Shimano Reel Ultegra 5500 CI4+ XTC
Packed with the latest long range casting technology, the most noticeable characteristic of the Ultegra Ci4+ is the reduced weight, which helps maximise rod speed when long range casting.
With a mid-range price tag you get a lot of reel for your money with the Ultegra Ci4+ and one look tells you this is a serious long distance reel. With understated colours, a large spool, neat compact body made of Ci4+ composite, plus some of Shimano’s top long range casting technology, you’ll certainly not be short of features if you choose the Ultegra Ci4+. In use you’ll appreciate the low weight, especially when pushing your casting range to the max. The lightness enables you to generate faster rod speeds, which combined with other long range technology leads to longer casts.
Inside the lightweight G FREE body is a combination of HAGANE Gear and X-SHIP which work together to produce smooth, powerful rotation. X-Protect technology prevents water from getting into the moving parts of the reel ensuring your reel maintains its performance in all conditions. When it comes to casting, Super Slow 5 Oscillation generates amazingly smooth line lay that is proven to increase casting potential and Parallel Body ensures the line leaves the AR-C spool at the perfect angle towards the first guide to minimise friction. The Ultegra Ci4+ is also fitted with a Hi-Speed drag which can be locked and loosened with minimal rotation of the adjustment knob.
The Ultegra CI4 has long been lauded as one of the best value for money reels on the market. Nestled in the middle of the Shimano big pit line up it strikes a comfortable balance between superb performance, modern looks and an affordable cost.
A long-standing favourite of many Team Tribal members the Ultegra CI4 really pushed the standards of what should be available to the angler at this price point. CI4 body and rotor for strength and lightness, X protect to protect from water ingress and super slow 5 oscillation for unrivalled line lay are just a few features that set this Ultegra CI4 apart from its competitors.
Also available in a small and compact 5500 size, this reel is ideal for those anglers who don’t need to cast extreme distances and can benefit from smaller lightweight reel for added finesse and feel during the cast and retrieve. The 5500 model is also ideally suited to medium to long range feeder fishing with almost all of the Shimano Aero team opting for this reel as their tool of choice for their long range work.
| Model | Bearings | Gear Ratio | Line Capacity (mm/m) | LINE RETRIEVE CRANK(CM) | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULTCI45500XTC | 5+1 | 5,3:1 | 0.30-390/0.35-290/0.40-210 | 105 | 440g |
- Front Drag
- 5+1BB
- 25 | 2500
Shimano reel features
Shimano AR-C Spool is a patented spool design with an angled spool lip. This design enables the line to leave the spool with less friction and in smaller coils resulting in longer more accurate casts. AR-C spools are proven to reduce backlash and wind knots when using braid.
These spools provide increased strength and durability over diecast aluminum or graphite spools.
This feature eliminates wobble during the retrieve by counter balancing the rotor to enhance sensitivity and smoothness. By using computer balancing, an approach similar to car tire balancing, Shimano is able to redistribute the rotor weight to create smooth rotation and eliminate vibrations caused by the reel.
The M Compact Body is made from a new composite material called XGT-7, which is an improved version of the tried and trusted Shimano XT-7 composite material. The result is a lighter and more rigid body that offers excellent support to the gearing and moving parts of the reel.
Shimano use magnesium for a select number of ultra high quality reels where weight saving is essential. The use of magnesium offers a weight saving of up to 10% compared with aluminium.
The special grooved design of the Shimano Power Roller significantly reduces line twist and is a big advantage when using thin mono and braid.
Easy Maintenance is a small oil lubrication port that enables direct lubrication of the inner workings of a reel with approved Shimano lubricant. Some highend Shimano reels have a line roller lubrication option.
The latest generation of the Super Stopper. It uses a one-way, stainless steel roller bearing that eliminates backplay. This provides the angler with instant hooksetting power.
Varispeed and the latest version called VariSpeed II oscillation system moves with two variable speeds to lay the line flat and smooth onto the spool. This provides trouble-free, longer distant casts.
More than just a support bearing, X-Ship is a combination of a cold forged main gear married with a brass drive gear. The two metals don't eat away at each other, providing longer lasting performance, as well as a smoother, more powerful retrieve.
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