Description
Parallel Body
Super slow oscillation
AR-C spool
Instant drag
Extra spool & line reducers
1 S A-RB + 3 Shielded Stainless Steel bearings
1 roller bearing
Front drag
Matt black throughout, this is an ultra-minimalistic reel that will look great on any modern carp rod setup. The decision to create a completely matt reel came as a result of Shimano asking its anglers what they looked for in top end tackle and the team responded to each of the suggestions accordingly. You might also notice the new and improved line guard on the Ultegra XTD. Not only does this line guard perform a practical role, preventing the line from getting caught behind the spool, but the new design ensures that it looks great too.
The next thing to note about the Shimano Ultegra XTD is its faultless line lay. In fact, this reel boasts the neatest line lay of any existing Shimano product. This is because Shimano has managed to slow down its famously slow oscillation even further: Shimano’s magnesium (MAG) reels have an oscillation rate of 100 coils per turn, whereas the Ultegra XTD only has 50.
The slow oscillation theory follows that the slower the line spools up the more precisely it will lay and, in turn, the easier the line will leave the spool on the cast. This is ideal for the distance casting carp angler, as it ensures that you can enjoy flawless distance casts time after time. Another feature of the reel which has been designed with distance casting in mind is its parallel body. Most reels have a spool which faces slightly upwards towards the butt ring. The Shimano Ultegra XTD has been redesigned with a spool which runs perfectly parallel with the rod blank. This stops any line slap on big casts, further aiding the line’s transmission from the spool, along the rod, and towards your target. The reel is supplied with numerous washers, too. This allows you to adjust the way your line goes onto the spool and tailor it to your needs, for example, whether you prefer the line perfectly flat or a tapered line lay.