get to the details of these amazing spinning reels to find the perfect one you need.
Top 10 Shimano Spinning Reels Reviewed in 2023
1- Shimano Spinning Reel 17 Sedona 2500—Best Budget Shimano Spinning Reel
You might be thinking Sedona isn’t better than Vanford or Stella by Shimano, so why would I place it at top of the list?
Here’s why: the price range. No beginner would want to go directly to the top-tier Best Shimano spinning reels, because that means spending over 1000 dollars.
Shimano Sedona is a high-quality spinning reel that gets the job done for cents on the dollar. Yes, you won’t get the same finesse as Stella or other top reels, but the performance is beyond satisfactory.
This spinning reel has a wide range of applications for both inshore and offshore anglers. It comes in a variety of sizes, the one under scope right now is 2500.
Shimano Sedona 2500 is ideal for reds, stripers, and snook. Also, it has more than enough drag for finesse largemouth techniques.
The best part is, regardless of the price, Shimano equips all its reels with a cross-carbon drag system. Hence, you have a higher chance of winning while fighting a stronger fish.
You would be surprised to know that in this price range, no other competitors would offer a drag this high.
A lightweight reel is ideal for those who are looking for finesses and high torque. Sure the reel is mixing luxuries and refinements, but it provides good value for the price.
Why Consider Shimano Sedona 2500?
If you are a beginner in fishing or are on a budget, Shimano Sedona 2500 is an ideal choice for you. The reel will get the job done for a fraction of the price. So, if you have the skill, the reel will work perfectly for you.
Check Best Shimano Reels For Walleye.
- Excellent Drag Limit
- Budget Friendly Model
- Smooth and Powerful Performance
- Full Hagane Gears
- Versatile Application
- Suited for Freshwater and Saltwater Fishing
- The components are not very refined
- Smaller Spool
2- Shimano Vanford F Spinning Reel—Best Premium Shimano Spinning Reel
The most versatile and premium spinning reel designed to meet the needs of inshore anglers and freshwater fishermen, the Shimano Vanford series is an incredible masterpiece.
With a CI4+ body, which is an upgraded model of the original CI4, the reel has a smaller size with less weight and more rigidity.
The rotor profile has been changed to asymmetrical which enhances and ensures unprecedented light rotation.
To improve the balance, the bail has been moved to the opposite side of the line roller. Combined with the above feature, this upgrade improves the sensitivity by a 14% reduction in rotational inertia.
Check Best Shimano Spinning Reels With Trigger.
You will be surprised to know that the teeth of the drive gear are not cut. Hagane gear at the very heart of the reel improves the strength and durability of the reel. Each component is minutely designed to perfection using Shimano’s cold forging technology.
The Micro-Module Gear is further upgraded to new levels using advanced Shimano technology. The manufacturer has pursued perfection in design and upgraded the performance levels using advanced 3D designing techniques.
Shimano Vanford F has each component crafted with maximum precision. Even the smallest of clearance gaps have been eliminated to achieve absolute perfection.
However, some professionals were not satisfied with the mono-capacity of spool reels. I wouldn’t say they are not good, but they are not like very good. You have competitors with more capacity. Maybe Shimano focused too much on making it lightweight.
Why Consider Shimano Vanford F Spinning Reel?
If you are a professional angler looking for a perfect spinning reel for inshore fishing, this is the right option for you. A premium reel that is crafted with advanced technology to perfection. The strength, durability, and balance are unmatchable.
- Premium Grade Design
- Upgraded CI4+ Model
- Unprecedented Light Rotation
- Higher Durability and Strength
- Perfection in Every Sense
- Improved Smooth Gear Feeling
- Better Balance
- Some users weren’t satisfied with the spool capacity
- Extra Spool not included
3- Shimano Sedona FI—Best Shimano Spinning Reel for the Money
As I have already mentioned, Sedona is the budget series of Shimano which provides every important feature for a fraction of the price.
The Sedona FI model is an upgraded design with Hagane gear that comes at a reasonable price. The flagship gearing technology ensures stronger durability and better performance.
Hence, anglers who want a versatile and affordable device to use for both inshore and offshore fishing can go with Shimano Sedona FI.
Keeping in mind the small setbacks by our previous two mentions, I have selected Sedona to be third on our list of reasonably priced spinning reels.
The reel features double anodized machine cut spools that have more line capacity. Shimano Sedona Fl overcame the flaw of its predecessor without compromising the compactness of the original design.
To make it easier for beginners, Shimano has installed Propulsion Line Management Systems in this flagship model. This technology makes it easier for anglers to cast at longer distances.
Also, the system prevents backlashes and wind knots, making casting and reeling a lot smoother for the user.
Check Best Shimano Spinning Reel For Crappie
However, still being on the budget line, Shimano Sedona Fl also lacks the refinements of premium models like Vanford. The components are machine-cut, not 3D-formed. But considering the price, this slight backdrop hardly messes with anyone’s mind.
Why Consider Shimano Sedona FI?
Sedona Fl is a flagship model that has a bit higher price than the original but offers more line capacity. Also, this updated model has some advanced features that improve the performance of the spinning reel.
- Oval Oscillation Gear
- New Propulsion Spool Lip Design
- Prevents Backlashes and Wind knots
- G-Free body design
- Increased Line Capacity
- Affordable Price
- No Advanced Components like the Vanford Model
- Less Reeling Speed
4- SHIMANO Sienna SN2500HGFG—Best Cheap Shimano Spinning Reel
If you are looking for the most economical Shimano spinning reel, Sienna is a good option to go with.
It is well-built for an amazingly affordable price and ensures high performance while fishing. The balance on the reel is exceptional compared to other reels in a similar price range.
Shimano Sienna is suitable for freshwater and inshore fishing. The reel comes in sizes ranging from 500 to a whopping 4000.
You might think that a cheap reel like this would have plenty of drawbacks, but that is not true. The spinning reel is built with high-quality Shimano components. Surprisingly, it has a lightweight design with exceptional drag limits.
A large 35-inch line retrieve makes reeling a lot easier and more comfortable for beginners. Even at a price this low, the reel incorporates Propulsion Line Management System that improves balance and allows users to cast long lines.
Also, the reel is equipped with Super Stopper II anti-reverse which prevents the reel from spinning backward when reeling in.
Check Best Shimano Spinning Reel For The Money
However, the reel doesn’t have advanced refinements or minutely detailed cutting like the previous models we mentioned. It also lacks some of the most advanced features. But if you know how to tackle a fish, the reel will do the job for you.
Why Consider SHIMANO Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel?
Beginner and freshwater fishermen can purchase this reel if they are looking for economic options. The reel is built with high-quality components and even at a low price features advanced systems like Propulsion Line Management and Super Stopper II.
- High-Performance Reel
- Well-Balanced and Well-Built
- Longer Casting Lines
- Prevents Wind Knots
- Instant Anti-Reverse
- Ultra-Light Reel
- Not Made in Japan
- Not Suited for Saltwater Fishing
5. Shimano Stardic FL—Best Shimano Spinning Reel for Salt Water
If you are looking for a good spinning reel by Shimano that is well-suited for saltwater fishing, Stardic FL is the choice to go with.
Experience the flagship level performance by one of Shimano’s best reels that is part of a continuous evolutionary series. Stardic has been in the game for a long time and has been upgraded to absolute perfection.
The reel offers much higher features for its price point. I will not say that it is cheap but certainly reasonable and averagely priced. If you are even a bit passionate about fishing, you can spend this much.
To improve the gear’s durability, Shimano has supported pinion gear at both ends with bearings. This means that the gears will remain in their position even when dealing with the strongest of fishes.
Due to these added bearings, the friction between the spool shaft and the gears is greatly reduced. This means when working with lighter lures, you will be able to cast much longer lines with ease.
Shimano Stardic is equipped with a cross-carbon drag system that provides a wider range of drag settings. Hence, the drag performance will be much smoother.
Hagane gear and body are crafted with absolute precision. No cutting work is applied to the drive gear. The entire components are designed using special 3D cold forging technology.
One of the best features of Stardic is certainly the water resistance and water channeling system. Not only it ensures a lifetime of high performance but also it guarantees high-grade water resistance without compromising the weight or rotation of the reel.
Why Consider Shimano Stardic FL?
One of the best Shimano spinning reels that are crafted with absolute precision. The larger models, 3000 and higher have the capacity to catch the heaviest of fishes in saltwater. A choice of professionals.
- Evolutionary Design
- Micro Module Gear II
- Silent Drive
- Precision Crafting
- Flagship Performance
- Improved Gear Durability
- Cross Carbon Drag System
- Limited Sizes Available
- No Other Cons
6- Shimano Stella SW C—Most Powerful Shimano Spinning Reel
There is not a single fisherman who is not familiar with Shimano Stella. You can say, it is the dream of every fisherman to purchase one of these.
That alone speaks for the quality, durability, and performance of the Shimano Stella spinning reel. However, let me warn you, this one is wildly expensive.
You get legendary performance and the ability to tackle any fish in saltwater, even the toughest and roughest of beasts. Hence, there is no doubt that Shimano Stella is the absolute best.
So, why is it placed so low on our list? Well, only those with deep, deep, and third-deep pockets can purchase these reels. It doesn’t have gems on it, so all the money goes to refining the reel to 100% perfection.
The reel has an all-metal Hagane body with Hagane gears. The aluminum alloy proprietary construction makes the reel compact and lightweight. The revolutionary design will not be seen with any other reel.
No matter how big or bad a beast you are tackling, if you are equipped with Shimano Stella, odds are definitely in your favor.
To protect the spool and drag from excessive heat, Stella features an advanced heat sink drag system that dissipates excessive heat and prevents drag or tackles breakage.
Now, let’s come to the sizes. While other spinning reels are limited to 4000 or 5000 maximum, Stella can go up to a whopping 30,000 with a gear ratio of 4.4:1 and drag larger than 60 pounds.
Shimano incorporates infinity drive technology in this reel which enhances the reeling torque and makes tackling a lot easier. Coupled with Silent Drive, you have exceptional rotational performance with zero gear play.
Last but not the least, this reel has IPX8 water resistance. That would be the same as submarines. So, there is no chance of water getting in.
Even if water got in through some way, the excellent coating and bearings would fight off the rust, keeping the reel performance intact.
Why Consider Shimano Stella SW C?
Looking for the best Shimano spinning reel for tackling the largest fish in marine water, then Stella is your tool. It is the absolute best with no room for imperfections or flaws. So, if you can afford it,
- Ultimate Spinning Reel
- Legendary Performance
- Hagane Body and Gears
- Ideal for Larger Fishes
- Exceptional Max Drag Limit
- IPX8 Water Resistance
- Infinity Drive Technology
- Very Expensive
- Not for Beginners
7- Shimano THUNNUS CI4—Best Shimano Spinning Reel for Freshwater
One of the most innovative spinning reels has taken a page from the Shimano bicycle division to improve performance by using carbon material. Shimano Thunnus CI4 is one of the lightest spinning reels with the power to stop bigger fish.
As I mentioned, this model has taken inspiration from the Shimano bicycle division to improve its design using carbon-fiber material. The unique construction allows the reel to deal with high-impact situations.
Hence, you will have the same power as Shimano but with a reel that is 7 ounces lighter than its predecessor.
The lightweight and compact design are achieved without sacrificing any of the power. So, you have the same power on your hands to tackle even the biggest of fishes in freshwater.
Adding to this, the reel has a smooth drag performance which allows you to take it to both inshore and offshore fishing. It has new drag systems for both main and baitrunner drag.
One of the best features of this spinning reel is certainly the live bait adjustability. No matter where you are, you have unmatched adjustability for fishing with live bait and smooth stopping power.
The Hagane Gear system and Propulsion Line Management System enhance the durability and functionality of the reel.
On the downside, the Thunnus has very limited sizes available. There are no sizes for smaller line casts and it starts from 4000.
Why Consider Shimano THUNNUS CI4?
For those who cannot afford Stella, but are still looking for a reel to tackle stronger and more powerful fish, Thunnus CI4 is an ideal choice for them. The reel is equipped with innovative technology for high-impact fishing.
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Hagane Gear Technology
- Smooth Drag Performance
- Lightweight Reel
- Improved Durability and Functionality
- One-Piece Bail
- Limited Sizes Available
- Not for Beginners
8- Shimano Socorro SW—Good Shimano Spinning Reel for Saltwater
Shimano Socorro is another premium spinning reel by Shimano designed for extreme performance in saltwater. The reel offers maximum durability for fighting the most badass fishes in the sea.
This amazing reel is equipped with X-ship technology which improves gear durability on one hand, and on the other eliminates the friction between the spool shaft and gear. Hence, casting long lines is a lot easier.
Adding to this, this spinning reel incorporates the flagship Hagane gearing technology by Shimano. Hagane gears ensure strong and durable performance with long-lasting smoothness.
Hence, fishermen and anglers can use this reel comfortably for both inshore and offshore fishing.
Worried about tackling bigger fish? You don’t need to. Even at a reasonable price, this amazing spinning reel features a Cross Carbon Drag system.
The drag guarantees smoother performance even during the harshest of tackles. So, no matter how big or strong the fish is, it won’t be able to break the line.
Moreover, the waterproof drag system not only enhances the life of the reel but also ensures maximum performance with zero chance of rust.
Why Consider Shimano Socorro SW?
A reasonably priced saltwater fishing reel for tackling the bigger fish in saltwater. Advanced Hagane gears and Cross Carbon Drag system ensure smooth performance in the harshest tackles.
- X-Ship Technology
- Easy Long Line Casting
- Hagane Gearing Technology
- Strong and Durable Performance
- Perfect for Tackling Bigger Fish
- Suited for Saltwater
- Waterproof Drag
- Water Resistance isn’t IPX8
- Not Recommended for Smaller Baits and Fishes
9. Shimano Stardic FK—Best New Shimano Spinning Reel
Shimano Stardic FK is a new and updated model that incorporates the latest technology to make fishing smoother and easier for the user.
The reel is designed to improve the angler experience on the water, for both inshore and offshore fishing experience.
Stardic FK is also equipped with X-ship technology. So, casting long lines from land is a lot easier, without any risk of friction.
The reel features Hagane body and gear, which is flagship technology by Shimano. Hagane’s body ensures rigidness and durability, providing you with a lightweight, compact, and high-performance reel.
The built-in Dyna Balance Rotor and Fluidrive II system are the unique features of this spinning reel that eliminate the mitigating line management issues and ensure smoother casting performance.
Adding to this, the Propulsion Line Management System further enhances line casting, allowing you to cast lighter baits without wind knots or backlashes.
Why Consider Shimano Stardic FK?
A good quality spinning reel for both freshwater and saltwater applications. Unique and innovative technologies incorporated in this reel make fishing easier and smoother for beginners.
- Hagane Body and Gear
- Super Stopper II Technology
- Instant Anti-Reverse Button
- CF Aluminum Cold Forge Spool
- Exclusive Dyna Balance and Fluidrive II
- Propulsion Line Management System
- Little Heavy
- Drag is not smooth when tackling bigger fishes
10. Shimano Sustain FI—Best Shimano Spinning Reel for Bass
Looking for the most versatile Shimano spinning reel that is packed with all the advanced features to help you catch every fish from bass to small billfish? Shimano Sustain Fl is the perfect choice for you.
This particular spinning reel is packed with a long list of high-end features that ensure maximum performance with smooth control.
Just like the name, this reel is known for its sustainability. Regardless of whether you are going for a large bass or a small billfish, this reel is an ideal choice.
Adding to this, the X-protect technology takes water resistance to the next level. The advanced coating repels water and the advanced water channeling labyrinth ensures that no water reaches the inner portions.
Moreover, this technology also ensures maximum performance and compactness. You have ultimate water resistance without any compromise on lightweight design or rotor rotation.
The asymmetrical and superlight design ensures maximum rotational capacity with significant inertia reduction. So, the reel will instantly start rotating with a smooth feel.
Also, this spinning reel is equipped with flagship gear and body, the Hagane systems. So, their durability and rigidity cannot be brought into question.
Why Consider Shimano Sustain FI?
Shimano Sustain is ideal for versatile fishing. Those who are looking for a single type of reel to use in both freshwater and saltwater, for smaller and bigger casts, should definitely go for this option.
- High-End Features
- Versatile Application
- Water Repellant Coating
- X-Protect Technology
- Asymmetrical Design
- Significant Inertia reduction
- Flagship Gear and Body Design
- A bit expensive
- Some users complained that the spinner guard is a bit small
How to Select the Best Shimano Spinning Reel in 2023—Buyer’s Guide
Although Shimano is one of the best brands when it comes to fishing reels, there are a lot of models in Shimano, as we have reviewed above.
Selecting one among them can be quite difficult, especially when every single one seems so amazing and tempting.
So, to help you out, I have decided to share some of the most important factors that can help you decide quickly which Shimano spinning reel is ideal for you.
Let’s begin:
Freshwater or Saltwater
The true limiting factor, which will narrow down your choice to just a couple of options is where you are going to be fishing.
If you are fishing in freshwater, that means the fish will be smaller as compared to the ones in the ocean. Hence, you can manage with an average spinning reel that has an affordable price and good enough drag.
However, when going to the saltwater, you will be needing much more powerful spinning reels that offer higher performance and are equipped with high-end components.
Saltwater spinning reels will be a bit expensive, or very expensive depending on the model you select, but they are worth the price.
Drag
Drag is the most significant feature when it comes to fishing. Regardless of where you are fishing, if your reel has less drag capacity, the line will just break and you will lose the tackle.
To determine the drag, you must first determine the type of fish you are going for and the maximum amount of force it can exert on the line. A good fisherman can tell you how much these things matter.
Shimano Stella and Stardic offer one of the highest drag limits that allow you to capture the biggest of fishes and win the tackles without any risk of line breakage.
However, you must keep in mind that the drag limit is directly related to the size of the spinning reel that you select. The larger size, the more drag you will have.
So, when going for bigger fish, choose a larger reel.
Rigidity
If you have been fishing in freshwater only, you might think that rigidity is not that important. After all, freshwater fishes don’t put up that much of a fight.
Rigidity in a reel body means how much pressure a reel can actually handle. Not just the line, but every component of the reel.
Stronger fishes can break the reels by pulling out the gears because monsters at sea are really powerful. So, you will need a reel that has stronger construction and a rigid body.
Fortunately for you, Shimano has never once compromised on the rigidity of their reels. Each and every one of their reels has a strong and durable construction.
So, when tackling bigger fish with one of the Shimano reels, you don’t have to worry about the stress on the individual components of the reel. Rest assured, they will never give up.
But, some models are better than others. The Hagane metal bodies are more durable and stronger but are featured in expensive models. However, a stronger metal body also means more weight.
If you are looking for lightweight editions, then carbon-fiber reels are a good option as they replace the weight without compromising the rigidity.
Gear
Just like the reel body, gear is also of significant importance when it comes to the battle with the fish.
I recommend Shimano reels with Hagane gears. As I mentioned several times, Hagane is the flagship model of Shimano which is the absolute best.
If you can afford it, you should definitely go for the models that feature it.
The durability and performance of these gears are taken to the absolute maximum by Shimano’s exclusive cold forging technology.
The gears are not cut on teeth or edges using any blades, machines, or lasers. Each gear component is specifically designed using 3D technology to its shape while keeping in mind every minute detail.
Hence, these gears work themselves to perfection and leave no room for any performance leaks.
So, you have the absolute best performance with Hagane gears.
Speed
I admit that Best Shimano spinning reels are not known for its speed, except for a few exceptional models. The reeling-in speed is a bit slower than some of the competitors on the market.
However, that is not an obvious flaw. While it seems that slow reeling is disadvantageous, Shimano focuses more on maintaining quality.
You can get a gear ratio of 6.2:1 on some of the models if you are cranky about speed, but I recommend focusing on other features.
Best Shimano spinning reels are not the fastest, but they are fast enough. With instant anti-reverse technology and innovative inertia reduction, the reels will spin instantly and provide a smoother experience even when tackling with toughest of fishes on the sea.
Spool Capacity
Shimano has always focused on reducing the weight of its reels. Making them lightweight and compact has always been the goal.
So, the downside of all this falls on the spool. Consequently, many of the Shimano models have smaller spools, which users have complained about multiple times.
Most professionals deal with this problem by switching to braids. If you ask me, Shimano spool capacity isn’t that bad.
I wouldn’t say it is the best, but it is also not that bad either. People have the tendency to exaggerate things. It is a good spool capacity that helps you deal with the task at hand.
Budget Matters
One of the most crucial factors that greatly impact your choice when choosing a Best Shimano spinning reels is the budget.
I mean, these reels range from 40 dollars to 1200 dollars. Except for a few budget-friendly models, the rest are above-average price points and some are just wildly expensive.
I’m not saying that they are overpriced. If you consider Shimano Stella, it is the absolute beast when it comes to fishing and its price is justified.
But, you have to consider your budget when looking at the options. Our guide above shares a lot of spinning reels over a wide budget range. I’m sure you will find a perfect one for yourself no matter the budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Takeaways: Which is the Best Shimano Spinning Reel?
Shimano is a phenomenal brand that has manufactured some of the best8 fishing reels in the world. The Japanese company is renowned for its quality construction and is unmatched in its performance.
The best Shimano spinning reels are designed for both freshwater and saltwater fishing applications and are equipped with top-of-the-line features to make your experience smoother.
We have shared some of the best options in the above post. However, if I were to pick one, I would definitely recommend you to go with Shimano Stella. It is a legendary spinning reel that will help you tackle legendary fish in saltwater.
If you can’t afford Stella, then give a thought to Stardic and Vanford models. They are also notable for their exceptional performance and extreme durability.
If you are running low on budget, we have shared two options from the Shimano Sedona series. They offer advanced features and high-quality reels at an affordable price.
Got any questions? Drop them in the comment box below and I will get back to you when I can.