The Best Baitrunner reels: Shimano Review

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Product Overview

Having owned a pair of Shimano 2500 reels for four years, I’ve extensively tested them in diverse fishing conditions. Rekindling my interest in fishing, I initially opted for Shimano bait-runner reels, influenced by my father’s testament to the near bulletproof nature.

These reels have proven reliable in all weather conditions, showing no signs of component corrosion or loss of functionality. Their durability shines through when compared with cheaper alternatives, often bundled in rod and reel combos, which may fall short over time.

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Key Features

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Aesthetics

Let’s get into the look of this reel. Now I know this isn’t really important and will not necessarily help you with your fishing but it is always nice to know that if you are paying good money for something you want to know not only does it perform well, but also looks great as well.

Shimano seems to do a great job in the looks department with most of their products, this reel is no exception. It has a black matte finish with silver information decal, along with a robust and sturdy feel to it.

I have had mine in protective reel bags from the start but obviously while out fishing they have been exposed to the elements and as mentioned previously they still have no scratches or dents which at this point is another sign of a good quality product.

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Durability

Solid Construction

The reels solid construction stands as a testament to its durability. Even after prolonged use on many fishing sessions, including heavy rain and adverse weather conditions, the Shimano reel still shows no signs of any faults.

Corrosion Resistance

One of the most noticable aspects from my use so far is the absence of any corrosion. Despite being exposed to harsh weather, the Shimano reel seems to hold up pretty well, displaying high resistance to component corrosion. This longevity in the face of adverse conditions ensures that the reel retains its functionality and aesthetic appeal over an extended period. Once mine are cleaned up properly they still look in tip top condition.

Solid Feel and Well-Built

Beyond its resistance to external elements, the reel’s overall feel is great. What I mean by this is, that some items/products that you physically touch can almost feel cheap and some give you the sense that it is a well-made product. This is exactly what vibe I get when handling this Shimano reel, it just feels quality to the touch, somewhat more than other reels that I own like the Sonik Xtractor 5000. They just have a better quality feel to them.

Top-notch Shimano Quality

While it may not have the lowest price tag on the market, with a Price tag at around the £50 mark, I truly believe in the saying “You get what you pay for”. Investing in better upper-range tackle like Shimano products will no doubt pay dividends in the future as they should last you many years of consistent use just like mine have. Quality is not compromised, and every penny spent is an investment in a reliable and durable fishing reel.

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Performance

BaitRunner

The bait runner system works perfectly and is a great addition to this fishing reel, I have used the system many times while setting up and while in action when playing a fish and I’ve had no issues with the bait runner adjustment toggle and switch to this date.

Gear Ratio

Using this Shimano reel when fishing is a pleasure, it has a smooth action when reeling in fish so you don’t get any grinding sensation through your hand, this must be credited to the mechanical build quality of the reel. It has a gear ratio of 4.8.1 meaning that 1 full 360-degree turn of the handle will turn the rotor 4.8 times around the spool.

Handling Different Species

I initially bought these reels for general fishing around 4+ years back now and since then I have caught all kinds of species ranging from Roach to decent size Carp, the biggest being a 21lb Mirror Carp.

Although these reels are not necessarily built for large catches like Big Carp, nor would I specifically buy them for Carp Angling, I just wanted to demonstrate the capabilities further as I had no issue when reeling in a Carp of that size with this reel. If I’m honest I was more concerned about the light tip Feeder rod I was using more than the reel’s capability.

Smooth Retieve

While out on my many fishing sessions I have used numerous reels that I have acquired for my various angling needs. Another thing that stands out over my Fox and Sonik reels, for example, is the smoothness of the retrieve. The Fox Reel I own is very smooth if I’m honest which is more than I can say for the Sonik Xtractor 5000 reel. I feel that the little Shimano trumps it when it comes to the smoothness and feel of the line retrieval. This is just another testament to build quality if you ask me.

Casting

Overall, the reel is great for casting when using light terminal tackle on feeder rods for example. when it comes to casting at a distance, the 2500 reel is probably not the best option if I’m honest.

Because the reel would not pair up well with a high Test Curve Carp rod and the fact that line capacity is limited, it is not designed for long-distance fishing. I have only ever used these for relatively short casting distances with light terminal tackle, like float fishing or small-method feeder fishing.

For anglers with aspirations of targeting larger species, such as Carp, the Shimano ST 4000 version or the Shimano ST RB Fishing Reel in 6000 or 10000 variations would be more fitting for this. These models are more tailored for Carp angling due to their line capacity, inluding line diameter and strength, allowing for the proper use of heavier rigs when Carp fishing or for other large species of fish.

While the 2500 reel may not be the primary choice for Carp angling, the versatility it exhibits, as demonstrated by successfully landing a 21lb Carp, does prove its adaptability to unexpected challenges. In essence, the Shimano 2500 reel proves its worth as a reliable companion for diverse angling scenarios regardless of size.

Note!!

Remove the spool from the reel after every use and give the components a thorough clean to keep the reel in the best condition that it can be stored within a reel case, doing so will help with the longevity of your equipment.

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The Pros & Cons

Pros

Durability and Solid Construction

• With four years of use, the Shimano 2500 reels exhibit remarkable durability, standing up to diverse fishing conditions and remaining fault-free.
• Solid construction ensures longevity, even after exposure to heavy rain and adverse weather.

Corrosion Resistance

• The absence of corrosion is a notable feature, showcasing the reel’s resilience to harsh weather conditions.
• Maintains functionality and aesthetic appeal over an extended period, requiring minimal maintenance efforts.

Quality Feel and Well-Built

• The reel’s overall feel reflects high-quality construction, providing a sense of durability and superiority.
• Offers a superior touch compared to other reels, emphasizing its well-built nature.

Top-notch Shimano Quality

• Despite not having the lowest price tag, the Shimano reel delivers top-notch quality, ensuring a lasting and reliable fishing experience.
• An investment in Shimano products pays dividends, promising consistent use over many years.

Versatile Performance

• Capable of handling different species, from Roach to sizable Carp, showcasing versatility beyond its intended use.
• Smooth retrieve adds to the overall performance, surpassing other reels in terms of smoothness and line retrieval feel.

Casting Ability for Light Terminal Tackle

1. Excellent casting ability when using light terminal tackle on feeder rods, providing precision and control.
2. Well-suited for relatively short casting distances with light terminal tackle, such as float fishing or small-method feeder fishing.

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Cons

Limited Casting Distance for Larger Species

• The Shimano 2500 reel may not be the optimal choice for anglers who prioritize long-distance casting, especially when paired with high Test Curve Carp rods. The reel’s design and line capacity are more suited for shorter casting distances.
• Anglers targeting larger species, such as Carp, might find the reel’s limitations in casting distance restrictive, particularly in scenarios where reaching a considerable distance is crucial for success.

Specialization for Larger Species

• While the Shimano 2500 reel showcases versatility, it’s important to note that it’s not the primary choice for Carp angling or pursuing larger fish. The reel’s intended use is more aligned with general fishing and handling various species.
• For anglers specifically aiming to catch bigger fish, the ST 4000 version or the Shimano ST RB Fishing Reel in 6000 or 10000 variations are better-suited options. These models provide enhanced line capacity, accommodating heavier rigs necessary for Carp fishing or pursuing other sizable species.

Specificity in Line Capacity

1. The reel’s line capacity is a factor that anglers should consider, especially those targeting larger and heavier fish. The 2500 reel may not provide the necessary line capacity to handle the demands of heavier rigs commonly used in Carp fishing.
2. Anglers pursuing larger species might find the reel’s line capacity limiting, requiring careful consideration of their fishing goals and the equipment needed for specific scenarios.

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Ratings & Reviews

My Rating 9/10

After four years of extensive use, the Shimano 2500 reels have ultimatley lived up to expectations, at least upto the date of this article that is. If anything changes I will update this article to keep you in the loop. With that said, my personal rating would be 9/10 easily for overall quality and usage. When you take into consideration the build quality alone I believe it deserves this kind of rating.

To add to the review process I have done a little digging on what other anglers think of this reel and Shimano products in general so that you have a more insightful view of what to expect if you were to ever purchase a tackle item like this.

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Angler Reviews

Angling Direct

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Amazon

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Bad Reviews

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Shimano 2500 Conclusion

The solid construction of the Shimano reel, coupled with its aesthetic appeal, sets it apart from alternatives often bundled in combo deals. Its quality feel, beyond resisting external elements, imparts a quality touch, emphasizing its superior build compared to other reels in my collection.

I hope you have found value in this review. If you would like some more information about angling/fishing then please check out some of the other pages listed below in these we have gone into more depth relating to some of the aspects spoken about in this review, hopefully, you will find what you are looking for if there any aspects like the some of the terminology that you didn’t understand throughout the review.

Helpful Pages.

• Cheap Fishing Tackle Guide For Beginners
• Best Fishing Reels For Beginners.
• Fishing Rod Types And Basic Guide For Beginners.
• How To Get Started: Fishing For Beginners.