Reviews: Key Opinions on the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC Surf Fishing Reel
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC, our comparison winner, is a top-performing surfcasting reel praised for its lightweight design, durability, and smooth operation. Anglers appreciate its long casting capabilities and powerful drag, suitable even for landing small sharks.
Its high gear ratio and comfortable handling make it a versatile choice for various fishing styles.
Below you will see our review of the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC. We have also summarized reviews from buyers for you, so you can quickly get an overview of the most important strengths and weaknesses of this surf fishing reel.
Editorial Review: Our Opinion on the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC Surf Fishing Reel
Product Type / Mono Line Capacity / Gear Ratio
This surf fishing reel has a line capacity of 290 m / 0.35 mm and a particularly high gear ratio of 5.3:1.
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is a spinning reel specifically designed for surf fishing. It boasts a substantial mono line capacity of 290 m / 0.35 mm and a gear ratio of 5.3:1. This combination makes it well-suited for long-distance casting and efficient retrieval.
The surfcasting reels in our comparison have line capacities ranging from 143 m / 0.35 mm to 648 m / 0.35 mm. With its capacity of 290 m / 0.35 mm, the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is in the lower range, but still holds twice as much line as the reel with the lowest capacity.
In surf fishing, the rod and reel are placed on a rod holder after casting and are not retrieved as frequently as in spin fishing or float fishing. This is why most surfcasting reels are built with gear ratios of 4.3:1 to 4.9:1.
The gear ratios of the various models we present range from 4.3:1 to 5.3:1. In this range, the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC, with a gear ratio of 5.3:1, occupies the top position together with the Shimano Ultegra 5500 XTD and the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 (both also 5.3:1).
A high gear ratio is generally always advantageous for fishing methods where the lure is retrieved frequently and fast retrieval is important. Due to the high gear ratio, the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC could also be used very well for speed jigging and heavy spin fishing.
Number of Ball Bearings / Type of Brake / Drag Force
With 6 ball bearings and a front brake, the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC offers a drag force of 33.1 lbs (15 kg).
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is equipped with 6 ball bearings and a front drag system that provides a maximum drag force of 33.1 lbs (15 kg). This robust drag system ensures you have the stopping power needed to handle larger fish commonly encountered in surf fishing.
The number of ball bearings in the surfcasting reels we present ranges from 3 to 18. A higher number of ball bearings ensures smoother reel operation and is particularly advantageous for active fishing methods such as float fishing and spin fishing.
In terms of the number of ball bearings, the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC, with its 6 bearings, takes 3rd place together with the Penn Surfblaster III Longcast 7000.
Only the Okuma Flite 12000A (10 ball bearings) and the HAUT TON NGK 14000 (18 ball bearings) have a higher number of ball bearings.
In our comparison, there are surf fishing reels with drag forces ranging from 17.6 lbs (8 kg) to 53 lbs (24 kg). The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC, with its drag force of 33.1 lbs (15 kg), is in the mid-range. Nevertheless, this drag force is sufficient to successfully land most saltwater fish.
If you’re looking for a surfcasting reel with a particularly high drag force, the following 3 models might be of interest to you:
- HAUT TON NGK 14000 (53 lbs (24 kg))
- Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSD (44.1 lbs (20 kg))
- Shimano Ultegra 14000 XSE (44.1 lbs (20 kg))
Weight / Material
The Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC weighs only 440 g and is constructed from CI4+ material.
The Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is constructed using Shimano’s lightweight CI4+ material, resulting in a reel that weighs only 440 g. This reduced weight contributes to improved casting comfort and reduced fatigue during long fishing sessions.
The weights of the reels in our surfcasting reel comparison range from 440 g to 844 g. With a weight of only 440 g, the Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is the lightest model, followed by the Okuma Rockaway Surf 6000 at 482 g.
The weight of a surf fishing reel doesn’t play such a big role if the reel is to be used exclusively for surf fishing. Particularly light models are interesting for anglers who also want to use the reel for spin fishing or want to achieve particularly long casting distances.
Saltwater Resistance / Baitrunner
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is saltwater resistant but lacks a baitrunner function.
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is designed to withstand the harsh saltwater environment. However, it does not have a built-in baitrunner feature. You can, however, use it similarly to a baitrunner reel by completely opening the drag after casting
If you’re looking for a surfcasting reel with a Baitrunner, we recommend the Shimano Baitrunner XTB Big Longcast.
8 out of 10 reels in our surf fishing reel comparison are saltwater resistant. Non-saltwater resistant models should be thoroughly rinsed with freshwater after each fishing trip to prevent corrosion.
Customer Reviews: Summary of Feedback from Product Owners
For the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ XTC, there are currently a total of 93 reviews on Amazon and Tackle Direct. On average, buyers rated this surfcasting reel 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Buyers rate the reel as follows:
- Best surf reel I’ve ever used. It’s light and very durable. Pulled in a black tip shark on the beach with no problem.
- Very lightweight and well made with great balance. Big strippers and the occasional halibut will not be a problem.
- This reel worked well in the surf. My only problem was finding the right rod for it. I used a 11 ft surf rod but it needed to be stronger or longer. The reel needs to be matched with a high end rod.
- Well made. Lightweight and suitable for long casting distance.
- Great reel. Light and smooth.
- Great reel to throw further. Very comfortable on an 11 ft rod.
- After getting splashed with salt water the handle turns a bit rough and one little metal bearing has some rust on it. Performs great with small fish.
Reviews from other countries
- I already have 2 of these. They are excellent fishing reels used on 10 foot free spirit rods.
- I bought the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ XTC 5500 to mount on a feeder rod for long distance fishing. It turned out to be an excellent choice, the line comes off the spool easily, the retrieve is precise and punctual even under stress with large fish.
- Very good product!
Anglers consistently praise the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC for its lightweight design and exceptional durability. Many have successfully landed large fish, including sharks, with ease. The reel’s smooth operation and long casting capabilities are also frequently highlighted.
Some users recommend pairing it with a high-end, sturdy rod, especially when targeting larger species. While most experiences are positive, one angler noted some minor rusting on a bearing after saltwater exposure.
Overall, the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC receives overwhelmingly positive feedback for its performance and quality.
We agree with the customers’ opinions and find that the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC combines quality and performance. Two special features of this surfcasting reel are its very light weight, high gear ratio and its 6 ball bearings, which give it a particularly smooth operation.
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC features a sleek, modern design with a matte black finish and silver accents. This color scheme and the clean lines give the reel an elegant yet robust appearance.
Its light weight, high number of ball bearings, and high gear ratio make it interesting for spin and feeder anglers as well. In addition, its drag force is even sufficient to subdue small sharks.
This reel is suitable for any angler looking for a light, smooth, and versatile surf fishing reel with world-renowned Shimano quality.
Pros and Cons of the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC Surf Fishing Reel
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is a high-performing, lightweight surfcasting reel with a high gear ratio and smooth operation, making it a great choice for anglers who value speed and effortless handling.
Though it lacks saltwater resistance and is slightly pricier than some competitors, its excellent features and customer ratings make it a worthwhile investment.
Pros
- Reviewed by over 90 customers (4.6 of 5) on Amazon and Tackle Direct
- Our Comparison Winner
- Highest gear ratio in our comparison
- Lightest weight in our comparison
- High drag force of 33.1 lbs (15 kg)
- Very smooth with 6 ball bearings
Cons
- Not saltwater resistant
- Slightly more expensive than other models
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is a top-performing surf fishing reel that boasts a winning combination of features. It’s earned an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 90 customers on Amazon and Tackle Direct, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and high-quality choice.
In our comparison, it stands out with the highest gear ratio and the lightest weight, making it ideal for anglers who prioritize speed and effortless handling.
With a powerful 33.1 lbs (15 kg) drag force and an incredibly smooth operation thanks to its 6 ball bearings, it’s well-equipped to handle demanding fishing situations.
While it may be slightly more expensive than some other models and lacks saltwater resistance, its exceptional performance and features make it a worthwhile investment for serious anglers.
FAQ: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC Surf Fishing Reel
What material is this reel made of?
The Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC is made of Shimano’s lightweight CI4+ material.
Which rod can I combine the Shimano Ultegra CI4+ 5500 XTC with?
We recommend combining the reel with a surf rod that is at least 11 feet long. The longer the rod, the further you can cast.
- Amazon
- Own experience