Shimano 2026–27 Winter Fishing Wear: New Gore-Tex Insulation 05 Is 10% Lighter and 2–3°C Warmer
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Minagiman's Fishing Adventures in Japan
Shimano 25 Ultegra: An Entry Reel With X-Protect and an Anti-Twist Fin
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The Shimano Ultegra is the reel many people buy first: affordable and enough to keep you fishing for a long time, though some have called it basic or a bit cheap-feeling. The 25 Ultegra sets out to change that image with much better specs and design.
Price: ¥19,500–23,500 before tax.
Key features
It is the entry model of Shimano’s Core Solid series, but it gets a lot of current technology for the price.
- MicroModule Gear II, HAGANE Gear and Infinity Cross: smooth winding and long-term durability
- High-rigidity rotor: copes easily with high-resistance lures
- Long Stroke Spool: for casting distance
- X-Protect: Shimano’s water-resistance system for harsh conditions
- Anti-Twist Fin: new to the Ultegra, it reduces slack and line twist
There are 11 models from C2000S to C5000XG. The new C2500SHG picks up slack quickly, which makes it useful for eging (squid fishing) and more.
Which size?
C2000S
A compact 1000-size body and rotor with a 2000-size spool. Ideal for light saltwater and area trout, with capacity of 4 lb nylon x 100 m. It covers ajing, mebaring and trout, and is the model I would recommend to beginners.
2500
Handles lure fishing as well as float fishing and casual light casting, so it suits anglers who like to change methods from day to day.
C3000XG
Retrieves 94 cm per handle turn. Great when you need speed, such as working lures fast near the surface or winding up quickly from deep water, and for chasing blue-water fish.
4000XG
My first answer to “which reel for the surf?” Its 101 cm per turn lets you pick up slack instantly when waves push the lure back or cross-winds belly the line, so you can get straight back to working the lure. Good for both newcomers and experienced surf anglers.
C5000XG
A round handle knob and long handle make it stable in powerful fights. A good choice for casting games aimed at blue-water fish when you want control and light weight.
Specs
Max drag in kg, retrieve in cm per turn, PE capacity in Japanese size and metres, prices before tax. All models have 5/1 bearings.
| Model | Gear | Max drag | Weight | Retrieve | PE capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C2000S | 5.1 | 3 | 180 g | 69 | PE 0.6-150 / 0.8-110 / 1-80 | ¥19,500 |
| C2000SHG | 6.0 | 3 | 180 g | 81 | PE 0.6-150 / 0.8-110 / 1-80 | ¥19,500 |
| C2500SHG | 6.0 | 3 | 180 g | 83 | PE 0.6-200 / 0.8-150 / 1-120 | ¥19,500 |
| 2500 | 5.1 | 9 | 215 g | 75 | PE 1-320 / 1.2-270 / 1.5-220 | ¥20,000 |
| 2500SHG | 5.8 | 4 | 210 g | 86 | PE 0.6-200 / 0.8-150 / 1-120 | ¥20,000 |
| C3000 | 5.1 | 9 | 220 g | 75 | PE 1-400 / 1.5-270 / 2-200 | ¥20,000 |
| C3000HG | 5.8 | 9 | 220 g | 86 | PE 1-400 / 1.5-270 / 2-200 | ¥20,000 |
| C3000XG | 6.4 | 9 | 220 g | 94 | PE 1-400 / 1.5-270 / 2-200 | ¥20,000 |
| 4000 | 5.3 | 11 | 265 g | 87 | PE 1-490 / 1.5-320 / 2-240 | ¥22,500 |
| 4000XG | 6.2 | 11 | 265 g | 101 | PE 1-490 / 1.5-320 / 2-240 | ¥22,500 |
| C5000XG | 6.2 | 11 | 275 g | 101 | PE 1.5-400 / 2-300 / 3-200 | ¥23,500 |
Summary
- Entry model of the Core Solid series with MicroModule Gear II, HAGANE Gear and Infinity Cross
- X-Protect and a new Anti-Twist Fin
- 11 models from C2000S to C5000XG, including the new C2500SHG
- 4000XG is a strong value surf reel
- ¥19,500–23,500 before tax
For more surf tackle, see surf rods by price range.
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.
