Last updated on February 2nd, 2024 at 09:44 pm
I have, and continue to use, reels from a number of companies. I have reviewed several including: Penn, Shimano, Okuma, Daiwa and Piscifun to name a few. The folks at Shimano are always one of the leaders in new technologies and innovation and they didn’t disappoint this year. We’re going to look at 4 of the new Shimano spinning reels, and for you bait casters, the new Shimano Curado MGL. Some great reels with some awesome new features.
QUICK SHOT:
A review and comparison of the New Shimano Spinning Reels of 2021. The Nexave F1, The Nasci FC, the Spheros SW and Sustain FJ Spinning reels. And, while we’re at it, the New Shimano Curado MGL bait caster as well. These reels feature new innovations in gearing, water and corrosion resistance, reel weight and balance, and new bearing technologies. There are reels suitable for both fresh and saltwater applications and for any budget.
Fishing tackle manufacturers are always creating and innovating. New rods, reels, lures, tackle and more every year. And, fishermen seem to love buying all the new bells and whistles. I think I’m up to 4 very large tackle boxes now. Don’t even get me started on the number of rods, reels, kayaks, drones, etc. etc. It can get to be a rather expensive hobby. 🙂 When it comes to fishing reels, the improvements in technology just continue to amaze. The new Shimano Spinning reels are a great example of just that.
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| MODEL | NEXANE FI | NASCI FC | SPHEROS SW A | SUSTAIN FJ |
| AVAILABLE SIZES | 4LB – 12LB | 4LB – 12LB | 10LB – 30LB | 6LB – 14LB |
| BEST FEATURE | G-FREE BODY | CORE PROTECT | INFINITY DRIVE | SILENT DRIVE |
| PRICED FROM | $49.99 | $99.99 | $139.99 | $299.99 |
Shimano Reels
The Japanese visionary Shozaburo Shimano, in 1921 declared “I aim to make Shimano’s products the best in Kansai, then the best in Japan, and finally the best in the world”. For over 100 years, Shimano has concentrated on precision engineering, one step at a time. Creating the most innovative products and processes you can hold in your hand today.
There are a lot of fishing reels on the market these days, but not all stand up to the rigors of frequent use and exposure to adverse situations.
At Shimano, they have made it their primary purpose to provide the latest technology to enhance your performance as an angler. Shimano believes that the angler should experience more of nature and we support that cause by reducing the stress and barriers associated with modern fishing through enhanced technology in their reels so you can focus on what’s important: FISHING!
Shimano brand technology brings patented options to the high-tech angler looking to spend more time focusing on the task at hand and less time worrying about the conditions. Their technology caters to a variety of different scenarios an angler might encounter on any given day with the assurance that these technologies will deliver excellence and results reliably now and into the future.
US OFFICE
- Shimano North America Fishing, Inc.
- Reel Support Services
- One Holland
- Irvine, CA. 92618
- ON SITE CUSTOMER SUPPORT:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday – Friday Pacific Standard Time - Phone: 1-877-577-0600
- Website: fish.shimano.com
Shimano Nexave FI Spinning Reel
Shimano didn’t just design the new Nexave series of Shimano spinning reels to look good in hand, engineers built Nexave reels with form and function — and with the same Shimano quality standards — to benefit anglers of all ages during their next fishing adventure. The newly-redesigned Nexave features Shimano’s Propulsion Line Management System, a specially-designed angled spool lip, to provide anglers with longer and more accurate casts by allowing the line to leave the spool in smaller coils with less friction.
The Nexave series of Shimano Spinning Reels also features Shimano’s G-Free Body technology to benefit anglers with less fatigue and enhanced casting comfort by shifting the center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand. Anglers pursuing their first fish or their next trophy will find the needed performance in the Nexave series of Shimano spinning reels.
FEATURES:
- Updated version of the Nexave FD Shimano Spinning Reels
- Adjustable front drag to help fight big fish
- 3 ball bearings for a smooth operation
- 3 Shielded Stainless Steel + 1 Roller Bearing
- Patented ARC Spool design reduces line friction, backlash, and wind knots
- Varispeed II oscillation system keeps the line flat on the spool and produces long casting distance
- Single machined aluminum handle
Shimano Nasci FC Spinning Reel
The new Nasci series of Shimano spinning reels answers the call for anglers demanding smoothness and durability in multiple fishing applications. Suitable in both freshwater and inshore saltwater environments, Nasci spinning reels feature CoreProtect to increase durability and water resistance without creating an additional heavy rotational feeling. The Shimano cold-forged HAGANE Gear technology provides unparalleled gear durability compared to reels with die-cast or machined gear construction.
SilentDrive — the same technology found in Shimano’s flagship lineup of reels — increases gear tolerances to a micron level to reduce unnecessary noise and vibration for increased reeling performance. Engineered to perform with Shimano quality and attention to detail, the newly redesigned series of Nasci spinning reels will perform when needed most. Shimano NASCI FC Spinning Reel offers increased durability and water-resistance, without creating an additional heavy rotational feeling.
FEATURES:
- –HAGANE Gear technology
- –CoreProtect – The concept of COREPROTECT is simple… to provide water resistance without creating a heavy rotation feeling. There are three key areas of the reel that require protection; the roller clutch, the body and the line roller.-SilentDrive
- SilentDrive – From the fundamental, whole body design to the most intricate parts of the drive train, including the drive gear, worm shaft, worm shaft pin and worm shaft gear, every piece has been carefully reviewed, and the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances.
- –X-Ship provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This means the gears will stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear are eliminated. This will enhance the casting performance of the reel with lighter lures, and allow for longer casts.
- –Propulsion Line Management System The most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion spool lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations it has been determined that this new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.
- –G-Free Body G Free Body technology has been developed to shift the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod. By moving the center of gravity closer to the anglers hand position, the G Free Body helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort of the new Shimano spinning reels.
- –Cross Carbon Drag This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
Shimano Spheros SW A Spinning Reel
With its known durable design to handle the salt, the new Spheros SW spinning reels offer even more angler confidence with new Shimano ‘SW Concept’ features. In sizes for off the beach, inshore action, and blue water use. The jack of all trades in the saltwater realm, Shimano redesigned the Spheros SW series of saltwater spinning reels to conquer both offshore and inshore waters. Now featuring Shimano’s flagship Infinity Drive technology to improve pinion gear support and enhance the overall drive gear design, Spheros SW provides anglers with increased winding power under load when cranking against hard-fighting game fish.
Wielding both X-Protect and X-Shield for improved water resistance for increased durability in the harsh saltwater environment, Spheros SW fortifies an IPX8 water-resistant-rated body. Now available in seven different sizes, the new 14000 and 18000 sizes span the gap between 10000 and 20000 models for a broader range of applications within the Spheros SW series of Shimano spinning reels. From jigging for groupers or amberjacks, to tossing lures at cobia and football-size bluefin tuna, or free-lining live bait to snook or striped bass, the Spheros SW series of Shimano Spinning Reels will provide dependable performance for anglers targeting prized game fish.
FEATURES:
- Infinity Drive
- HAGANE Gear
- HAGANE Body
- Cross Carbon Drag This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
- X-Ship provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This means the gears will stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear are eliminated. This will enhance the casting performance of the reel with lighter lures, and allow for longer casts.
- Propulsion Line Management Spool The most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion spool lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations it has been determined that this new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.
- X-Protect By combining our water repellent coating and our specially designed, water channeling, labyrinth construction, X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without sacrificing light gear and rotor rotation.
- X-Shield By providing dependable sealing structures and gaskets at 12 critical locations throughout the reel body, we are able to create a water resistant structure that is highly reliable and durable. Ensuring that it can hold up when used in extreme saltwater condition
- Screw-In Handle
- S AR-B These bearings have been through the same process as our A-RB bearings, but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.
Shimano Sustain FJ Spinning Reel
Engineered to help anglers reach new levels of strength and sensitivity, the Shimano Spinning Reels Sustain FJ uses premier technologies to conquer the toughest inshore or freshwater species. One of the strongest in Shimano’s MagnumLite series of spinning reels, the Sustain FJ, has been redesigned to feature a MagnumLite (MGL) Rotor for light start-up rotation and faster hook sets with increased sensitivity. The benefits of the MGL Rotor include not only a feather-light feel and extreme responsiveness, but also an extremely rigid construction that won’t strain or flex under heavy drag pressures. The increased strength of an Aluminum HAGANE Body reduces reel flex when winding against hard-fighting game fish.
MicroModule II gearing combined with Shimano’s cold-forged HAGANE Gear offers anglers the exceptionally smooth reeling performance that has come to be expected from Shimano reels. Now utilizing SilentDrive technology taken from Shimano’s flagship level reels, the FJ offers an extremely fine-tuned, low tolerance feel that makes any fishing experience that much more enjoyable. Other fine additions like the Long Stroke Spool for improved casting distance solidify the FJ as a worthy entry to the FJ,’s long and illustrious legacy. Available in a run of ideal freshwater and inshore sizes, the Shimano Spinning Reels Sustain FJ is a performance enhanced fishing tool worthy of a spot in any serious angler’s arsenal.
FEATURES:
- MagnumLite (MGL) Rotor The Magnumlight Rotor is 25% lighter, offering better balance and requiring 22% less inertia, making it easier to start and stop your retrieve for an overall smoother feel. By revising what was the conventional method of symmetrical rotor construction, the bail return mechanism was moved from the line roller side to the mounting cam side. This removed the need for additional counterbalance weight, further reducing overall weight and assisting in reducing inertia.
- Micromodule Gear ll State-of-the-art, gear tooth surface design and MicroModule Gear II, are further advanced through Shimano’s exclusive manufacturing technology. The surfaces of the drive gear and pinion gear have been analyzed and updated from the ground up in pursuit of perfection. Further improving smooth gear feeling and reducing sound.
- HAGANE Gear
- HAGANE Body
- Silent Drive From the fundamental, whole body design to the most intricate parts of the drive train, including the drive gear, worm shaft, worm shaft pin and worm shaft gear, every piece has been carefully reviewed, and the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances.
- Long Stroke Spool
- Cross Carbon Drag This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
- Propulsion Line Management Spool The most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion spool lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations it has been determined that this new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.
- X Protect By combining our water repellent coating and our specially designed, water channeling, labyrinth construction, X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without sacrificing light gear and rotor rotation.
- Aero Wrap
- Screw-In Handle
- One-Piece Bail (Ti) One-Piece Bail allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. Its seamless design reduces friction and the change of tangles or cuts to the bail arm.
- S AR-B These bearings have been through the same process as our A-RB bearings, but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.
Shimano Spinning Reels Comparison
The table below will give you a side by side comparison of the new Shimano Spinning reels, listing what are, in my opinion, some of the most important features of each. As always, if you are interested in these reels that you check them out for yourself by clicking the red buttons below those that interest you. It is, after all, your money and your fishing situation and only you know what is best for you.
New Shimano Curado MGL for 2021
Now that we have covered the new Shimano Spinning Reels, let’s take a look at the new Shimano Curado MGL baitcasting reel. Small in hand but large in durability, dependability and performance, the Curado MGL 70 K is a new addition to Shimano’s coveted line of Curado low-profile reels. The reel’s lightweight MGL Spool requires less start-up energy due to decreased inertia and results in longer casts with reduced effort. This advanced feature also allows the reel to excel for anglers fishing with finesses baits, such as handmade balsa baits, or lures that require light line for maximum fish ability.
The new Curado MGL 70 K is a great reel choice for anglers pitching and flipping in tight cover when increased line capacity is not required. But anglers shouldn’t be concerned about its compact size when fighting fish in close quarters or heavy cover, the Curado MGL 70 K is equipped with a Cross Carbon Drag to provide the needed stopping power against large fish.
And just like the rest of the Curado family of reels, the versatile Curado MGL 70 K features MicroModule Gear for enhanced smoothness as well as a HAGANE Body for increased rigidity and durability for years of fishing performance.
Extending the tournament tested, dependable Curado lineup, the Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reel offers unparalleled versatility in the lightest weight Curado to date. Combining Shimano’s feathery MagnumLite (MGL) spool with 150-sizing, the Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reel amplifies efficiency with an almost-endless range of applications by extending casting distance and accuracy.
Engineered to handle giants, the Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reels is manufactured with a rigid aluminum HAGANE body and durable Cross-Carbon drag that outputs 13lbs of stopping power. Precision gearing lies nestled at the heart of the Shimano Curado MGL 150 Casting Reel, providing an unmatched reeling experience that is heightened by signature Shimano technologies, like X-Ship, MicroModule Gearing, and SilentTune. Tournament-ready, yet smooth and efficient, the Shimano Curado 150 MGL Casting Reel is the perfect addition to any angler’s arsenal, whether they are chasing plaques or trophy fish.
FEATURES:
- –MagnumLite (MGL) Spool The MGL III Spool is an ultra-thin spool that thoroughly pursues low inertia. The spool has a reduction in inertia by about 15% compared to the second-generation MGL Spool by using a narrow shape with a width of 19 mm for the outer diameter of 34 mm. Resulting in unparalleled casting performance.
- –MicroModule Gearing
- –X-Ship provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This means the gears will stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear are eliminated. This will enhance the casting performance of the reel with lighter lures, and allow for longer casts.
- –Hagane Body
- –Ci4+ CI4+ is an advanced version of the original CI4. This highly technical carbon material maintains 2.5 times more rigidity than CI4. While improving lightness and rigidity, the body and rotor are further reduced in size and weight.
- –SilentTune By applying a slight pressure to the bearing holding the spool, it reduces the vibration of the bearing during high speed rotation. This realizes further quietness improvement during casting. Rise of spool rotation has become even smoother.
- –SVS Shimano’s newest innovation in brake system technology, SVS Infinity provides easy-to-manage, consistent spool control and brake force. With brake weights that use inner friction against the raceway during the cast, SVS Infinity controls spool speed for precision casting especially when using lighter lures. The external adjustment knob provides for quick, precise adjustments for either the conditions or when you switch baits.
- –S-ARB Roller Bearing These bearings have been through the same process as our A-RB bearings, but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.
- –Super free spool Super Free Spool was designed to eliminate friction on the spool shaft during the cast. In standard baitcasting reels, when the clutch bar is pressed down, the pinion gear is freed and actually can drag on the spool shaft creating friction that can limit the length of a cast. With Super Free Spool the pinion gear is supported by a ball bearing so that when the clutch is disengaged in preparation for a cast, the pinion gear and spool shaft are kept in perfect alignment. The result is zero friction upon the spool shaft.
- –Cross-Carbon Drag This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever.
Try a Shimano Reel and Go Fishing
Now, I admit, I am a little biased because I have been fishing with Shimano Spinning reels for over 40 years. Not exclusively, I own Penn, Okuma and Daiwa reels as well and all have served me very well. But, if you are looking for the latest in innovations and technology you will be hard-pressed to find any better reels than Shimano. They have reels for any budget and are built to give you many years of carefree service. Try one out, you won’t be disappointed. And, most importantly, quit wishin and get to fishin!
As always, stay safe, enjoy the journey and please try to leave it cleaner than you found it. If you have any comments, questions, ideas or suggestions please leave them in the comment section below and I’ll get back to you asap. You can follow us on Facebook: Rex The Beach Angler, Instagram: thebeachangler7, Twitter: @AnglerBeach, and YouTube: Man Art Creations.
A life long surf fisherman with 50+ years of experience, I am also an avid hunter and outdoorsman. I will be sharing my passion for the outdoors with you so be prepared for hunting, fishing, camping, hiking and more. Along with gear reviews and the latest trends and innovations in the outdoor industry.
