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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Shimano 25 Sephia XR: A Lighter Eging Reel With Infinity Drive and the Anti-Twist Fin
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Shimano’s eging (squid-jig fishing) reel, the Sephia XR, was updated as the 25 Sephia XR. Compared with the 2021 model, it is lighter, better balanced with the rod, and gets several more Shimano technologies. The most useful addition for eging is the Anti-Twist Fin, which cuts line trouble so you can concentrate on bites.
Key features
1. Light handling and sensitivity
An MGL rotor and CI4+ material keep it light and responsive, so jerks and the subtle changes on the fall are passed to your hands accurately.
2. Durable gears and strong winding
Infinity Drive and Infinity Cross increase gear contact and reduce friction, for long-lasting gears and powerful winding. You stay in control when bringing in a big bigfin reef squid, and the retrieve stays smooth over time.
3. Less line trouble
The Anti-Twist Fin reduces slack line and the tangles that come with it. With a light braid and constant jerking, eging is exactly where this helps.
Specs
| Model | Gear ratio | Drag (practical / max) | Weight | PE capacity (Japan no.-m) | Retrieve per turn | Handle | Bearings | Price in Japan (ex. tax) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2000S | 5.1 | 2 / 3 kg | 150 g | 0.6-150, 0.8-110, 1-80 | 69 cm | 40 mm | 9/1 | ¥40,000 |
| C3000S | 5.1 | 3.5 / 9 kg | 175 g | 0.6-200, 0.8-150, 1-120 | 75 cm | 50 mm | 9/1 | ¥42,000 |
| C3000SDH | 5.1 | 3.5 / 9 kg | 185 g | 0.6-200, 0.8-150, 1-120 | 75 cm | 45 mm (double) | 9/1 | ¥44,000 |
| C3000SHG | 5.8 | 3.5 / 9 kg | 175 g | 0.6-200, 0.8-150, 1-120 | 86 cm | 55 mm | 9/1 | ¥42,000 |
| C3000SDHHG | 5.8 | 3.5 / 9 kg | 185 g | 0.6-200, 0.8-150, 1-120 | 86 cm | 45 mm (double) | 9/1 | ¥44,000 |
Which model?
- C3000S: the standard eging size for 0.6–0.8 braid, with a 9 kg max drag for big spring squid
- C3000SHG: faster pick-up of slack after a jerk, and quicker retrieves in wind or current
- C3000SDH / SDHHG: double handles for fine control and a quick grip on the handle after jerking
- C2000S: a lighter option for small autumn squid and light rigs
My take
The 25 Sephia XR adds the Shimano technologies that the 2021 model lacked, and lifts the basic performance of a dedicated eging reel. Lighter weight, tougher gears and the Anti-Twist Fin are all practical upgrades for a style of fishing where you jerk all day with fine braid.
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ABOUT ME
Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.
