- Aluminum Frame
- Cold Forged Aluminum Spool with Titanium Spool Lip provides increased strength and durability.
- Graphite Sideplate
- Graphite Rotor
- Maintenance Port - A sealed plug that can be removed using a screwdriver to easily lubricate the drivetrain without disassembling the reel.
- S-Arm Cam A protruding surface on the bail arm keeps slack line in contact with the line roller to reduce the chance of tangles and line cuts.
- Waterproof Drag is sealed against the intrusion of the elements, such as water or dust.
- (Anti-Rust Bearings) are specially treated stainless steel ball bearings that are at least 10 times more corrosion resistant than standard stainless steel ball bearings.
- Super Stopper II is a one-way roller bearing that eliminates backplay for solid hooksets, yet can be turned on or off to allow back-reeling
- Dyna-Balance similar to balancing a tire, we use counterbalancing techniques in the rotor to eliminate wobble during the retrieve.
- Power Roller III is an oversized line roller that reduces twist from casting and retrieving, using a cone-shaped support to help get the line onto the roller quicker.
On the Water:
The Shimano Sustain Series are pricy, but you get what you pay for…I have never lost a fish because of reel or drag failure. I have fished the 2000FB for 10 seasons now, chasing bonefish in the Bahamas and in Florida Bay, and when you consider the cost of fishing at these destinations, spending $200-$300 for a quality reel makes good sense. The 2000FB is a very comfortable reel to fish with: its light in weight performs smoothly, consistent drag tension throughout the range and minimal maintenance requirements. So when I decided on purchasing more spinning reels for other species pursuits, I chose Shimano.
I use the 5000FD for school sized stripers up north and snook and redfish down south. Again, I can count on the Shimano reel to perform without issue. The 5000 is medium sized reel weighing only 14 oz. so using it all day is not tiring. The smooth drag and line capacity is sufficient to handle these fish. When the quarry moves up to tarpon and large stripers, I will use the 6000FD. The increased line capacity and larger drag surface gives me more confidence in battling these hard charging fish.
Last season I purchased an 8000FD to use for school sized bluefin tuna. I landed several of these superb fighters up to 40lbs without concern. The drag system and line capacity handled the long screaming runs. Using any of my Shimano reels gives me confidence to battle any fish without worrying about reel failure. Bottom line; you get what you pay for!
| Shimno Sustain Reels |
| Construction-Quality | These reels are designed to deliver smoothness and durability as well as good looks. Quality materials and attention to manufacturing. | 4.9 |
| Performance | All of my Shimano reels outperform any spinning reel that I have owned or used in my 35+ years of fishing. | 5.0 |
| Features | Designed for saltwater use; large handles, light weight, titanium spool lip, water proof drag and sealed against dust intrusion , corrosion resistant material throughout. | 4.9 |
| Functional Design | The reels balanced well with my rod choices, attractive finish, and a smooth retrieve, an accurate, dependable, and easily adjusted drag. | 4.9 |
| Price | The price is commensurate with the design features offered. They are built to last and fish for years. | 4.7 |
| Application | Saltwater capable, excellent performance throughout the full line of reels. | 4.9 |
| Score:1-5(5=highest) | Total Score | 4.88 |
| Plus | Minus |
| Excellent design and features | |
| Full line to choose from |
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| Overall Angling performance |
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Conclusion:
The Shimano Sustain Series are an excellent long term investment that will reward you with many years of excellent performance. |
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