Hi Chaps.

I have decided on getting a set of the Ultegra XTC Ci4 5500 for my 10 footers.

Everywhere i check they are out of stock, the only place they are saying in stock in angling direct.... I would rather not give them my money.....

Now i know some of you lads know your onions on reels,new models etc.

Are these getting discontinued or something or is everyone just waiting for some stock to arrive.... I'm in no real rush for these but if they were in stock i would buy tomorrow.

As I'll be spending nearly 600 quids, i always prefer to go to the shop rather than buy online.... I travel a lot with work, so can always fine the time for a detour if needed...

Thanks

In reply to Post #1
I'm not a shimano expert, but I believe we have had the XTD and now have the XTE, so the XTC models are maybe no more?

In reply to Post #1
I bought my Ultegras back in 2006 the 5500 xtbs excellent reels, I did think about getting the c14s myself though can't justify the expense.

I guess with the c14s being released in 2018 new version probably coming late 2024/25.

I would say the14000 are just probably more popular as they cover a wider application but as your putting them on 10ft rods.
I can't see the 5500 spool size being dropped.

XTC, XTD and XTE different specs to suit different wallets

Yeah a new 5500 xte Can't be far behind I reckon.

In reply to Post #1
Im selling a set like new mate

In reply to Post #5
Sent you a pm👍👍

Hi there I have 3 x xtc 5500 ci4s basically brand new if interested. Pm me

Nice reels but seem a common thing to sell. I'm getting rod of 3 i only used once. Just prefer the daiwa 25 qda's the drag just isn't as quick and having a shorter handle they feel much smaller (although they're only slightly smaller), perfect on my 9 foot scopes.

In reply to Post #8
Quick check on eBay just now for the 5500s spec as below not many for sale just 1 set for the daiwa 25 qda lots for sale.

So don't follow what you're saying ?

In reply to Post #9
I'm saying i preferred the daiwa 25 qda over the shimano hence why i'm selling the shimanos, Feel they're much better on scopes and a nicer not so quick drag and there's 3 people in this post alone selling they're hardly used 5500 xtc's.

In reply to Post #10
We're all entitled to our own opinions on reels but if you read his first post he had already made his mind up.

I had the ci4s I absolutely hated the quick drag on them, so much so I sold them and bought the cheaper new xte reels for my 10fts, I much prefer them. I love shimano reels just hate the quick drag on them

In reply to Post #11
Also says nearly evwrywhere is out of stock so giving him other options to look at possibly as not sure he's actually played with / used them.

In reply to Post #13
Quick check on google just now (as we know stock changes quickly) I can find at least 3 places that now have them in stock plus the 3 sets he's being offered here.

So would say he's sorted 👍

I don't think these days due to the limited number of tackle shops we really get to test out products properly and hence the amount of rods reels etc for sale.

In reply to Post #1
Unless you can get some felt Washers for them, then don't bother.

Thanks for the reply's chaps,food for thought,,,,

The super fast drag has slightly put me off, so have been looking around for some spool washers to slow down the drag.... That's one of the reasons i like to look and have a play with reels etc.... I generally have the clutch set slightly loose and use my finger to stop and give line as needed..... i have always had bait runner type reels before, but fancied a change..... ill keep looking,

What are peoples thoughts on the ultegra 5500m xtd, are they better or worst than the ci4 xtc....

It appears the xte are only available in 14000 size...... why are the later models xtd and xte a lot cheaper than the xtc....

Sorry for all the questions, I'm not that much of a tackle tart , so when i find a reel that works for me, i will keep it until its knackered or its so old i can justify some new ones......

In reply to Post #16
If your heart was set on the ultegra ci4 5500 xtc why not buy them then get some grease felt washers to replace the 3 x white Teflon ptfe washers that are fitted in each spool it's very easy to change them takes seconds they will slow the drag down. The ultegra 5500 xtd are decent had them in the past they have the grease felt washers fitted in them so it's more turns from locked to free spool which should like your perfer . The ci4 xtc are dearer than the xtd and xte due to the material used in the reel bodies and the hagane gearing I think but I believe the newer 14000 xte have the hagane gearing in them now . Shimano should be due to release the new ultegra 5500 xte reels sometime next year maybe early part which will replace the current ultegra 5500 xtd model

In reply to Post #16
I wouldn't let the drag put you off, it's not as fast as some other reels, they are cracking reels

In reply to Post #18
Mine were 1/4 turn locked from frees spool. One of the reasons i preferred the Daiwa as that's about 3/4 of a turn. My power aeros are the same will get some felt washers for them instead.

1 felt 2 teflon washers and you have 1.5 turn from free to close.

In reply to Post #20
Thanks for the reply's chaps, hopefully they will come in stock somewhere soon....

Zinno were did you but the felt washers from....will installing ice washers help with the drag.....

1/4 turn is way too quick for me the felt washer option seems the way to go.

In reply to Post #21
With ice/carbon washers the Drag becomes even faster compared to Teflon washer
Full Felt washers will make the drag 2.5/3 turns from free to 100% closed

I bought my felt washers from Team Outdoors in the Netherlands, but you can also find them on Ebay or other carp shops


XTD: (STandard felt washers)
-3 Felt washers 3 full turn from free to closed
-3 Teflon washers 3/4 from Free to Closed
-1 Felt 2 Teflon washers, 1.5 turn from Free to closed

XTC (standard carbon washers)
-3 Felt washer 2.5 turns from free to close
-1 Felt 2 teflon washers 1.5 turn from free to closed

XTE (Standard Felt washer)
-3 Felt washers 3 turns from free to closed
-3Teflon washers 1.5 turns from free to closed


Edit: imo check the new Daiwa 23 Emblem 35 as an alternative to XTD/XTC, gonne replace my XTE'S also soon with the new 23 Emblem 35, got the Emblem 45 last year on my 10ft
and the didn't feel too big (even though they are big) the 35 size is ideal for 10 and if you dont need to cast over 100 yards on 12ft, Emblem 23 drag is 1 full turn from free to full closed