Spinning Reel Review: Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG
Performance Meets Precision: A Deep Dive into the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG
Looking for a new spinning reel for pike, musky, or walleye fishing? Then the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG might be just the thing for you! In this blog post, I’ll take a close look at this reel.
I’ve tested the Nasci FC 4000XG intensively while fishing for pike over the past few weeks and will share my honest experiences with you. How does it perform when casting heavy lures? And how does it perform in everyday use on the water?
Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG: Features and Technologies
| Manufacturer | |
| Availability | Only 2 left in stock - order soon. |
| Field test rating | 5 stars |
| Mono line capacity | 10/200 (lb/yds.) |
| Gear ratio | 6.2:1 |
| Number of ball bearings | 5+1 |
| Type of drag | Front drag |
| Max drag | 24 lbs |
| Weight | 10.1 oz |
| Material | CI4+ |
| Saltwater resistant |  |
| Baitrunner |  |
The Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG is a versatile spinning reel that offers ample line capacity for most angling situations, holding 200 yards of 10 lb test line.
Its high 6.2:1 gear ratio allows for fast lure retrieval, which is particularly beneficial when spin fishing for predatory fish. With 5+1 ball bearings, the reel operates with silky smoothness, providing a pleasurable angling experience.
The front drag system, boasting a powerful 24 lb of drag, ensures you have the muscle to land even the most hard-fighting fish. Thanks to the lightweight CI4+ material, the reel weighs only 10.1 oz, making it comfortable to handle during long fishing sessions.
Furthermore, the Nasci FC 4000XG is saltwater-resistant, making it suitable for use in marine environments.
The Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG incorporates the following Shimano technologies:
- Hagane Gear
- X-Ship Gear
- CoreProtect
- G FREE BODY
- AR-C Spool
- Cross Carbon Drag
The Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG is not only visually appealing but also technically advanced. At its core lies the Hagane Gear, a cold-forged aluminum drive gear that delivers exceptional durability and smooth performance.
Combined with the X-Ship gearing, power transmission during retrieves is optimized, which is advantageous when reeling in heavy lures or battling powerful fish.
To ensure the reel performs flawlessly in adverse conditions, it is equipped with CoreProtect. This technology shields the reel’s interior from water and debris ingress, making it saltwater-resistant.
The G FREE BODY enhances weight distribution by shifting the center of gravity closer to the rod. The result: reduced angler fatigue and improved handling.
The AR-C spool, with its V-shaped spool lip design, facilitates longer and more accurate casts. And thanks to the Cross Carbon Drag, you can rely on consistent and finely adjustable drag performance, even under extreme pressure.
Design and build quality
The Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG features a dark gray reel body constructed from exceptionally lightweight CI4+ material. This is a notable upgrade, as most other Shimano reels around the $100 price point utilize XT-7 graphite, and CI4+ is typically found in higher-end models.
The sturdy aluminum handle arm is foldable, requiring a few reverse rotations to collapse.
Black design elements and machined slots in the aluminum spool give it a dynamic and modern aesthetic. The spool is imprinted with the reel model name, the Shimano logo, and line capacity information in white lettering.
Additionally, the spool incorporates a black, V-shaped line clip for securing the line. It’s an AR-C spool made of aluminum, showcasing a very smooth, V-shaped spool lip.
At the front of the spool, you’ll find the textured drag knob. When tapped, the drag knob emits a solid, muffled sound, indicating robust plastic construction.
Compared to models like the Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C and the Shimano Sedona 2500 FJ, this model incorporates a more durable plastic.
The Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG is equipped with an infinite anti-reverse system, and there’s no switch on the reel’s underside to disable it. Most modern spinning reels feature an infinite anti-reverse system, as disabling it is rarely necessary in practical fishing situations.
Line lay and smoothness
When spooling the braided fishing line, I noticed that the line lay is generally clean and even. Only upon closer inspection can you observe that the line is spooled slightly higher on both spool edges.
The reel’s operation, with its 5 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, is exceptionally smooth and stable. Furthermore, it’s noticeably quieter than reels with fewer bearings.
Spin Fishing Performance: On-the-Water Testing
For targeting large pike, I paired the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG with the Daiwa Prorex X Spin (8’10”; 1.4-3.5oz casting weight).
Despite the total weight of this combination being 16.2 oz (rod: 6.2 oz; reel: 10.1 oz), hours of fishing remained highly comfortable and fatigue-free. This was likely due to Shimano’s G FREE BODY technology, which shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod.
When adjusting the drag before casting, I immediately noticed its rapid and precise response. A few turns of the drag knob are sufficient to transition from a fully locked state to a setting where a striking fish can smoothly peel off line.
Various lures weighing between 1.4-2.5 oz casted well and far, thanks to the clean line lay. During retrieves, the reel maintained a smooth and quiet operation.
The high 6.2:1 gear ratio stood out positively, enabling dynamic lure presentation and exceptionally fast lure retrieval.
Overall, the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG greatly impressed me in the field test, and I would definitely recommend it.
Uses of the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG
Due to its powerful 24lb drag, high 6.2:1 gear ratio, and responsive drag, the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG is exceptionally well-suited for spin fishing.
It also serves well for bottom fishing and float fishing, as the high gear ratio allows for quick rig retrieval, and the V-shaped spool lip facilitates long casts.
The 24lb drag is more than sufficient for targeting trophy pike and walleye, ensuring secure landings.
Pros and Cons of the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG
What I like:
- Powerful 24lb drag
- Ample line capacity
- Lightweight design
- CI4+ reel body under $100
- Excellent build quality
- Great value for the price
- Modern design
- Saltwater resistance
- Infinite anti-reverse
What I dislike:
- Line capacity could be higher
The Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG impressed me on many fronts. I particularly appreciated the powerful 24lb drag, which handles larger fish with confidence.
The line capacity is sufficient for most situations, although I personally would have preferred slightly more. An improvement could be to deepen the spool, similar to the Daiwa 23 Exceler LT4000D-C, to accommodate more line.
A true highlight is the reel’s lightweight design. Thanks to the CI4+ material and G FREE BODY technology, it balances comfortably in hand, enabling fatigue-free fishing, even during long sessions.
For around $100, you get a reel with excellent build quality and top-notch value. Visually, the Nasci FC 4000XG is appealing, boasting a modern design that I find very attractive.
Another advantage is its saltwater resistance, making it suitable for marine environments. The infinite anti-reverse ensures solid hook sets and prevents unwanted handle back play.
In summary, the Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG is a fantastic reel that I can recommend to any angler seeking a reliable and high-performance model at a fair price.
Conclusion
The Shimano Nasci FC 4000XG is a true predator magnet! It offers everything needed for spin fishing for pike, musky, and walleye, delivering impressive performance, features, and value. Highly recommended!