Reviews & Where To Buy
A well-built mid-priced feeder reel with Shimano’s renowned quality
One of the lightest, decent reels on the market
Featured in our guide on top feeder fishing reels and best barbel reels
| Feature | What This Means |
|---|---|
| CI4+ Body and Rotor | A premium Carbon Infusion material that is 2.5 times stronger than standard nylon and significantly lighter than aluminium. This results in a remarkably lightweight reel (4000 size weighs only 245g). |
| HAGANE Gearing | Shimano’s exclusive cold-forged gear technology that creates exceptionally precise, durable gears. This provides superior smoothness, virtually eliminates gear flex under load, and significantly extends the reel’s working life compared to cast gears. |
| Anti-Reverse Facility | A switchable system that allows you to choose between traditional anti-reverse (preventing the handle from turning backwards) or free-spool back-winding when fighting fish. This versatility lets you play fish directly off the drag or use back-winding with finer lines. |
| Waterproof Drag System | A sealed drag mechanism that prevents water ingress, ensuring consistently smooth performance even in wet conditions. This maintains precise fish-fighting capability regardless of the weather and extends the life of the drag components. |
| X-SHIP Technology | Shimano’s precision bearing positioning system that supports the pinion gear on both ends with bearings. This creates smoother rotation, increased gear durability, and improved power transmission, especially noticeable when retrieving heavier feeders or fighting larger fish. |
| Silent Drive Technology | A precision engineering approach that eliminates micro-wobbles and gaps between moving parts. This results in near-silent operation and a premium feel, reducing noise that might spook fish in quiet conditions. |
| G-Free Body Design | A body design that shifts the reel’s centre of gravity closer to the rod. This improves balance, reduces wrist fatigue, and provides better casting control, particularly beneficial during long match fishing sessions. |
| AR-C Cold Forged Aluminium Spools | Premium spools made through a cold-forging process that creates a stronger, more precise component. The AR-C (Anti-Twist Reverse Taper) lip design reduces line friction during casting, allowing for greater distances and less line coiling. |
| Spare Spool Included | Each reel comes with an additional matched spool, allowing you to quickly switch between different line types or strengths without the need to purchase accessories separately. This versatility is particularly valuable for match anglers who face varying conditions. |
| Line Reducer System | Included inserts that reduce the effective spool capacity, allowing you to use less line while maintaining proper spooling. The 5000 model includes a special reducer for braid, making it ideal for long-range feeder fishing without wasting expensive line. |
| Direct Screw-In Handle | A handle that connects directly to the drive gear via a threaded connection rather than a clip system. This eliminates handle play, providing a more direct power transfer and secure feel when retrieving or fighting fish. |
| Metal Line Clip | A robust, line-friendly clip that securely holds your line at a set distance. This is especially useful for feeder fishing, allowing you to cast repeatedly to the same spot without damaging your line, unlike plastic alternatives that can cause weak points. |
| Size-Specific Applications | Three purpose-designed sizes to match different fishing styles: the 3000 for float fishing and close-range feeder work, the 4000 for larger float work or mid-range feeders, and the 5000 for long-range or heavier feeder work. This allows you to perfectly match the reel to your specific fishing requirements. |
The Shimano Aero XR Reel has made waves in the UK angling community, promising to blend Shimano’s renowned quality with features tailored for match and feeder fishing.
As part of Shimano’s effort to reclaim their top spot in the UK market, this reel has generated considerable buzz. Let’s dive into what makes the Aero XR stand out.
Shimano has pulled out all the stops with the Aero XR’s construction. The reel boasts a CI4+ body and rotor, coupled with a HAGANE cold-forged drive gear. This combination results in a remarkably lightweight reel, tipping the scales at just 250g to 260g depending on the model. It’s one of the lightest feeder reels on the market, which is a godsend during those long, cast-heavy sessions.
The build quality is top-notch, with the CI4+ material offering high strength-to-weight ratio. This means you’re getting durability without the added bulk. The HAGANE gear, known for its robustness, ensures that the reel can withstand the rigours of frequent use and heavy loads.
One minor gripe some anglers might have is that the ultralight construction could feel a bit too ‘weak’ for those accustomed to more traditional metal bodies. However, this is more of a perception issue than a functional one.
The Aero XR is packed with features that all come together nicely to make it a quality reel. Let’s start with the gear ratio of 4.7:1, which strikes a nice balance between retrieve speed and power. This ratio is particularly well-suited for feeder work, offering sufficient torque for playing larger fish effectively.
The reel comes equipped with 6+1 S A-RB (Shielded Anti-Rust) ball bearings. While some premium models might boast more bearings, the quality here is undeniable, providing smooth operation in both casting and retrieving.
One practical feature is the waterproof front drag system. Although its pretty standard, it does offer precise adjustments even in wet conditions. The ARC long cast aluminium spool is another highlight, designed to reduce friction and improve casting distance, which is particularly beneficial for long-range feeder fishing.
Shimano has also incorporated their SilentDrive and X-Ship technologies. SilentDrive reduces noise and vibration, while X-Ship enhances gear durability and smoothness. These advanced technologies significantly improve the overall fishing experience and give the Aero XR a competitive edge.
When it comes to performance, the Aero XR does well and has scored a credible 8.5 out of 10 when testing its casting ability and retrieve.
The retrieve rate ranges from 75cm to 105cm per handle turn, depending on the model. This is faster than average, proving particularly useful for retrieving line quickly during long casts.
The lightweight nature of the reel becomes apparent during labour intensive sessions that require frequent casting.
The line capacity is ample for most fishing scenarios, with the 3000 model holding 150m of 0.25mm line and the 5000 model accommodating 150m of 0.30mm line.
In summary, the Shimano Aero XR Reel is a versatile reel that would suit both beginners looking for quality gear and experienced anglers seeking a reliable, lightweight option for match or feeder fishing.
It proves to be a formidable contender in the mid-range market by successfully combining lightweight design, advanced features, and solid performance into a package that offers excellent value for money.
Here is how the Shimano Aero XR Reel compares against other products in its category.
| Name | Overall Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Shimano Aero XR Reel | 8.6 | £99.99 |
| Preston Centris Reel | 8.6 | £134.99 |
| Daiwa 20 Tournament Reel | 8.9 | £257.99 |
| Drennan Vertex Reel | 8.1 | £34.99 |
| Daiwa 24 TDR QD Reel | 8.8 | £224.99 |
| Preston Intensity Feeder Reel | 8.4 | £119.99 |
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