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
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 |
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Name | Overall Rating | Price | |
---|---|---|---|
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel | 8 | £59.99 | Sold Here |
Okuma Surf 8k | 8.5 | £84.99 | Sold Here |
Penn Spinfisher VII | 8.6 | £99.99 | Sold Here |
Daiwa Legalis LT Reel | 8.5 | £70.69 | Sold Here |
Shimano Bullseye 9120 | 8.9 | £377.99 | Sold Here |
Penn Fathom II | 8.4 | £149.99 | Sold Here |
Shimano Tyrnos | 8.8 | £209.99 | Sold Here |
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel | 8.3 | £106.55 | Sold Here |
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:
Name | Build Quality | Cast & Retrieve | Drag / Clutch | Value For Money |
---|---|---|---|---|
Wychwood Agitator S1 Baitcasting Reel | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9 |
Okuma Surf 8k | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 9 |
Penn Spinfisher VII | 9.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
Daiwa Legalis LT Reel | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
Shimano Bullseye 9120 | 9.5 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8 |
Penn Fathom II | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.5 | 8.5 |
Shimano Tyrnos | 9.0 | 9.0 | 9.0 | 8 |
Daiwa BG Spinning Reel | 8.5 | 8.0 | 8.0 | 8.5 |
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