2026.10.23

Shimano 26 Nasci: Best-Value Spinning Reel Gets Infinity Drive

minagiman

The Nasci is Shimano’s best-value all-round spinning reel, and the 26 Nasci is a big step up from the 21 model. It adds Infinity Drive, a one-piece bail and an anti-twist fin, and it is lighter. Sizes run from 500 to 5000, covering light game, eging, surf and light shore jigging.

Contents

Key features
Which size for what
Specs
Minagiman’s take
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Key features

HAGANE Gear + X-SHIP. Cold-forged HAGANE gears and optimised X-SHIP gear support reduce power loss, so the wind stays smooth for years.
Infinity Drive (new). Cuts sliding resistance between the pinion and main shaft, lowering winding torque — you feel it most when cranking under load.
One-piece bail (new). A seamless bail with no joint for line to catch on.
Anti-twist fin (new, except 500). Controls slack line so it does not drop under the spool or twist.

The result: technology from much more expensive reels in an entry-level price bracket, with noticeably more winding power and far fewer line problems.

Which size for what

Size	Best for
500	Finesse light salt and area trout
C2000S / C2000SHG	Area trout, light rockfish, aji and mebaru; SHG for fast rig work
2500 / 2500HG / 2500SHG / C3000 / C3000HG	Eging and light game — the best first reel
4000 / 4000XG / C5000XG	Surf flatfish and light shore jigging; XG for fast pickup and power

Specs

Model	Gear	Drag (practical/max)	Weight	PE capacity	Retrieve	Japan price
500	5.6	1.5 / 3 kg	170 g	0.6-185, 0.8-140, 1-110	69 cm	12,500 yen
1000	5.0	2 / 3 kg	205 g	0.8-240, 1-190	66 cm	13,500 yen
C2000S	5.0	2 / 3 kg	210 g	0.6-150, 0.8-110, 1-80	66 cm	13,500 yen
C2000SHG	6.0	2 / 3 kg	210 g	0.6-150, 0.8-110, 1-80	79 cm	13,500 yen
2500	5.0	3.5 / 9 kg	235 g	1-320, 1.2-270, 1.5-220	73 cm	14,200 yen
2500HG	6.2	3.5 / 9 kg	235 g	1-320, 1.2-270, 1.5-220	91 cm	14,200 yen
2500SHG	6.2	2.5 / 4 kg	235 g	0.6-200, 0.8-150, 1-120	91 cm	14,200 yen
C3000	5.0	3.5 / 9 kg	235 g	1-400, 1.5-270, 2-200	73 cm	14,200 yen
C3000HG	6.2	3.5 / 9 kg	235 g	1-400, 1.5-270, 2-200	91 cm	14,200 yen
4000	4.7	6 / 11 kg	280 g	1-490, 1.5-320, 2-240	75 cm	15,300 yen
4000XG	6.2	6 / 11 kg	280 g	1-490, 1.5-320, 2-240	99 cm	15,300 yen
C5000XG	6.2	6 / 11 kg	300 g	1.5-400, 2-300, 3-200	105 cm	16,000 yen

PE capacity is Japanese PE number–metres. Bearings: 4+1 (500), 5+1 (others). Prices exclude tax.

Minagiman’s take

The Nasci is no longer just a cheap reel — with Infinity Drive, HAGANE gears and X-SHIP it borrows real tech from Shimano’s premium models. For a first spinning reel, a backup, or a reel you will not mind getting sandy on the beach, it is very hard to beat. The C3000HG for eging and light game, or the 4000XG for surf, would be my picks.