Shimano Fishing Reel Series, Prefixes and Suffixes
Understanding Shimano fishing reel naming conventions is essential for anglers looking to choose the perfect reel for their needs. Shimano, a global leader in fishing gear, uses a structured system of series names, prefixes, and suffixes to denote reel types, sizes, and features. This guide provides a complete breakdown of all Shimano spinning, baitcasting, and conventional reel models and series, along with their naming conventions, helping you decode what each part of a reel’s name means. Whether you’re targeting freshwater bass or saltwater giants, this comprehensive list ensures you’ll find the right Shimano reel for your fishing adventures.
Shimano Reel Types
Shimano categorizes its reels into three main types: spinning, baitcasting, and conventional. Each type has distinct naming patterns and serves different fishing purposes:
- Spinning Reels: Versatile reels for freshwater and saltwater, featuring series like Stella and Stradic, with complex naming including variants, body type, and feature codes.
- Baitcasting Reels: Precision reels for casting, such as Curado and SLX, with size numbers and technology-specific suffixes like “DC” for digital control.
- Conventional Reels: Heavy-duty reels for big game fishing, like Tiagra and TLD, with simpler naming focused on series, variants, and size.
Shimano Spinning Reels
Shimano spinning reels follow a detailed naming convention: Series Name + Variant/Version (optional) + Body Type (optional) + Spool Size + Feature Suffixes (optional). Here’s how it works:
- Series Name: Identifies the reel family (e.g., Stella, Stradic).
- Variant/Version: Indicates a specific line or iteration (e.g., SW for saltwater, FK for front drag version K).
- Body Type: “C” indicates a compact body (e.g., Twin Power XD C5000XG).
- Spool Size: Numbers like 1000, 2500, or 4000 denote line capacity and reel size.
- Feature Suffixes: Letters like “S” (shallow spool), “HG” (high gear), or “XG” (extra high gear) specify features.
Example: Stella SW 8000 XTD = Stella series, Saltwater variant, 8000 spool size, X-Tend Drag feature.
Spinning Reel Series
| Series Name | Example Model | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Aerlex | Aerlex 10000XTB | Series: Aerlex, Size: 10000, Feature: XTB (XT Baitrunner) |
| AX | AX 2500FB | Series: AX, Size: 2500, Feature: FB (specific version) |
| Baitrunner D | Baitrunner D 8000 | Series: Baitrunner D, Size: 8000 |
| Baitrunner DL | Baitrunner DL 6000 | Series: Baitrunner DL, Size: 6000 |
| Baitrunner OC | Baitrunner OC 8000 | Series: Baitrunner OC, Size: 8000 |
| Baitrunner ST | Baitrunner ST 6000 | Series: Baitrunner ST, Size: 6000 |
| Baitrunner X-Aero | Baitrunner X-Aero 8000 | Series: Baitrunner X-Aero, Size: 8000 |
| Catana | Catana FE 3000 | Series: Catana, Variant: FE, Size: 3000 |
| CX | CX 3000FB | Series: CX, Size: 3000, Feature: FB (specific version) |
| Exage | Exage FD 2500 | Series: Exage, Variant: FD (front drag), Size: 2500 |
| Exsence | Exsence C3000MHG | Series: Exsence, Body: C (compact), Size: 3000, Features: M (medium), HG (high gear) |
| FX | FX 2000FC | Series: FX, Size: 2000, Feature: FC (specific version) |
| Hyperloop | Hyperloop 6000FB | Series: Hyperloop, Size: 6000, Feature: FB (specific version) |
| IX | IX 1000R | Series: IX, Size: 1000, Feature: R (rear drag) |
| Miravel | Miravel 2500HG | Series: Miravel, Size: 2500, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Nasci | Nasci FC 2500 | Series: Nasci, Variant: FC, Size: 2500 |
| Nexave | Nexave FI 3000 | Series: Nexave, Variant: FI, Size: 3000 |
| Rarenium | Rarenium CI4+FB 2500 | Series: Rarenium, Variant: CI4+FB (carbon material, front drag), Size: 2500 |
| Sahara | Sahara 2500HGS | Series: Sahara, Size: 2500, Features: HG (high gear), S (shallow spool) |
| Saros | Saros 3000FA | Series: Saros, Size: 3000, Feature: FA (version A, front drag) |
| Sedona | Sedona 3000HG | Series: Sedona, Size: 3000, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Sephia | Sephia SS C3000S | Series: Sephia, Variant: SS, Body: C (compact), Size: 3000, Feature: S (shallow spool) |
| Sidestab | Sidestab 3000FI | Series: Sidestab, Size: 3000, Feature: FI (specific version) |
| Sienna | Sienna 1000FG | Series: Sienna, Size: 1000, Feature: FG (front drag, G-Free body) |
| Slate | Slate 4000XG | Series: Slate, Size: 4000, Feature: XG (extra high gear) |
| Soare | Soare BB 2000HG | Series: Soare, Variant: BB, Size: 2000, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Solstace | Solstace 2500FI | Series: Solstace, Size: 2500, Feature: FI (specific version) |
| Sonora | Sonora 2000FD | Series: Sonora, Size: 2000, Feature: FD (front drag) |
| Speedmaster | Speedmaster 14000XTC | Series: Speedmaster, Size: 14000, Feature: XTC (XT Casting) |
| Spirex | Spirex FG 2500 | Series: Spirex, Variant: FG, Size: 2500 |
| Stella | Stella SW 8000 XTD | Series: Stella, Variant: SW (saltwater), Size: 8000, Feature: XTD (X-Tend Drag) |
| Stradic | Stradic FK 2500HG | Series: Stradic, Variant: FK (front drag, version K), Size: 2500, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Sustain | Sustain FJ 3000 | Series: Sustain, Variant: FJ, Size: 3000 |
| Symetre | Symetre 4000FL | Series: Symetre, Size: 4000, Feature: FL (specific version) |
| Syncopate | Syncopate 2500FG | Series: Syncopate, Size: 2500, Feature: FG (front drag, G-Free body) |
| Thunnus | Thunnus CI4 6000 | Series: Thunnus, Variant: CI4 (carbon material), Size: 6000 |
| TX | TX 5000FB | Series: TX, Size: 5000, Feature: FB (specific version) |
| Twin Power | Twin Power XD C5000XG | Series: Twin Power, Variant: XD (extra durable), Body: C (compact), Size: 5000, Feature: XG (extra high gear) |
| Ultegra | Ultegra FD 3000 | Series: Ultegra, Variant: FD (front drag), Size: 3000 |
| Vanford | Vanford 3000HG | Series: Vanford, Size: 3000, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Vanquish | Vanquish 4000XG | Series: Vanquish, Size: 4000, Feature: XG (extra high gear) |
Shimano Baitcasting Reels
Baitcasting reels use a convention: Series Name + Feature Code (optional) + Size Number + Version (optional). These reels are ideal for precise casting:
- Series Name: Identifies the reel family (e.g., Curado, SLX).
- Feature Code: Letters like “DC” (digital control) or “MGL” (MagnumLite).
- Size Number: Indicates size and capacity (e.g., 100, 200).
- Version: Letters like “A” denote iterations or handedness.
Example: Curado DC 200HG = Curado series, Digital Control, Size 200, High Gear.
Baitcasting Reel Series
| Series Name | Example Model | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Aldebaran | Aldebaran BFS | Series: Aldebaran, Variant: BFS (Bait Finesse System) |
| Antares | Antares DC 100 | Series: Antares, Feature: DC (digital control), Size: 100 |
| Bantam | Bantam 150A | Series: Bantam, Size: 150, Feature: A (version) |
| Calais | Calais 200A | Series: Calais, Size: 200, Feature: A (version) |
| Callisto | Callisto 300E | Series: Callisto, Size: 300, Feature: E (specific version) |
| Cardiff | Cardiff A 100 | Series: Cardiff, Variant: A, Size: 100 |
| Castiac | Castiac 201F | Series: Castiac, Size: 201, Feature: F (left-hand version) |
| Chronarch | Chronarch MGL 150XG | Series: Chronarch, Variant: MGL (MagnumLite), Size: 150, Feature: XG (extra high gear) |
| Citica | Citica 200G6 | Series: Citica, Size: 200, Feature: G6 (6:1 gear ratio) |
| Conquest | Conquest MD 200 | Series: Conquest, Variant: MD (monofilament drag), Size: 200 |
| Core | Core 100MG7 | Series: Core, Size: 100, Feature: MG7 (MagnumLite, 7:1 gear ratio) |
| Coriolis | Coriolis 200A | Series: Coriolis, Size: 200, Feature: A (version) |
| Corvalus | Corvalus 200 | Series: Corvalus, Size: 200 |
| Crestfire | Crestfire 250B | Series: Crestfire, Size: 250, Feature: B (version) |
| Cruxis | Cruxis 150HG | Series: Cruxis, Size: 150, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Curado | Curado DC 200HG | Series: Curado, Feature: DC (digital control), Size: 200, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Engetsu | Engetsu BB 100 | Series: Engetsu, Variant: BB, Size: 100 |
| Grappler | Grappler BB 150 | Series: Grappler, Variant: BB, Size: 150 |
| Metanium | Metanium DC A 100 | Series: Metanium, Feature: DC (digital control), Size: 100, Variant: A (version) |
| SLX | SLX 150XG | Series: SLX, Size: 150, Feature: XG (extra high gear) |
| Tranx | Tranx 300HG | Series: Tranx, Size: 300, Feature: HG (high gear) |
Shimano Conventional Reels
Conventional reels have a straightforward naming structure: Series Name + Variant (optional) + Size Number + Feature (optional). These are designed for heavy-duty fishing:
- Series Name: Identifies the reel family (e.g., Tiagra, TLD).
- Variant: Indicates features (e.g., “II” for two-speed, “W” for wide spool).
- Size Number: Indicates size and capacity (e.g., 20, 130).
- Feature: Additional specifications like “LC” for line counter.
Example: Tiagra 50WLRSA = Tiagra series, Wide spool, Long-Range Special version A, Size 50.
Conventional Reel Series
| Series Name | Example Model | Breakdown |
|---|---|---|
| Beastmaster | Beastmaster 9000A | Series: Beastmaster, Size: 9000, Feature: A (version) |
| Forcemaster | Forcemaster 6000 | Series: Forcemaster, Size: 6000 |
| Ocea Jigger | Ocea Jigger 2000NRHG | Series: Ocea Jigger, Variant: NR (narrow), Size: 2000, Feature: HG (high gear) |
| Plays | Plays 3000A | Series: Plays, Size: 3000, Feature: A (version) |
| Speedmaster | Speedmaster IV 16II | Series: Speedmaster IV, Size: 16, Feature: II (two-speed) |
| Talica | Talica 16II | Series: Talica, Size: 16, Feature: II (two-speed) |
| Tekota | Tekota 600LC | Series: Tekota, Size: 600, Feature: LC (line counter) |
| Tiagra | Tiagra 50WLRSA | Series: Tiagra, Variant: W (wide), LRSA (long-range special, version A), Size: 50 |
| TLD | TLD 25 | Series: TLD, Size: 25 |
| Torium | Torium 20PGA | Series: Torium, Size: 20, Feature: PG (power gear), A (version) |
| Torsa | Torsa 20N | Series: Torsa, Variant: N (narrow), Size: 20 |
| TR | TR 200G | Series: TR, Size: 200, Feature: G (specific version) |
| Trinidad | Trinidad 16NA | Series: Trinidad, Variant: N (narrow), Size: 16, Feature: A (version) |
| Tyrnos | Tyrnos 30II | Series: Tyrnos, Variant: II (two-speed), Size: 30 |
Shimano Prefixes and Suffixes
Here’s a detailed list of Shimano’s prefixes and suffixes, explaining their meanings across reel types:
Prefixes
- C: Compact body (spinning), e.g., Exsence C3000MHG – smaller body for the spool size.
Suffixes
- A, B, E, etc.: Version identifiers (all types), e.g., Chronarch 150A – model revision.
- BFS: Bait Finesse System (baitcasting), e.g., Aldebaran BFS – designed for light lures.
- DC: Digital control (baitcasting), e.g., Curado DC 200HG – backlash prevention.
- DH: Double handle (spinning), e.g., Stella C3000SDH – extra cranking power.
- FA, FB, FC, etc.: Version identifiers (spinning), e.g., Saros 3000FA – specific model iteration.
- G6, MG7, etc.: Gear ratio (baitcasting), e.g., Citica 200G6 – 6:1 gear ratio.
- HG: High gear (~5.8:1) (spinning/baitcasting), e.g., Stradic FK 2500HG – faster retrieve.
- II: Two-speed (conventional), e.g., Tyrnos 30II – dual gear ratios.
- LC: Line counter (conventional), e.g., Tekota 600LC – tracks line out.
- MGL: MagnumLite spool (baitcasting), e.g., Chronarch MGL 150XG – lighter spool.
- N: Narrow spool (conventional), e.g., Trinidad 16NA – reduced width.
- NR: Narrow reel (conventional), e.g., Ocea Jigger 2000NRHG – narrow spool design.
- PG: Power gear (~4.8:1) (spinning/conventional), e.g., Torium 20PG – more torque.
- R: Rear drag (spinning), e.g., IX 1000R – rear drag adjustment.
- S: Shallow spool (spinning), e.g., Sahara 2500HGS – for lighter lines.
- SW: Saltwater variant (spinning), e.g., Stella SW 8000 XTD – marine durability.
- W: Wide spool (conventional), e.g., Tiagra 50W – increased capacity.
- XD: Extra durable (spinning), e.g., Twin Power XD C5000XG – enhanced toughness.
- XG: Extra high gear (~6.2:1) (spinning/baitcasting), e.g., Vanquish 4000XG – maximum speed.
- XTB, XTC: XT Baitrunner/Casting (spinning), e.g., Aerlex 10000XTB – baitrunner or casting feature.
- XTD: X-Tend Drag (spinning), e.g., Stella SW 8000 XTD – extended drag performance.
Conclusion
Shimano’s naming system provides a wealth of information through its series, prefixes, and suffixes, covering every reel from the premium Stella SW to the budget-friendly Sienna. Whether you need a spinning reel with a shallow spool for finesse fishing, a baitcasting reel with digital control for precision casting, or a conventional reel with two-speed gearing for big game, this guide has you covered. Compiled from Shimano’s official resources and angler insights, this comprehensive list ensures you can confidently navigate their lineup.
Explore our range of Shimano reels to find the perfect match for your fishing adventures!
