Shimano Tyrnos Review

OVERALL RATING
8.8
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Top Line

Premium heavy-duty boat reels from Shimano, featuring their proven HEG gearing system and cold-forged frame construction

Perfect for targeting large species like sharks and conger, with preset lever drag settings and substantial line capacities

Excellent value for serious anglers requiring professional-grade performance in demanding situations

Features & Specifications With Explanation

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

Manufacturers Description

No manufacturers specs found for this model

How It Scores

OVERALL RATING
8.8
9.0
BUILD QUALITY
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What Does This Mean?

When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.

9.0
CAST & RETRIEVE
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What Does This Mean?

This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and how smooth the retrieve is.

Distance isn't a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.

On top of the actual, physical performance of the reel we also look at the number and type of ball bearings, the spool, line lay and the gear ratio in comparison to its required use.

9.0
DRAG / CLUTCH
?
What Does This Mean?

When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use.

There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that is being applied.

8.0
VALUE FOR MONEY
?
What Does This Mean?

Self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. This is because it creates more of a level playing field.

Of course, the more expensive a reel is the more quality components it will have and as such will generally score higher.

Having value for money as a criterion allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Reviews & Experiences

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.

In summary, the Shimano Tyrnos 16 and 20 stand as formidable choices for serious boat anglers, with the 16 offering an excellent balance of power and manageable size, while the 20 provides the additional capacity needed for targeting trophy fish. The model itself features in our guide on the best sea fishing reels as a top boat fishing option.

Their robust construction and refined features excel in demanding fishing scenarios, with the lever drag system providing precise control when it matters most.

While the weight might be notable, particularly in the 20 model, both reels’ smooth operation and reliability make them worthy investments for anglers prioritising durability and performance.

The combination of High-Efficiency Gearing and cold-forged construction justifies their reputation as go-to reels for targeting large species from boats.

What Anglers Like (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

What Anglers Dislike (Cons)

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

How It Compares

Here is how the Shimano Tyrnos compares against other products in its category. This table shows the overall rating based on the average of the key attributes that go into making a top fishing reel.

There are four key attributes that form the basis of our reviews on fishing reels. These include the following:

Build Quality: – When we assess the build quality of a fishing reel, we test and review the materials used in manufacturing the reel and how it all comes together in the finished product.

Cast & Retrieve: – This part of the review is fairly self-explanatory and focuses on how well the reel casts and smooth the retrieve is. Distance isn’t a factor in this assessment whereas accuracy and efficiency is.

Drag System: – When reviewing the drag system on a fishing reel we are testing how smooth the drag is and how convenient it is to use. There is no bias as to whether a reel has a front or rear drag system, it is solely judged on how smooth it can take out line relative to the amount of pressure that it is being applied.

Value for Money: – Again, this is self-explanatory in terms of an assessment but yet an important part of the review process. Having value for money as a criterion allows us to judge how well a reel performs vs its price point and in turn allows us to recognise good-performing reels at bargain prices.

Here is how the Shimano Tyrnos performed against is peers in each of these important attributes:

NameBuild QualityCast & RetrieveDrag / ClutchValue For Money
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel8.07.57.59
Okuma Surf 8k8.08.58.59
Penn Spinfisher VII9.08.58.58.5
Daiwa Legalis LT Reel8.58.58.58.5
Shimano Bullseye 91209.59.09.08
Penn Fathom II8.58.08.58.5
Shimano Tyrnos9.09.09.08
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel8.58.08.08.5

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