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Shimano Exsence Spinning Reels Review

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Shimano Exsence Spinning Reels
Shimano Exsence Spinning Reels

Loaded with Shimano’s flagship features and technology Shimano Exsence Spinning Reels provide light tackle inshore and bass anglers a featherweight tool to tackle whatever their target species may be. The saltwater-safe magnesium Hagane body offers extreme rigidity while also shaving weight for al...l day comfort. The extremely smooth operation of the Shimano Exsence is made possible by the combination of advanced technologies such as Micromodule Gearing Hagane Gear and Shimano’s lightweight and balanced MGL Rotor.Anglers fishing light inshore applications will appreciate the use of X-Protect which combines a water-repellent coating and a specially designed labyrinth construction to provide advanced protection from water intrusion and internal damage without sacrificing the reel’s light feel and smooth rotation. From fishing finesse techniques for bass to casting topwaters to backwater redfish the Shimano Exsence is more than up to handling the task.Shimano Technology Found In Exsence Reels :G-Free Body - G-Free Body technology enables the reel’s center of gravity to be moved closer to the center of the reel seat and therefore the anglers hand position. This shift in weight and balance helps to reduce fatigue and enhance casting comfort.Hagane Body - A reel body with high rigidity which virtually eliminates body flexing due to it’s stiffness and impact resistance. The result? An angler’s actions are more efficiently transformed into cranking power. It’s efficiency through strength.Hagane Gear - Boasting amazing strength and durability Hagane Gear is a process in which the gearing is calculated in minute detail and cold forged instead of being cut. This application of state-of-the-art technologies gives the angler reel smoothness from the first use through years of enjoyment.MGL Rotor - The Magnumlight Rotor is 25% lighter and allows for better balance and requires 22% less inertia which makes it easier to start and stop the retrieve for a smoother feel. Micro Module Gear - State-of-the-art gear design makes use of smaller gear teeth and more of them which results in a more efficient gear train and much smoother retrieve. S A-RB Bearings - These bearings undergo the same anti-corrosion process as Shimano’s A-RB Bearings with the addition of shields on both sides of the bearings to reduce the possibility of salt dirt or other foreign objects inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.X-Protect - By combining a water repellant coating and a specially designed water channeling labyrinth construction X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without adding weight or sacrificing light rotor rotation.X-Ship - By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings the pinion gear remains in precise alignment with the drive gear and stays in the same position under even the heaviest of loads. This eliminates friction between the spool shaft and gear which translates to better casting performance and increased gear durability.

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Fishing Critic Score

Hockey Review Rating 97%
14 Reviews
Popularity: 11071
MSRP:
$549.99
Used Price:
$384.99
Sale Price:
$494.99

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Specifications
Brand Shimano
Category Reels
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Shimano Exsence Spinning Reels Reviews

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EXSENCE C3000MHG

Phil
2 years ago

Hands down my favorite spinning reel for Bass. I can't speak for the New EXSENCE A model but this reel beats down my Stradic fl, Vanford and YES, even my Stella FJ. Don't get me wrong, the reels I mentioned are excellent reels but the EXSENCE, IMO is next level.

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A Bit Delicate

Dan
3 years ago

Fantastic power and incredibly smooth but the magnesium frame areas are subject to denting and scratching so you're going to want to keep this guy away from rocks or from being rolled around with other equipment. A definite luxury item.

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Best ever!

BILL
4 years ago

Recently purchased my second Exsence spinning reel,I had just bought a new steez,ml7ft,and needed to put a spinning reel on it.After using my other Exsence this season there were no other options, too smooth, too light,and yes when you buy light high end rods ounces count.A solid sealed tight reel.The best

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Favorite Reel

Alex
4 years ago

Casts a mile. Smooth retrieve. Drag feels great. Sturdy and tight. Black looks nice. Favorite reel I've owned. Would buy these for all my friends and family if I could afford it.

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Amazing finesse spinning real

Scott
4 years ago

This Shimano EXSC3000MHG Exsence Spinning Reel is so smooth I paired it up a G-Loomis GLX 822 drop shot rod. The casting of this is real is quiet and effortless with a great drag set up for an easy fight these south Texas slot reds. I should have spent the money years ago and purchased this real.

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Nice reel

Skyraider
4 years ago

Very nice reel... smooth and sleek looking! I like it so much I bought the 4000 !

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This is one baaad dude

Kenny
5 years ago

It’s insanely smooth! I love how it feels in the hand. Such a piece of engineering not to mention its pleasing black out

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Amazing peice of engineering

NEntv58
5 years ago

Never have plunked down so much dough for a spinning reel - didn't go the Stella route; seemed over the top in every way - but very glad i did. It is so incredibly smooth, subtle and stealthily tough. Use in the surf with an inshore St Croix and nothing but pure joy. Truly an amazing tool. Can't recommend enough if you're ready for a the best. And half the price of Stella.

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One of the Smoothest, Strongest Reels in its Class on the Market...

Christian C.
5 years ago

The Exsence is an absolutely fantastic reel on all fronts. It has everything you could want in a high performance machine: looks, technology, feel and (perceived) durability/longevity. It handles fish with ease and makes fishing inspiring and an absolute joy. There is nothing like having a piece of gear that takes you to the next level. This reel accomplishes this and more. I will… read more definitely be buying another.

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One of the Best Striper reel in the U.S.

Cyaco
5 years ago

2017 Shimano Exsence actually performs better than JDM 2016 Shimano Vanquish, 2017 Shimano TwinPower XD, and 2014 Shimano Stella FI.

1. HAGANE body - Aluminium / Magnesium mixed material
2. MicroModuble - Gear makes much smoother retrieve, less noise from gear, increased sensitivity
3. X Protect - better than Core Protect

buy this reel if you… read more are looking at Stella FJ, Exsence has lighter retrieve feeling and more sensitive. MicroModuble II vs. MicroModuble, I can't tell and feel the difference.

Also, I see and hear more issues with Stella FJ.
TwinPower XD ----- If you pay that much, don't you wanna get MicroModuble gear???
Stay with Sustain FI if you wanna buy TwinPower XD. Only differences are: Around pinion gear, the extra ball bearing in handle knob, Hybrid HAGANE body. REALLY you are paying extra $170 for those......

My recommendations are 17 Sustain, 15 Stradic CI4+, 17 Exsence

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Shimano Exsence Spinning Reel Amazing

Albert
5 years ago

I bought this Exsence 3000 and paired it up with a NRX 852S. This is my dedicated ultra finesse setup and I could not be happier with the weight and sensitivity. Worth every penny!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Worth it!

Rene
5 years ago

I’ve been lusting after this reel for a long time, I finally broke down during Tackle Direct’s Black Friday sale. I’m glad I did! Besides looking really sharp on my home built salmon rod in all black finish, it is extremely smooth and light. The drag rating is higher than one expects on a spinning reel this light and I’m looking forward to tryinng it out on Kenai Silvers this… read more fall. The fact that it is impervious to salt water is a bonus that will allow me to use the same setup to chase silvers in the salt around Seward.

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Incredible spinning reel

Luis
6 years ago

I saw a few reviews on this reel and couldn't wait to get it. This reel is on par with any high end reel out there. Smooth as silk and it lays the braid on the spool so evenly it's incredible. This reel had now become my favorite fishing reel.
Keep up the great work Shimano and thanks Tackledirect for having it in stock and getting in to me in a timely manner.

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Great reel for Inshore shallow water

Logan
7 years ago

I bought the 4000 series and first impression was - what a great looking reel. Blacked-out look really is easy on the eyes.

Second thought was - weight. This reel is light for a 4000 series. The lightest I have used in this size. It is only .3 Oz more than my Twin Power XD with 20% more drag.

Bearing system seems smooth and the mag body is well balanced.… read more

It should work well for anything from smaller specks to medium/larger bull reds.

Reel case is well made and seems durable.

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Shimano Exsence Spinning Reels Questions and Answers

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Asked by Brian 5 years ago

Would the 4000 version of this reel, spooled up with 17 lb braid, have enough line capacity for fighting NJ/NY (i.e. not monster NC-sized) false albacore? 

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Bernie De Graaf 5 years ago

At 24 pounds of drag the reel can handle the fight no problem and at 17 pounds of braid you should be fine with that line test. 

Asked by Michael 2 years ago

Would the 4000 pair well with a 611 MH Moderate Fast Shimano Poison Adrena? Also are the spools on these interchangeable if you want a bigger spool for the C3000?

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Huy - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

<span>Hi Michael, The Exsense in the 4000 size will fit well with the 6ft 11in Poison Adrena Rod. We do not recommend buying spools of a different size for the reel. Please let us know if there is anything else we can assist you with! Tight lines!</span>

Asked by Norman 3 years ago

Whst rod would you recommend for the 3000 for bass fishing

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Austin Kearney 3 years ago

I would go with the G-Loomis E6X 852S JWR Jig and Worm Spinning Rod.<p><br /></p><p>https://www.tackledirect.com/g-loomis-e6x-852s-jwr-jig-and-worm-spinning-rod.html<br /></p><p><br /></p>

Asked by Chia-Cheng 3 years ago

Can this reel be used  salt water fishing?

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Alex T 3 years ago

Yes this reel is design with both freshwater and inshore fisherman in mind. This reel boasts a lot of the same corrosion and water resistant features found in there inshore reel models

Asked by Jacob 6 years ago

Is this reel made in Japan?

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Rebecca 6 years ago

Yes, this reel is made in Japan.

Asked by Brock 6 years ago

What rod would you recommend pairing with the 4000 size for inshore fishing the gulf coast

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Donald 6 years ago

The St. Croix VIS70MF Avid Inshore Spinning Rod - 7 ft. would be a great match pairing it with the Shimano EXS4000MXG Exsence Spinning Reel.