Rods

Shimano Ultegra 5500 Ci4 Xs A Reel

Total Carp Staff  |  Aug 2, 2011

The TC boys get to grips with tackle and bait, testing them to the limit out on the bank. Here’s what they think…


SHIMANO  ULTEGRA 5500 Ci4 XS-A REEL
RRP: £249.99
Website: www.shimano-eu.com
Test period: Six months
Marc Coulson says: Having had the chance to use these a dozen or so times now, I can add to my recent Eye Candy feature about these reels and say that they have definitely lived up to expectations.

Super-smooth with a classy drag system and with looks to stop you in your tracks, these are every bit what you expect from the top-end Shimano models.

For those of you who did not see February’s Eye Candy, this is an upgrade on the compact Ultegra 5500, affectionately christened ‘Baby Big-Pits’. Despite their size, the performance can be comparable to very many big-pit reels. This new model is made from a brand-new material, the Ci4 bit, which Shimano has brought in from its world-leading bicycle manufacturing division and which offers a weight saving of 15 per cent compared to the original.

In use, the Ci4 Ultegra is a pleasure to have in your hand, whether casting of playing one to the bank. Absolutely spot-on!

Marc's Verdict
Performance: ★★★★★★★★★★
Value: ★★★★★★★★★★
Fabulous reels in every way, but at a price

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