Shimano katana reel reviews

Created: 05/31/2020
Updated: 06/03/2020 12:59:46 Share:
*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Shimano reels are the most popular category of gear on the Russian market. The first models began to be imported into the country back in the 90s of the last century. They are distinguished by the highest quality, a huge range and compliance with all modern technological standards.

The editors of Expertology magazine conducted a study of the fishing tackle market and selected 12 of the best SHIMANO reels for you. The criteria for forming the rating were the following parameters:

1. popularity among experienced fishermen;
2. expert reviews;
3. technical execution;
4. reliability level;
5. Compliance with the stated price and overall quality.

What's the catch? How do they deceive?

Video about how they cheat with Russian Post parcels

The scheme of deception with cash on delivery parcels is quite simple. Scammers take a popular or in-demand product on the market and create a marketing website for it, where everything is described in such a way that it’s hard to resist placing an order.

Shimano Catana is advertised on social networks: Odnoklassniki, VKontakte, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok, as well as in the Yandex partner network: Avito, Yandex mail, mail.ru mail, on news portals, blogs, etc.

What you should pay attention to?

Please note that the scam website does not have a phone number for the online store. You can only order using the feedback form, indicating your name and phone number. In this case, the scammers themselves call the customer using substitute numbers, which they then cannot reach.

Scammers offer to buy goods at an unrealistically low price. On different sites, scammers indicate different amounts - these are usually magic numbers, such as 99, 199, 1190, 1290, 1990, 2450, 2990 or 3990 rubles. Some products offer free ordering!

The whole point of the deception lies in the delivery of the goods. Please note that delivery is carried out only by cash on delivery by Russian Post (without an inventory of the contents). Such parcels cannot be opened until 100% payment has been made at the post office. Russian Post does not have the right to refund your money for such a parcel under any circumstances. It's like you're buying a pig in a poke. We wrote about this earlier in the article “Pitfalls of Russian Post”.

Parcels paid for cash on delivery are non-refundable!

The best Shimano spinning reels

Spinning reels mean a group of large inertia-free reels that replaced drum models. They are easy to learn and avoid the disadvantages inherent in older analogues. For example, modern fishermen are increasingly less likely to encounter the concept of “beard.” It is also worth noting the increased durability of spinning reels - often their operation lasts for decades without any loss in functionality.

SHIMANO ULTEGRA 5500 XTD

Rating: 4.9

ULTEGRA is a special series of expensive spinning reels designed for sea fishing from the shore or boat. It is very heavy (almost 0.5 kilograms), but manageable and roomy. A 0.3 mm fishing line “fits” on a spool of 390 meters – this is almost 35% more than in the case of any other representative of the category.

Naturally, with such weight indicators, the moving mechanisms experience heavy loads. To eliminate them and minimize friction, five fairly large bearings, developed using special Shimano technologies, were introduced into the design. They wear out more slowly than conventional models and can last up to 20 years with proper maintenance. Actually, like the entire reel. To further justify the price, the manufacturers added line reducers to the kit: 2x10000 and 2x3500.

Advantages

• unlimited supply of working resources;
• 4 reducers and spare spool included;
• huge timber consumption;
• Suitable for fishing in the open sea.

Flaws

• very high price.

SHIMANO STRADIC FK 2500HG

Rating: 4.8

Do you want something more expensive and respectable? Pay attention to the STRADIC FK 2500HG. The model is quite popular among domestic fishermen and there are two good reasons for this. Firstly, it provides easier rewinding of the line due to the increased gear ratio (6.0:1). Secondly, the smooth operation is due to the use of seven ball bearings in friction units.

Yes, it is a little more difficult to maintain this coil, but the effect of use is much better. Its weight is 235 grams, and this minimal relief is well felt when casting. In conclusion, it is worth noting the pleasant appearance (black and silver looks very beautiful), as well as 240 meters of spool line capacity, with a line with a cross-section of 0.2 millimeters.

Advantages

• beautiful and resistant appearance;
• smooth ride;
• Reduced winding effort thanks to high reduction.

Flaws

• high price.

SHIMANO NEXAVE FE 2500

Rating: 4.7

This inertia-free device is no less interesting for amateur fishermen. NEXAVE FE 2500 is a timeless classic, slightly smaller in size than its main competitor, the Catana 3000 FD. But, despite the small capacity (only 160 meters of fishing line with a diameter of 0.25 millimeters), its weight is 255 grams. And this despite the fact that a composite body is used!

Actually the situation is simple. Manufacturers from Shimano are concerned about the reserve of working resources. In an effort to create something ultra-reliable, they equipped the reel with fairly massive components, as well as three ball bearings. With proper maintenance and adequate load conditions, it can last more than 10 years without causing even the slightest desire to replace it with something more expensive. Check out the NEXAVE if you're looking for a low-maintenance workhorse that will definitely outlast a couple of spinning rods.

Advantages

• very reliable design;
• a pleasant combination of gray body color and blue metallic color of the spool;
• low price.

Flaws

• not detected.

SHIMANO Catana 3000 FD

Rating: 4.6

In classic spinning fishing, fishermen have long moved away from the use of drum reels. The need to untangle the “beard” when braking late is a so-so task. Therefore, trends have shifted towards inertia-free models, among which the Catana 3000 FD stands out. This truly legendary reel has a very simple design, yet provides smooth and consistent performance no matter the line or your fishing style.

The device has a front friction brake and a gearbox with a gear ratio of 5.0:1. The friction units use only two ball and one roller bearings. The graphite body adds weight to the reel, but thanks to the aluminum spool it was possible to reduce it to a “democratic” 260 grams. The capacity of that same light-alloy spool is approximately 210 meters when using a fishing line with a cross-section of 0.25 millimeters. In conclusion, it is worth noting that the main advantage of the Catana 3000 FD is the price. This is the determining factor that has made the reel a top seller for several years.

Advantages

• very simple and reliable design;
• amazingly smooth operation of moving parts;
• quite nice design;
• low price.

Flaws

• not detected.

What's in the package

The scammers send all sorts of cheap Chinese junk - it could be a plastic watch, bags of soil, seeds, soap, a set of three screwdrivers, and more. People who have suffered at the hands of scammers send us photographs of the contents of their parcels. see all the photos here .

They sent 2 penknives, a bag of sand and a bag of radish-like seeds for 4,300 rubles.

Video about how they cheat with Russian Post parcels

Parcel weight is less than expected

Since the scammers put in the package something completely different from what you ordered (a completely wrong product), the weight of the package will not correspond to the real weight of the product. On the official website of the product manufacturer you can see the exact weight and even dimensions of the packaging (box).

Always pay attention to the weight of the parcel, which is indicated in the postal notice! But, more cunning scammers put pieces of cardboard, waste paper and other garbage in the parcel in order to give the parcel the required weight and remove suspicion.

They sent me a cheap Chinese watch instead of my order. They cheated me out of 5400 rubles + delivery 450 rubles.

What types of Shimano reels are there?

There are many of them and they are all different. It is very difficult to understand this diversity. To make the task easier for the buyer, the manufacturer has developed certain markers that make it easy to determine which class a particular mechanism belongs to. The entire range produced by the company can be divided into three main groups:

1. Multiplier.
2. Inertialess.
3. Inertial. They are produced in a modern design from modern materials, equipped with brake systems. Most often used by fly fishers.

On a note! Fly fishing is the most ancient type of fishing using special equipment: light artificial bait “flies”, heavy cord and a spinning reel.

A favorite type of fishing for members of the British royal family, US presidents, Hollywood celebrities and simply lovers of this type of water recreation.

The photo shows the modern “inertia” Shimanoo Asquith

Each group has an internal division.

Multiplier

They are divided into “barrels” and “soap boxes” due to the characteristic appearance of the mechanism body.

Barrels are the most powerful “winches”. The mechanism is hidden in a case of increased shock resistance. Used for catching large and very large fish. Particularly effective in sea trolling.

Soap dishes are elegant and compact devices. They weigh little, but are significantly more powerful than “meat grinders” of the same weight and size.

Inertialess

The largest group, including products for different types of fishing

• feeder;
• carp;
• spinning;
• trolling.

Fishing methods differ in the weight of the bait, casting distance, rod test, its length, and design (telescope or two/three-legged whip). And each of the above conditions requires careful selection of the device.

Some fishermen specialize in catching large predatory fish, and in difficult conditions, they will give preference to the TwinPower series, which is powerful, technologically advanced, and expensive.

On a note! TwinPower, translated as “double power”. A short and precise description of this model range of Shimano mechanisms.

These products compete with the top Shimano Stella series.

For some time now, fans of power fishing can choose not only between Stella and TwinPower. Wedged between these two leaders is a new product - Vanquish, an organic fusion of elegance and reliability.

These three series occupy the top lines of the company’s model range and not everyone can afford them. Those who are not ready to shell out a tidy sum for such a thing should pay attention to more affordable Shimano products:

1. Sustain.
2. Ultegra.
3. Cardiff.
4. Nasci.

This is not a complete list of products produced by the company. It should be noted that by purchasing Shimano products at affordable prices, buyers receive products of no less quality than products of the top category. The difference in price means differences in size and weight, nothing more. The company does not produce low-quality goods.

What to do if you have already placed an order, but realized that it is a scam

Often such a purchase (order) is made spontaneously, and only then does the client find out that the product does not suit him or the seller is not trustworthy. The parcel with cash on delivery will remain in the mail for about a month. The most interesting thing is that scammers will send you SMS messages and even call you, remind you about the parcel and even intimidate you with fines and courts! Understand, these are all fake threats. There is no wrongdoing on your part! It's all a bluff!!!

Remember: You can not only refuse to purchase Shimano Catana at any time before its delivery (delivery by courier or receipt at the post office), but also within seven days after receiving the goods. Moreover, if you have not received written information about the procedure and terms for returning the goods, you have the right to refuse it within 3 months from the date of receipt. Law on the Protection of Consumer Rights, Article 26.1 paragraph 4. This law applies to all goods sold remotely. Online merchants are mostly scammers and are therefore prepared for your actions in advance.

Best Shimano Trolling Reels

Trolling is an aggressive type of fishing that is performed from a motor boat or speedboat. It places special demands on the equipment of the fishing rod. As a rule, multiplier reels are often chosen for trolling, which provide easier casting and guiding of the bait.

SHIMANO CURADO 71 HG

Rating: 4.9

CURADO 71 HG earned the first place in the rating due to its excellent suitability for trolling and casting for fairly large prey. Despite the fact that it is much smaller in size, this does not make it a weak and less functional model. Experienced fishermen have become accustomed to aggressive fishing in small bodies of water, where its qualities are fully revealed. Take, for example, the lightweight operation of the gearbox: the gear ratio is 7.2:1. With such data, you may feel the bite a little worse, but you will get an advantage and more control when fishing.

The miniature CURADO 71 HG mechanisms include six ball bearings and one roller bearing. Thanks to the use of an aluminum body, the weight of the model was reduced to 185 grams. The spool is also made of light alloy and is designed for 150 meters of 0.25 mm fishing line. If you equally love casting and trolling, then this device will be your successful purchase.

Advantages

• very light and beautiful reel;
• high gear ratio, which makes fishing easier;
• smooth operation in friction units.

Flaws

• high price.

SHIMANO CARDIFF 400A

Rating: 4.8

Another specimen for aggressive fishing, but much more interesting from the point of view of basic capabilities. Miniature size and ease of work are not his thing. This multiplier holds up to 270 meters of fishing line with a diameter of 0.35 millimeters. with CARDIFF 400A you can easily fish at sea and catch trophies up to 20 kilograms.

The reel's own weight is 337 grams. This is greatly facilitated by the enlarged elements of the mechanism, as well as the presence of six bearings in the friction units. The gear ratio on the handle is 5.2:1, meaning you can feel all the catch fighting conditions. In general, there is nothing more to say about this device: it is moderately expensive and a good solution for those who love trolling and prefer to do it on reservoirs with large inhabitants.

Advantages

• The optimum ratio of price and quality;
• extremely reliable multiplier mechanism;
• increased smoothness of moving parts.

Flaws

• very heavy (337 g).

SHIMANO CORVALUS 301

Rating: 4.7

Light and high-tech reels have no place in trolling. Either way, the ascetic multiplier CORVALUS 301 is a moderately budget-friendly and very durable solution, tailored for aggressive types of fishing. Despite the use of a light alloy body and an aluminum spool, its weight is as much as 309 grams. But there are no complaints about reliability: all components are durable and can survive tens of millions of load cycles.

The forest capacity of CORVALUS 301 is 240 meters. An excellent result, especially if you take into account that it was calculated for a fishing line with a cross-section of 0.3 millimeters. The gear ratio is relatively small - in our rating there are models that provide easier fishing work. However, that’s the beauty of this reel: to give you the feeling of a real fight with a big fish. By choosing it, your chances of catching a trophy will increase many times over!

Advantages

• high degree of reliability;
• huge timber consumption;
• low purchase price.

Flaws

• ascetic appearance and heavy weight.

List of sites where they cheat

Below in the list are sites where they deceive by selling Shimano Catana. This is not the entire list of scam sites , since scammers constantly change names and addresses. If you find a site that is not on the list, please share the link in the comments at the bottom of the page.

• shopping-deals.com
• mega.skidka.ru.net
• xcartpro.com
• ru-site-online24.ru
• special-sales.com
• xfastcart.com
• xshopgood.com

What can you do? Where to complain?

This fraudulent scheme has been operating for more than 2 years. You, of course, can file a complaint or write a statement to the police, which will waste a lot of time and nerves, but no one will return your money.

The only thing you can do is to protect those who are not yet aware, who have not yet been deceived, by warning them. By sharing this information on social networks, you can help your loved ones avoid becoming victims of scammers.

Share your photos

If you have already received a parcel from scammers, you can send your photos of the contents of the parcel , we will definitely post them on the website in the section: Parcel Contents Gallery! You can send a photo using a special form.

How to buy online? Consumer Memo

Real reviews

It is useful for everyone who is looking for real reviews about Shimano Catana to know: There is simply nowhere to leave such reviews, numerous traders and intermediaries write them themselves, and even if such a site has a form for adding a comment, they will not miss any criticism and truthful information. Therefore, it is important to share real information with each other, write your reviews on independent sites that are not involved in trading and intermediary. There must be more truth.

Read the answers in the comments below and ask your questions! We publish only real comments and reviews. Take care of yourself and your loved ones. Order products only from trusted and popular online stores.

About Shimano

Shimano is a Japanese company that began its activities with the production of bicycle parts (bearings, gear shift carriages, etc.).

It was founded at the beginning of the 20th century. In the second half of the 20th century, the company expanded its horizons and moved into the production of fishing products and equipment. The Shimano company is very demanding in the production of any of its products. Before launching a product into production, company engineers test it. If a product is outdated, it is simply not put into production. The same applies to outdated goods. Samples that do not meet certain criteria are removed from production. That is why, thanks to such a careful approach to production, Shimano owns about 20% of the entire fishing accessories market.