Best Shimano Spinning Reels

Shimano is one of the most popular brands for spinning reels, and for good reason. Shimano has been around for a long time designing and creating a variety of fishing gear. Throughout this time, they have been able to refine and improve their technology in order to consistently provide quality reels.

One of the great things about Shimano spinning reels is that there are so many you can choose from, so there's something for everyone. Whether you're a beginner who just wants a cheap spinning reel to get started, or a pro angler who is looking for the latest and greatest, or anyone in between, there is certainly a lot you can choose from.

However, as awesome as it is to have a large selection to choose from, it can also make things a little confusing and difficult to come to a decision. Therefore, we decided to review the best Shimano spinning reels at various price points, which we hope can help narrow your selection and save you a bit of time.

Shimano Spinning Reel Reviews

  • Basic
  • Mid-Range
  • High-End
  • Pro
  • Elite
shimano sedona fd spinning reel

Pros

  • Baitrunner System
  • Fluidrive II gearing
  • Super Stopper instant anti-reverse
  • Improved Dartanium dual drag
  • Shielded A-RB ball bearings

Cons

  • Expensive
  • Some changes in design from previous model can make it difficult to get used to for some.

General Consensus

The Shimano Baitrunner D-series spinning reel offers the legendary drivetrain and auto-return baitrunner feature that many anglers have come to love. In addition to the reliable drivetrain and baitrunner feature, the D-series provides improved casting, line lay, drag, and tangle prevention compared to its predecessors.

The overall performance and durability of this reel are excellent. The waterproof drag will certainly enhance the lifespan on your reel, and when combined with the Dartanium II drag washers (cross carbon) you end up with a great balance between performance and durability.

The shielded A-RB ball bearings, Fluidrive II gearing, varispeed oscillation, and Dyna-balance all provide for an extremely smooth cast and retrieve, all facilitating excellent performance. Furthermore, when your inner components are running smoothly with minimal friction, you can also have more confidence in the reel's ability to stand up tot he test of time.

The main drawback about this reel is the cost, as it's nearly impossible to find for under $100. That being said, it's still not as expensive as a lot of the really high-end models, and for what you pay, you're actually getting decent value due to the high quality.

Overall, we would recommend the Shimano Baitrunner D-series spinning reel for those who can afford to invest a little more into a quality reel that will last for a while, and of course, those looking for nice baitrunner features. For more information about other models of Shimano Baitrunner spinning reels, please check out another one of our reviews here.

Summary

In our opinion, you can't really go wrong with Shimano, especially if you are already used tot heir equipment and have experienced success with this brand before. The Shimano spinning reels that we reviewed above are not the only spinning reels that Shimano puts out there, ​but they're our top picks across the price ranges. That being said, depending on your preferences, budget, and typical fishing conditions, you may require something a little different. If this is the case, we still recommend checking out other Shimano spinning reels as well, and if you can't find anything, other brands like Penn, Daiwa, and Okuma have some great spinning reels as well. Good luck!