Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Review

Name: Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels
Brand: Shimano
SKU: fca22496
Rating: 87.10 (14 reviews)

Featured Deal

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels are designed for the serious surf caster. These surf reels provide consistent long-casting performance and Shimano X-Ship for improved durability even under the heaviest loads.X-ShipSuper Slow oscillation (14000)Slow Oscillation (5500)Aero Wrap IIDyna balanceS...uper Stopper II1 Spare Spool Included

87%

14 Reviews

Popularity: 10966

MSRP:
$209.99

Used Price:
$146.99

Sale Price:
$188.99

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Specifications
Brand	Shimano
Category	Reels

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Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Reviews

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Review Title

Comment

Superb Reel

Kevin

2 years ago

Ive just gotten back into fishing and surf fishing in particular. I was recommended this reel by a relative and its superb. I love how smooth it is both casting and retrieving. If youre looking for and outstanding reel to get you to that one area, consider this Ultegra.

Comments Write a Comment

5500 XTD

Jonathan

2 years ago

First off, I am a die hard Penn fan and I love all their spinning reels, but I wanted another long cast reel besides Penns after fishing the conflict ii lc 5500. After a months worth of homework I decided on the Ultegra. I can't believe the quality of this reel. Now its only been through a month of good use catching some stripers and bluefish. Probably a 15 to 25 percent increase… read more in distanced over standard spinning reels. Strong and smooth drag, damn near perfect line lay and the reel istself is very smooth. I am incredibly impress and definitely thinking more so outside of Penn now.

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Very good quality

Samer

2 years ago

Smooth as butter, strong drag, and I love that it includes a spare spool and reducers. I only wish it came with a larger power knob, and it's not easy to replace the stock one. I will also be installing ice washers.

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AWESOME SURF REEL , PAY NO MIND TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS.

Herb

2 years ago

This reel has held up great for surf fishing. As long as you don't dunk it will last many years .

It will throw further than any other spinner outside an Aero Technium that I also own and it is in itself an awesome surf reel .

They're exceedingly easy to take apart and clean despite some saying they aren't and they look awesome to boot .

DON'T USE… read more HEAVY BRAID on them which completely defeats their purpose ,first of all nobody needs braid heavier than 20 pound since 20 pound braid will land fish in the 70 plus pound range in short order .

Only thing that disappoints me is that the Ultegra long cast models even in the 14000 size only offer Shimano Super 5 oscillation instead of the superior Super 10 .

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Great reel smooth

John M.

2 years ago

Great reel. Smooth and quite!! With the. Money

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SUPER SMOOTH

Jim

3 years ago

SUPER SMOOTH AND SUPER FLAWLESS. GREAT PRICE FOR QUALITY. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT LOVES SURF FISHING

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Nice reel for the $

Anthony

4 years ago

I've been using it for soaking chunks on 3-6oz lead. Its performed well and held up nicely.

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Not Durable

T W.

4 years ago

I own 4 of these reels. Sorry to report that after only two seasons of moderate use, with tender loving care, two are reeling in very rough. They are showing signs of internal part failure. I have been avid surf fisherman for over 40 years. These reels are by far the biggest disappointing, fishing purchase, I've made.

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Has Disappointing Issues

Woody

4 years ago

Initially these reels performance is too good to be true. After two seasons of surf tournament fishing, (a grand total of 10 days) and thorough cleaning after each use, these reels tend to be difficult during retrieval, under moderate loads.

I own 4 of these lemons, one cost me 38.00, to replace internal cheaply made parts. Another one is now doing the same crap!
… read more />Shimano, is constantly changing their reels, instead of improving the models they have. Buyer beware, Shimano quality control seems to out to lunch!

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Great Reel

James

5 years ago

Extremely light and smooth. perfect for surf fishing for stripers.

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All perfect

Patricio S.

5 years ago

all perfect! thanks!

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Very Long Caster

Tim

5 years ago

I have purchased two of these reels to use on surf rods. I overload line on reels to reduce friction from the front lip of the spool. These reels cast noticeably further than the two that they are replacing and I have not had an issue with wind knots from over loading them. They are FAST retrievers also. Only issue is because they do not have a skirt on the spool they can get… read more line wrapped under the spool and around the spindle if you are not careful.

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Nice drag for the price!!!!!

Jessie

5 years ago

always been a Penn man, but after looking at reviews on the Shimano reels I might have to try one. I mean 44 lbs of drag for $160, yep that is a good deal

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ULT 14000XSD- big bang for the buck!!!

Vinnie D.

5 years ago

Shimano has always been one of my surf fishing reels- purchased this model for my son to pair with a g loomis 11 ft surf rod- he loves it. Long casting, smooth, and solid design. Well worth the $$$

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Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Questions and Answers

Asked by Mike 7 years ago

What size XTD would be like Shimano 8000D bait runner in size ? Not smaller Though/

Post an Answer

Donald 7 years ago

The Shimano ULT14000XTD Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel would be a similar size reel compared to the Shimano 8000 bait runner. Thank you for considering TackleDirect for your fishing needs and have a great day.

Asked by SDV 7 years ago

Is it US model? From which material made body of the reel?

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Donald 7 years ago

The Shimano Ultegra XTD are made in Malaysia.

Asked by James Kershaw 7 years ago

How much braid line will it hold Say 30lb braid?

Post an Answer

Donald 7 years ago

The 5500 size can fit 425 yards of 40lb braid and the size 14000 can fit 600 yards for 50lb braid. 40 lb braid is what the 5500 is quoted for and the 14000 is quoted for 50 lb braid.

Asked by louie 7 years ago

what is the frame made of? does the reel have hagane gears? is the reel saltwater approved?.. whats the braid line capacity?

Post an Answer

Donald 7 years ago

The reel does not have Hagane gears and the braid capacities are the 5500 size reel 40 lb braid 425 yards and the 14000 reel 50 lb braid 600 yards.

Asked by carlos 7 years ago

what material is the body?

Post an Answer

Devon 7 years ago

The Ultegra XTD frame is made from a graphite composite material that Shimano calls XT-7.

Asked by Krispy 7 years ago

What happen to the Shimano ultegra XSC 5500? I saw a youtube video where tackle direct says that they carry these XSC reels. What's the difference in between the XTD and the XSC?

Post an Answer

Donald 7 years ago

The are very similar reels in weight and size. The XTD 5500 has a slow oscillation and the XTD 14000 has a Super Slow oscillation that the XSC does not.

Asked by Brian Lamb 7 years ago

All the media i can find on this reel is for carp fishing but the specs make it seem to be a great prospect for being a saltwater surf reel, possibly for even larger game like tarpon. Is this reel suitable for the florida surf and heavy saltwater conditon

Post an Answer

Devon 7 years ago

This reel is indeed very popular among the carp fishing community. However it is designed with long distance surf casting and saltwater fishing in mind, as is all the other models of the Ultegra surf reels.

Asked by Oaks 7 years ago

Does it come with an extra spool and/or spacers?

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Devon 7 years ago

Yes the Ultegra XTD comes with a spare spool and several spool size reducing spacers.

Asked by Gus 7 years ago

What is the difference between the XTD and Ultra CI4 XSB?

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Devon 7 years ago

The Ultegra Ci4 XSB's frame is constructed with Shimano's Ci4 carbon composite material which is a lighter and more rigid material than what is used in the standard aluminum frames.

Asked by Val 7 years ago

How does it compare to the penn spinfisher v 7500LC for distance?

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Devon 7 years ago

The Spinfisher V 7500LC and the Ultegra XTD use the same principles of an elongated spool and slow rotor oscillation in order to increase casting distance. In terms of casting efficiency they are very similar.

Asked by Nelson 7 years ago

Whats the best size i should use on my 10' lamiglas king surf rod?

Post an Answer

Donald 7 years ago

The Shimano ULT14000XTD Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel would be a good fit for the Lamiglas King Surf rod. The rod and reel will balance well together. Thank you for considering TackleDirect for your fishing needs.

Asked by KK 7 years ago

These Ultegra reels comes with Slow and Super Slow oscillation which will not make difficult in spinning ? due to retrieval of lure becoming slow ? That does't make this reels only for the use of casting baits rather than lures. Correct me if this wrong.

Post an Answer

Devon 7 years ago

The slow oscillation of the Ultegra XTD refers to the rate of the spool moving up and down while cranking. The rotor revolves around the reel at a typical speed, thus wrapping the line around the spool at the same rate, just more parallel. This reel ret

Asked by Carlos 4 years ago

Hey I have a 10 ft st. Croix travel rod which model would fit this rod I'll be using it to fish the Caribbean I'll be using lures and metals with light bait casting

Post an Answer

Bernie De Graaf 4 years ago

The 5500 would do well paired with the 10ft mojo surf

Asked by nick 7 years ago

Is this reel submergible?

Post an Answer

Devon 7 years ago

No it is not.

Asked by Rich 7 years ago

What would be a better fit for a 12 foot Tica surf Rod?

Post an Answer

Donald 7 years ago

The Shimano ULT14000XTD Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reelwould be a better fit in the way of casting ability and balance matching it with the 12' Tica Surf Rod.

Asked by Gregg 7 years ago

Does this reel have a quick drag system?

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Devon 7 years ago

It does. The drag is adjusted from very loose to tight with minimal turning of the drag dial.

Asked by Adam 6 years ago

Does this reel have a manual bail?

Post an Answer

Devon 6 years ago

It does not. The bails on both the 5500 and 14000 automatically flip when you turn the handle.

Asked by gregory 6 years ago

Is the ultrega XTD 5500 a better choice for me 9'TFO rod?

Post an Answer

Donald 6 years ago

The Shimano Ultegra XTD 5500 would be the better choice for the 9' TFO rod.

Asked by Andrew Szczygiel 5 years ago

I have a ultegra 14k and Im trying to find a power knob for my reel what style is this reel? Also is there a guide to changed the stock handle to a power knob?

Post an Answer

Rebecca Redington 5 years ago

We do not believe there is a guide out there with instructions on how to change the knob specifically but there are many useful videos on the internet especially Youtube instructing how it is done.

Asked by Michael Lynch 2 years ago

What is the difference between XTD AND XSD??

Post an Answer

Brendan - TackleDirect Customer Service 2 years ago

<span>Hi Michael, According to Shimano, The XTD is the current model of the Ultegra and the XSD is the limited Edition Silver model and is currently discontinued at this time. Please let us know if theres anything else we can assist you with. Tight Lines.

Asked by Kyle Kalinowski 7 years ago

It this reel made to be used in salt water?

Post an Answer

Bernie 7 years ago

Yes, this reel is meant for saltwater more specifically a surf reel.

Asked by Terry 6 years ago

How much bigger is the 14000 from the 5500?

Post an Answer

Bernie 6 years ago

slightly larger, spool is bigger on the 14000 and also weighs 21.9 oz's compared to 17.3 for the 5500.

Asked by andres jimenez 5 years ago

I have a St. Croix Mojo surf 10'6, 2-6 ounce rating surf rod. I will mainly be doing stripe bass and bluefish fishing. Which size should I get also should I be looking at the shimano speedcast surf reel? Does anyone own one?

Post an Answer

Bernie De Graaf 5 years ago

The speedcast is only available in a 14000 which is good if your fishing larger species while using chunk bait the 5500 Ultegra would be a good match for the 10'6 mojo

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Review

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Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels

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Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Reviews

How would you like to rate Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels?

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Questions and Answers

Ask a Question

What size XTD would be like Shimano 8000D bait runner in size ? Not smaller Though/

Is it US model? From which material made body of the reel?

How much braid line will it hold Say 30lb braid?

what is the frame made of? does the reel have hagane gears? is the reel saltwater approved?.. whats the braid line capacity?

what material is the body?

What happen to the Shimano ultegra XSC 5500? I saw a youtube video where tackle direct says that they carry these XSC reels. What's the difference in between the XTD and the XSC?

All the media i can find on this reel is for carp fishing but the specs make it seem to be a great prospect for being a saltwater surf reel, possibly for even larger game like tarpon. Is this reel suitable for the florida surf and heavy saltwater conditon

Does it come with an extra spool and/or spacers?

What is the difference between the XTD and Ultra CI4 XSB?

How does it compare to the penn spinfisher v 7500LC for distance?

Whats the best size i should use on my 10' lamiglas king surf rod?

These Ultegra reels comes with Slow and Super Slow oscillation which will not make difficult in spinning ? due to retrieval of lure becoming slow ? That does't make this reels only for the use of casting baits rather than lures. Correct me if this wrong.

Hey I have a 10 ft st. Croix travel rod which model would fit this rod I'll be using it to fish the Caribbean I'll be using lures and metals with light bait casting

Is this reel submergible?

What would be a better fit for a 12 foot Tica surf Rod?

Does this reel have a quick drag system?

Does this reel have a manual bail?

Is the ultrega XTD 5500 a better choice for me 9'TFO rod?

I have a ultegra 14k and Im trying to find a power knob for my reel what style is this reel? Also is there a guide to changed the stock handle to a power knob?

What is the difference between XTD AND XSD??

It this reel made to be used in salt water?

How much bigger is the 14000 from the 5500?

I have a St. Croix Mojo surf 10'6, 2-6 ounce rating surf rod. I will mainly be doing stripe bass and bluefish fishing. Which size should I get also should I be looking at the shimano speedcast surf reel? Does anyone own one?

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Review

Featured Deal

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels

Fishing Critic Score

Most Popular Reels

Daiwa CC Baitcasting Reels

Daiwa Coastal 80 Baitcasting Reels

Daiwa Certate SW Spinning Reels

Daiwa CR Baitcasting Reels

Daiwa CA80 Baitcasting Reels

Specifications

Daily Deals

Braid Reel Rests

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Reviews

How would you like to rate Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels?

Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reels Questions and Answers

Ask a Question

What size XTD would be like Shimano 8000D bait runner in size ? Not smaller Though/

Is it US model? From which material made body of the reel?

How much braid line will it hold Say 30lb braid?

what is the frame made of? does the reel have hagane gears? is the reel saltwater approved?.. whats the braid line capacity?

what material is the body?

What happen to the Shimano ultegra XSC 5500? I saw a youtube video where tackle direct says that they carry these XSC reels. What's the difference in between the XTD and the XSC?

All the media i can find on this reel is for carp fishing but the specs make it seem to be a great prospect for being a saltwater surf reel, possibly for even larger game like tarpon. Is this reel suitable for the florida surf and heavy saltwater conditon

Does it come with an extra spool and/or spacers?

What is the difference between the XTD and Ultra CI4 XSB?

How does it compare to the penn spinfisher v 7500LC for distance?

Whats the best size i should use on my 10' lamiglas king surf rod?

These Ultegra reels comes with Slow and Super Slow oscillation which will not make difficult in spinning ? due to retrieval of lure becoming slow ? That does't make this reels only for the use of casting baits rather than lures. Correct me if this wrong.

Hey I have a 10 ft st. Croix travel rod which model would fit this rod I'll be using it to fish the Caribbean I'll be using lures and metals with light bait casting

Is this reel submergible?

What would be a better fit for a 12 foot Tica surf Rod?

Does this reel have a quick drag system?

Does this reel have a manual bail?

Is the ultrega XTD 5500 a better choice for me 9'TFO rod?

I have a ultegra 14k and Im trying to find a power knob for my reel what style is this reel? Also is there a guide to changed the stock handle to a power knob?

What is the difference between XTD AND XSD??

It this reel made to be used in salt water?

How much bigger is the 14000 from the 5500?

I have a St. Croix Mojo surf 10'6, 2-6 ounce rating surf rod. I will mainly be doing stripe bass and bluefish fishing. Which size should I get also should I be looking at the shimano speedcast surf reel? Does anyone own one?

I have a ultegra 14k and Im trying to find a power knob for my reel what style is this reel? Also is there a guide to changed the stock handle to a power knob?