Just after some advice please I'm looking for a new set of reels and thinking it either the Shimano Ultegra 14000 XTD or the Speedmaster 14000 XTC? Or maybe I should pay that extra and get the Ultegra Ci4 XTC 14000 reels? What would you recommend? Thanks
In reply to Post #1
I may sound biased but I would pay the extra for the Ci4 XTC reels instead. That is what I done and I honestly cannot fault them. There was issues with the XTD reels and the line guard breaking allowing line to get behind the spool easily (which I have not had any issues with at all on the XTC). At the end of the day, it is your pocket that will be taking the damage & only you can decide if the £50+ per reel more for the Ci4 XTC is worth it to YOU. I do have the XTD Spod reel though and not had any of the line guard problems.
I may sound biased but I would pay the extra for the Ci4 XTC reels instead. That is what I done and I honestly cannot fault them. There was issues with the XTD reels and the line guard breaking allowing line to get behind the spool easily (which I have not had any issues with at all on the XTC). At the end of the day, it is your pocket that will be taking the damage & only you can decide if the £50+ per reel more for the Ci4 XTC is worth it to YOU. I do have the XTD Spod reel though and not had any of the line guard problems.
In reply to Post #1
Speedmaster is a budget ultegra imo,. I have no experience with the speedmaster so cant say anyting about them.
I have owned the 14000 xtd and didnt like them. The line guards have broken on all three of my reels twice!. I found them too heavy for my liking and the line kept getting stuck under the spool. (not overspooled)
Now I have sold the XTD's and bought the XTC 14000 CI4's. What a huge difference, everything is smoother, sturdier, nylon drag washers instead of felt.
I know it's much more expensive than the XTD's but this is simply the best reel I have ever owned. I also have the 5500 CI4 XTC's for my 9ft setup, but I feel the 14000 is much better. The 5500 doesn't have the super slow oscillation and neither has the x-protect feature which leaves all water and dirt out of the clutch system.
If I were you I'd save up for the 14000 CI4 XTC's and skip the XTD's.
Hope this info is useful for you!
Speedmaster is a budget ultegra imo,. I have no experience with the speedmaster so cant say anyting about them.
I have owned the 14000 xtd and didnt like them. The line guards have broken on all three of my reels twice!. I found them too heavy for my liking and the line kept getting stuck under the spool. (not overspooled)
Now I have sold the XTD's and bought the XTC 14000 CI4's. What a huge difference, everything is smoother, sturdier, nylon drag washers instead of felt.
I know it's much more expensive than the XTD's but this is simply the best reel I have ever owned. I also have the 5500 CI4 XTC's for my 9ft setup, but I feel the 14000 is much better. The 5500 doesn't have the super slow oscillation and neither has the x-protect feature which leaves all water and dirt out of the clutch system.
If I were you I'd save up for the 14000 CI4 XTC's and skip the XTD's.
Hope this info is useful for you!
In reply to Post #3
nylon drag washers instead of felt
Swapping the nylon washers for Tackle Labs ICE washers makes even more of a difference, as does adding a bearing to the handle knob or changing the knob for a torpedo/pill shaped one from one of the few suppliers of them.
nylon drag washers instead of felt
Swapping the nylon washers for Tackle Labs ICE washers makes even more of a difference, as does adding a bearing to the handle knob or changing the knob for a torpedo/pill shaped one from one of the few suppliers of them.
In reply to Post #4
I have changed to ice washers but in the 14000 CI4 XTC's I prefer the nylon washers, so i swapped back to them. In the 5500 CI4 XTC's the ice washers are smoother, .... don't ask me why
I have changed to ice washers but in the 14000 CI4 XTC's I prefer the nylon washers, so i swapped back to them. In the 5500 CI4 XTC's the ice washers are smoother, .... don't ask me why
In reply to Post #1
Also think about the older Ci4 Ultegra XTB or XSB , I've had a set for years , much nicer drag (in my opinion of course ) , the newer XTC have very fast drags like a lot of the newer reels from all sorts of manufacturers , I much prefer a slower more adjustable set up , you can pick a set of Xsb's up for around £350
Also think about the older Ci4 Ultegra XTB or XSB , I've had a set for years , much nicer drag (in my opinion of course ) , the newer XTC have very fast drags like a lot of the newer reels from all sorts of manufacturers , I much prefer a slower more adjustable set up , you can pick a set of Xsb's up for around £350
In reply to Post #1
Ive got friends who bought the 14000 XTD and all found the clutch to be awful for a shimano and they both had to fit ICE washers, which did make a big improvement but then one set started falling apart so they have now binned these.
Ive got 14000 Ci4s and cannot fault them, they are lighter smoother and better all round, but then thats reflected in the price so they should be.
The Speedmaster feels a better Reel than the XTD and I am told they have addressed the clutch issue, but it is still at the bottom end of the shimano spectrum and you can feel the difference between these and the more expensive Ci4 or Power Aeros.
Ive got friends who bought the 14000 XTD and all found the clutch to be awful for a shimano and they both had to fit ICE washers, which did make a big improvement but then one set started falling apart so they have now binned these.
Ive got 14000 Ci4s and cannot fault them, they are lighter smoother and better all round, but then thats reflected in the price so they should be.
The Speedmaster feels a better Reel than the XTD and I am told they have addressed the clutch issue, but it is still at the bottom end of the shimano spectrum and you can feel the difference between these and the more expensive Ci4 or Power Aeros.
In reply to Post #1
I've had 14000XTDs for about 2 years ( 5 of them).
Did have early problems with the spool flyers breaking, Shimano told me not to overfill the spools... no problems since
Added ICE washers, clutch action now fast and smooth.
I use them for big fish in France, and bank/ (metal) boat fishing in the US. 50lb Powerpro, etc etc.
They seem solid, and I am not gentle on my gear
I've had 14000XTDs for about 2 years ( 5 of them).
Did have early problems with the spool flyers breaking, Shimano told me not to overfill the spools... no problems since
Added ICE washers, clutch action now fast and smooth.
I use them for big fish in France, and bank/ (metal) boat fishing in the US. 50lb Powerpro, etc etc.
They seem solid, and I am not gentle on my gear
In reply to Post #1
I have used the Speedmaster 14000 XSC same reel just a different body colour for about eighteen months I cannot say I have found any issues with mine. I note that some like to upgrade washers etc that's fine.. I use mine on the bigger pits and also for piking in winter months with Large dead baits. Each to their own on reels lol no issues with the clutch but I mainly backwind when playing a fish. Good luck with whatever you choose.
I have used the Speedmaster 14000 XSC same reel just a different body colour for about eighteen months I cannot say I have found any issues with mine. I note that some like to upgrade washers etc that's fine.. I use mine on the bigger pits and also for piking in winter months with Large dead baits. Each to their own on reels lol no issues with the clutch but I mainly backwind when playing a fish. Good luck with whatever you choose.