Shimano Ultegra C14+ surf reel

Shimano says its Ultegra CI4+ spin reel's robust design and numerous features make them ideally suited to the often-wild world of rock and beach fishing.

Their long cast AR-C spools hold generous amounts of mono and absolutely heaps of braid like Power Pro, and two-speed oscillation means line leaves the spool smoothly with minimal resistance. It then comes back on neat and even, so the next cast is as good as the last.

With the body and rotor constructed from Shimano’s exclusive CI4+ graphite, the Ultegras are light in the hand, yet strong too. X-Ship and cold-forged gearing is advantageous when lifting a fish up high cliffs or rock walls, and both recover over a metre of line with each turn of the handle. The 5500XTB has a 5.3:1 gear ratio, while the 14000XSB has a gruntier 4.3:1 ratio, perfect for big fish like jew, kings, snapper, even tuna.

Five SA-RB bearings and one roller bearing mean performance is as smooth as could be given some of their potential targets, and you’ll be hard pressed to find a pair of better performing ‘big pit’ reels.

Match either reel to a Shimano Aero Wave Graphite, Aero Wave Graphite Composite, or an Aero Wave Glass surf rod for an unbeatable coastal fishing combination, we're told.

Both reels come with a spare spool, thereby increasing their versatility, and are covered by Shimano’s 10 Year Reel Warranty.