Shimano ultegra ci4 5500 xtb review

The use of CI4+ delivers a substantial weight saving on the compact Ultegra body making rod speed easier to generate when distance casting. To further increase casting performance the Ultegra uses 2 Speed Slow Oscillation line lay and an AR-C spool fitted with a Shimano Baitrunner mechanism. Cold Forged gearing and X-Ship produce powerful winding performance and 5 Stainless A-RB bearings plus a Shimano Roller bearing deliver supreme smoothness. The 14000 is supplied with 3 line reducers per spool, while the more compact 5500 is supplied with 2 reducers to cover any situation. • Shielded A-RB Bearings • CI4+ Frame • Single Machined Aluminium Handle • Stamping Bail • Slow Speed Oscillation • Cold Forged Aluminium Gear • Aero Wrap II • Maintenance Port • Waterproof Drag • Hypergear • Super Stopper II • Dyna-Balance • Power Roller • Floating Shaft II

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Additional Information
What is the difference between Ultegra 14000 and 5500?
How much line does a Shimano 5500 hold?

Additional Information

EAN 22255178440 Brand SHIMANO Delivery time AT: 1-2 working days, remaining EU: 3-4 working days Warranty 2 years warranty Reelsize 5500 Reel size range large Line capacity monofil (mm/m or lbs/yds) mm/m: 0.30/390, 0.35/290, 0.40/210 lb/yds: 10/425, 12/315, 16/230 Gear ratio 5.3:1 Line retr. per crank (cm/inch) 105 cm / 41.34 inch Dragforce (kg and lbs) 15 kg - 33.07 lbs Ball bearings 5 S-ARB Weight (g / oz) 455 g - 16.05oz Hand Orientation left and right Handle Single handle Drag front drag Linecounter no linecounter Saltwater resistant Yes Sparespool 2 x Aluminium Leadtime to ship: in 3-4 days Net weight (kg) 0.46

The lack of weight is in part down to the Ci4 carbon-polymer rotor, while the X-Ship gearing provides rock-solid cranking without any spindle wobble. Shimano's X-Protect system, which repels dirt, grit and water ingress, is also present.

Another feature is called Parallel Body, which keeps the spool on exactly the same plane as the rod blank to aid line flow.

On the clutch side of things, the much simpler Hi-Speed drag replaces the old 'dual-knob' Baitrunner II system, which is definitely good news.

A one-piece aluminium handle provides your connection with the reel and there's a 5.3:1 gear ratio that retrieves 105cm of line per handle crank.

These aren't monstrous 'proper' big-pit reels, but they will easily cope with the majority of carp angling done in this country, and they certainly won't break your wrists when you get stuck into a lengthy fight.

For us, the black/grey XTC model is the best looker, but if you don't agree then the shinier XSC offers a completely different aesthetic.

Shimano’s introduction of its Ci4 material allowed the tackle giant to produce its array of leading carp reels in a much lighter form. Ci4 is basically as strong as traditional materials but weighs considerably less, and it now features on several of Shimano’s top-end reels.

This particular reel made a huge impression on our team, as well as that of our sister magazine, Advanced Carp Fishing. The editor of that title, Tim Hodges, was so impressed, in fact, that he tried to get away with not sending them back… but had an epic fail!

We’ve looked before at what have been christened ‘baby big pits’ and their uses continue to grow. With improvements in line lay and the addition of Shimano’s AR-C spool design, casting capability is genuinely approaching that of more traditional big pits but without all the bulk.

Specifically, the Ultegra Ci4 5500 XTB is outstanding and feels silky smooth while boasting considerable cranking power when it comes to playing big fish. The unique front-placed Baitrunner II system combines with an excellent front drag to make switching between the two an absolute doddle.

This is one serious bit of kit boasting modern materials and packed with features, which is reflected in the price. That said, there are two cold-forged aluminium spare spools and multiple line reducers included with each reel, which we think helps to justify this price tag. Technology like this does not come cheap and, if you can afford them, these are well worth the investment.

I am planning on getting a new reel to cope with Chub and Barbel on the rivers, Carp off the surface, Piking and also long range feeder fishing. The Ultegra 5500 XTB looks the part, but I was just wondering if anyone has got one or has any feedback on them.

I am also looking to get a Shimano Beastmaster Margin pole I know that has enough good reviews and reccomendations on here already, but if anyone could let me know what elastic they use in it that would be great. For the record I would mainly be using the Beastmaster for commercial lakes where the carp go to mid 20, but average around the 10 pound mark.

I have the Ultegra 4500XSB's and for long range feeder fishing they are immense. The winding power they have has to be experienced to be believed.

As for the Beastmaster margin pole i have red hydro in mine with no problems at all.

Thanks for your reply, does red Hydro stretch forever? I used to have white and it took an age to get carp of around 5lb in because it just kept on coming out. I also found I needed 4 sections on to get a fish ready for the net. It may be the case that I had it set wrong, but it was only through a power telescopic top 2.

You are right in that white hydro stretches for miles. Red on other hand is far more powerful. I have had Carp to 18lb 12oz on the red in conjunction with the margin pole.

I will take your advice and fit that then. Hopefully I will have a nice catch report up sometime in Spring.

I bought a 5500 XTB to go with my new carp stalking rod. They are superb reels. The will crank a lot of line per handle-turn, the clutch is smooth and the line lay excellent.

In fact within a few weeks I had ordered another two to replace my 5000REs, that I use for barbel and chub fishing. The wider diameter spools suit my x-line flouro much better than the REs.

The front baitrunner takes a little getting used to, but once you have it set it works just fine. I prefer rear-baitrunners for functionality, but this is an OK compromise. I would rather have the baitrunner spool than not.

They also look a damn sight more sexy than the pictures suggest - not very photogenic.

In fact I'm seriously considering buying 3 more to go on my carp rods, but I'm a little skint at the moment [V]

I have an XTB for distance casting on the tip & it is superb for the job.

Nice one thanks for the replies all I need now is an endorsement from someone who uses it for pike. I am excited about it now I want to load the spool up with line and have a go with it.

What is the difference between Ultegra 14000 and 5500?

On a 5-6 ozs casting rod I prefer the 14000 size, with a bass or carp rod the 5500 balances better. They both have about the same retrieve rate but the bigger (14000) reel has lower gearing which suits the heavier outfits. The 5500 has a smaller spool diameter and smaller body.