Reviewed

Shimano Tyrnos

In stock eTackle score 8.8/10 4.3/5 49 external reviews from 2 sources 49 reviews
Lowest in-stock price
£149.99 from Total Fishing Tackle
Compared across 4 shops , with 3 currently in stock
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5 Things To Know

  1. A heavy-duty lever-drag boat reel for anglers targeting big species over deep water and wrecks.
  2. Two sizes (16 and 20) cover most UK boat work up to serious big-game capacity, so pick by line load and target.
  3. A one-piece die-cast frame and HEG gearing give the rigidity and cranking power needed to lift fish from depth.
  4. A lever drag with preset strike (7kg) and full (15kg) settings lets you set fighting pressure precisely.
  5. The 16 holds 475yds of 20lb and the 20 holds 820yds of 50lb mono, so the size you pick sets your target range.

Shimano Tyrnos Review

The Shimano Tyrnos series represents serious hardware for dedicated boat anglers, with both the 16 and 20 models showcasing Shimano's commitment to engineering excellence. Our testing focused on how these reels perform when targeting the larger species found in UK waters, particularly considering their positioning as premium heavy-duty boat reels.

The build quality is immediately apparent in both models, with their one-piece die-cast frames providing exceptional rigidity. The 16's 819g weight feels reassuringly solid without being overwhelming, while the 20's additional weight at 1021g reflects its increased capabilities.

The cold-forged construction, combined with the HEG (High Efficiency Gearing), delivers impressive cranking power that's particularly noticeable when working baits in deep water or fighting powerful fish. During performance testing, the lever drag system proved its worth, with the preset 7kg strike and 15kg maximum offering precise control throughout the fight.

Both models handle the 5.0:1 gear ratio effectively, though the Tyrnos 20's superior line capacity (820 yards of 50lb mono versus the 16's 475 yards of 20lb) makes it particularly well-suited to targeting larger species in deeper water. The four A-RB bearings provide smooth operation even under heavy loads, while the power handle offers excellent leverage when needed most.

Build quality 9.0/10
Value for money 8.0/10
Cast and retrieve 9.0/10
Drag 9.0/10

Pros

  • Outstanding build quality with cold-forged frame construction
  • Precise lever drag control with useful preset positions
  • Powerful and smooth HEG gearing system
  • Excellent corrosion resistance from A-RB bearings

Cons

  • Weight is heavier than some of its competitors because of the heavy duty nature of the reel
  • Quite pricey

Features and Specifications

Feature What this means
One Piece Die-Cast Frame Cold-forged single-piece construction provides superior strength and ensures perfect gear alignment under heavy loads
HEG (High Efficiency Gearing) Oversized gearing system that maximises power transfer and cranking strength when fighting large fish
Lever Drag System Precise drag control with preset strike (7kg) and full (15kg) settings for better fish-fighting control
4 A-RB Bearings Anti-Rust Bearings specially shielded against saltwater intrusion for long-term smooth operation
5.0:1 Gear Ratio Balanced retrieve speed offering good cranking power while maintaining efficient line recovery
Power Handle Ergonomic handle design providing enhanced leverage when fighting powerful fish
Line Capacity (Tyrnos 16) 475 yards of 20lb mono - suitable for most UK boat fishing scenarios
Line Capacity (Tyrnos 20) 820 yards of 50lb mono - exceptional capacity for targeting large species in deep water
Weight Comparison Tyrnos 16: 819g | Tyrnos 20: 1021g - reflecting their heavy-duty construction

How It Compares

Here is how the Shimano Tyrnos compares against other multiplier & baitcasters. This table uses eTackle review ratings and current exported product prices.

Name Price Overall Rating
Shimano Tyrnos £149.99 8.8
Shimano Bullseye 9120 £377.99 8.9
Penn Spinfisher VII £79.99 8.6
Daiwa Legalis LT Reel £59.99 8.5
Okuma Surf 8k £78.95 8.5
Penn Fathom II £149.99 8.4
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel £89.99 8.3
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel £49.99 8

Useful Information

External angler reviews

4.3/5 49 verified buyer reviews from 2 sources
Verified sources: Amazon UK eBay
About this rating

eTackle looks for trusted, exact-match review sources and combines them where independent sources are available.

Price History

Tracked shop prices over time.

Highest Price
£314.49 Amazon.co.uk
12 February 2026
Lowest Price
£149.99 Total Fishing Tackle
24 July 2026
Current Price
£149.99 Total Fishing Tackle
3 August 2026
Since 12 February 2026

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Shimano Tyrnos best used for?

It is a multiplier & baitcaster, chosen for the situations that style of fishing calls for.

What is the One Piece Die-Cast Frame on the Shimano Tyrnos?

Cold-forged single-piece construction provides superior strength and ensures perfect gear alignment under heavy loads.

What guides does the Shimano Tyrnos use?

Oversized gearing system that maximises power transfer and cranking strength when fighting large fish.

What is the drag like on the Shimano Tyrnos?

Precise drag control with preset strike (7kg) and full (15kg) settings for better fish-fighting control.

What is the 5.0:1 Gear Ratio on the Shimano Tyrnos?

Balanced retrieve speed offering good cranking power while maintaining efficient line recovery.

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