Shimano Ultegra CI4 Plus Spinning Reels

Super buttery smooth and cast far

I used this reel on a 10' ODM Genesis at the CC Canal. It is versatile and performs at a high level. I am not the most careful person with my gear and this reel never skipped a beat. It asts beautifully and I was throwing everything from epoxies to large pencil poppers. I can't recommend this reel enough.

I figured since the previous Ultegra CI4 Plus (ULCI45500XSB Ultegra CI4 Plus XSB) performed very well for my kind of fishing, I would purchase this newer ULTCI45500XTC Ultegra CI4 Plus as a second reel since the XSB is no longer available. For me, the XTC did not perform as well over the past eight months of fishing as did my older XSB. Everything is comparable except the quick drag feature proved to be cumbersome on this newer version. The main problem is that it is not predictable due to consistency and/or precision with the drag. With the XSB, I can rely on “clicks†either way for predicable quick drag pressure. With this newer XTC model, because of the tension consistency and predictability issue, I have to slacken the drag and use hands on the spool to increase tension when the big ones are running too fast or towards cover --the reef, rocks, piling, etc. Needless to say, I have to tighten before and loosen immediately after each cast. It could be that the particular reel I have is the one in the lot that is faulty but I am back to using the more reliable XSB. However, if you can get past the quick drag issue, this is a good reel.

Great light weight reel for the size. Love the line lay for braid. Casts better than any reel I own. Fights well despite weak looking arm and knob. Biggest let down was the poor knob. A reel this size needs more of a power knob stock.

what a difference from the first one I owned ,looks fantastic and smooth light great drag everything that I was looking for in a reel for throwing plugs

This reel is butter soft, light as a feather.

I only use Penns for my spinners, but I can't say this is not a nice looking reel with good specs. Just today I went to a local vendor to look at both the ultegra and the TranX after seeing them here. Nice and smooth action on both and they are both great looking. Have to decide between these two reels or another Avet or my girl might shoot me for having too many already.

Awesome Reel !!!! I am a loyal person and want to personally thank John Vaughn and Jay Caldwell and the team at Tackle Direct for years of amazing service. I bought one of these reels to pair on a St Croix Legend 11 ft Surf Rod for the striper run in the Potomac this year. First of all it comes to my house the next day and I immediately hit the river. Man does this setup fly !!!!!! People were literally stopping what they were doing to watch me cast. Using a 3oz buck tail or 4oz spoon I was instantly amazed !!! Used it with a 5 oz sinker and blood worms and I was able to get it 3x further than the fisherman around me. I was so impressed I ordered another Shimano Ultegra CI4 5500 and St Croix Legend Rod the next day !!!! I have around 60 Shimano reels and am usually a bait caster guy but this instantly has become one of the smoothest, farthest casting, as well as sensitive combos I have ever fished with. And paired together just looks so sexy !!!! #tackledirect #shimano

Well, frankly, I wish I could give it 4.5 stars because a surf reel with 44 pounds of drag, where folks might be targeting big bull reds, sharks, stripers, etc. . . . it really ought to have a better handle option. Don't get me wrong - the handle is totally strong. Not flimsy at all. But I do prefer the more grabby egg-shaped that come on the Stradic 8000s for example.

Paired with a 12' Shimano Tiralejo, I can easily hit the second gut. With some practice, I have no doubt I'll be able to cast 4 oz 150 yards.

Shimano's usual peerless fit and finish, excellent engineering, and you have a winner. If you'd been thinking about the Saragosa due to its sealed body and strength, take a look at this if you're mostly into surf fishing.

I'm saving for another.

Excellent reel for shore casting. Lightweight, rigid and I love the Insta-drag It does cast far. I will buy the bigger model in the near future.

Ultegra 14000 a very smooth lightweight reel. So far I have taken it out several times just casting . IT does cast far but as with any other reel its only as good as your skill. With that said casting is effortless and the retrieve is very smooth. I really like the feel of this reel just waiting to give it the real test with a striper or blue on .