Reviews: Key Opinions on the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD Surf Fishing Reel
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD is making waves in the surfcasting scene! Anglers rave about its power, performance, and how smoothly it handles long rods and braided line.
Its sleek silver design, high line capacity, and impressive drag force make it a top choice for targeting larger fish from the surf. Whether you’re casting for distance or battling a trophy catch, this reel is up to the task.
This comprehensive review dives deep into the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD, a popular surfcasting reel known for its power and exceptional line capacity. We’ll cover its key features, performance, pros and cons, and what users are saying, giving you all the info you need to decide if it’s the right reel for you.
Editorial Review: Our Opinion on the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD Surf Fishing Reel
Product Type / Mono Line Capacity / Gear Ratio
This surf fishing reel boasts a generous line capacity of 550 m / 0.35 mm and a powerful gear ratio of 4.3:1.
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD is a dedicated surf fishing reel designed for long-distance casting and battling strong fish.
Its impressive 550 m / 0.35 mm mono line capacity, second only to the HAUT TON NGK 14000 in our comparison (tied with the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSE), ensures you have enough line to handle even the longest casts and strongest runs, while the 4.3:1 gear ratio provides ample cranking power for retrieving heavy lines and lures.
Line capacity is an important consideration for surf fishing reels, as it determines how much line you can spool and the types of fishing you can do.
Gear ratios affect the speed of line retrieval, with lower ratios offering more power and higher ratios providing more speed.
If you need a reel with a higher gear ratio for faster retrieval, consider these alternatives:
- Daiwa Crosscast Surf 45 SCW 5000C QD (4.9:1)
- Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC (5.3:1)
- Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 (5.3:1)
Number of Ball Bearings / Type of Brake / Drag Force
Equipped with 5 ball bearings and a front brake system, the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD delivers an impressive drag force of 44.1 lbs (20 kg).
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD features 5 ball bearings for smooth and efficient operation, minimizing friction and maximizing casting distance.
Its front drag system provides precise control and a massive 44.1 lbs (20 kg) of drag force, a figure surpassed only by the HAUT TON NGK 14000 with its 53 lbs (24 kg) in our comparison.
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD shares this impressive drag force with its sibling, the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSE, allowing you to confidently tackle large and powerful fish.
Ball bearings contribute to the smoothness and durability of a reel, while drag force is essential for controlling and tiring out fish during a fight.
The number of ball bearings in surf fishing reels can vary significantly. If you’re looking for a reel with a higher number of ball bearings, the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC, with its 6 ball bearings, might be an option.
Weight / Material
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD weighs 645 g and is constructed from XT-7 graphite.
Built with Shimano’s durable XT-7 graphite material, the Ultegra 14000 XSD offers a balance of strength and weight. At 645 g, it’s a mid-weight reel that provides the necessary robustness for surf fishing without being overly heavy.
Weight is an important factor to consider when choosing a surf fishing reel, especially if you plan on using it for active fishing styles like spinning where you’ll be casting and retrieving frequently.
It can affect casting fatigue and overall comfort, especially during long fishing sessions. However, if you primarily use your surfcasting reel for bottom fishing where it sits in a sand spike, weight becomes less of a concern.
If you prefer a lighter reel, consider these alternatives:
- Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 (482 g)
- Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC (440 g)
Saltwater Resistance / Baitrunner
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD is not saltwater resistant and does not have a baitrunner function.
While the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD does not have a dedicated saltwater resistance feature, it is still a popular choice for surf fishing. However, it’s crucial to rinse the reel with freshwater after each use to prevent saltwater corrosion and ensure its longevity. This reel does not include a baitrunner function.
Saltwater resistance is a crucial feature for reels used in saltwater environments, as it protects them from the corrosive effects of salt. A baitrunner is a specialized feature that allows line to be released under tension, often used for carp fishing or when targeting other species that require a free-spool setup.
If you need a similar reel with saltwater resistance, consider the Daiwa Crosscast Surf 45 SCW 5000C QD. If a baitrunner function is essential, the Shimano Baitrunner XTB Big Longcast is an excellent option.
Customer Reviews: Summary of Feedback from Product Owners
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD surf fishing reel is a popular choice among anglers, boasting an impressive 4.2 out of 5-star rating on Amazon based on feedback from 155 customers.
Let’s delve deeper into what buyers are saying about this reel:
- There is no doubt this is a fish getting machine. I was hoping the purchase would be special and I am not disappointed.
- Compliments long surfing rods and the spool has plenty of room for braided line. The extra spool is a bonus.
- Got this reel for surf fishing and all my other reels are Penns. This reel is truly a fantastic machine and I know it won’t be my last.
- Good surf reel.
- Great reel for a surf fishing rig.
- Cast the surf all day for a week using a 30 pound line. The reel and line performed flawlessly.
- Very nice reel.
Reviews from other countries
- Good product, quality and price.
- The reel is beautiful and I love it.
- My partner has searched high and low for this because it’s their favorite, and finally, we found it here. There’s no other like it.
Anglers are truly impressed with the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD! They love its power, performance, and how well it handles long surf rods and braided line. The extra spool is a welcome addition, and the reel’s durability is undeniable – one angler even used it for a week straight without any issues!
It’s a popular choice for surf fishing rigs, praised for its quality and value. With such enthusiastic feedback, it’s clear that the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD is a top contender in the surfcasting world.
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD sports a sleek, silver finish that gives it a modern and stylish look. This understated design, combined with its large spool and sturdy handle, conveys a sense of power and reliability, essential qualities in a surfcasting reel built for battling big fish.
The highlights of this reel are its very high line capacity and drag force. It takes 2nd place in our comparison for both of these values.
With its impressive line capacity and drag force, the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD is a fantastic choice for anglers targeting larger species in the surf. Whether you’re battling sharks from the beach or chasing big rays, this reel has the guts to handle the challenge.
It’s also ideal for long-distance casting, allowing you to reach those far-off hotspots where the trophy fish are hiding.
Pros and Cons of the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD Surf Fishing Reel
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD is a powerful and reliable surfcasting reel that’s perfect for long-distance casting and hauling in large fish.
Anglers love its smooth operation and high line capacity, but it’s a bit heavier than some other models and needs to be rinsed after saltwater use. Overall, it’s a solid choice for those seeking a capable and affordable surfcasting reel.
Pros
- Reviewed by over 150 customers (4.2 of 5) on Amazon
- Second-highest line capacity in our comparison
- Second-highest drag force in our comparison
- 5 ball bearings
Cons
- Heavier than some other models
- Not saltwater resistant
The Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD is a popular choice among surf anglers, boasting an impressive 4.2 out of 5-star rating on Amazon with over 150 customer reviews.
It’s a powerful reel with the second-highest line capacity and drag force in our comparison, making it ideal for long-distance casting and battling large fish. With 5 ball bearings, it offers smooth operation and reliable performance.
However, it’s worth noting that the Ultegra 14000 XSD is heavier than some other models, which might be a consideration for anglers who prefer a lighter setup. Additionally, it’s not specifically designed for saltwater use, so it’s crucial to rinse it thoroughly with freshwater after each use to prevent corrosion.
Despite these minor drawbacks, the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD remains a solid choice for anglers seeking a powerful and capable surfcasting reel. Its combination of high line capacity, strong drag, and smooth operation makes it a versatile tool for tackling a variety of surf fishing scenarios.
FAQ: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD Surf Fishing Reel
What material is the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD made of?
The reel body is made of XT-7 graphite and the spool is made of aluminum.
Which rod size can I combine theShimano Ultegra 14000 XSD with?
For the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD, we recommend a 13-15ft surf rod with a casting weight of 100-250g for optimal balance and casting performance.