New Shimano Ultegra HG FB Spinning Reel -- Bass Pro

[Big-Bass]

So while I was just looking on Bass Pro's website, I noticed under "New" spinning reels the Shimano Ultegra ULT2500HGFB which looks like a great reel for $149.99. What upgrades would this offer from the NASCI aside from gear ratio being higher in the 2500. I literally cannot find a thing about this reel anywhere on the Internet aside from older models. Is this a replacement for the Saros? I hope they are nice reels. I tried to order one to get the free one day shipping that ended at noon CST but it said it was backordered. Either way, I will check it out. They also have the new Daiwa Luvias deep and shallow spool models as well.

Here is the link to the Ultegra:

http://www.basspro.com/Shimano-Ultegra- ... ct/175614/

[ec1]

Looks like the Saros is being updated this year. The Ultegra was always placed as the JDM equivalent of the Saros. Now it seems they are aligning both the USDM and JDM reel to one. It's decent looking if you ask me. I'm gonna guess that they'll come out for the bassmaster classic.

 

On the body it says there is hagane gear, which is the same as the Nasci. If you're looking for improvements between the Nasci and other series, my next jump would probably be the stradic FK.

[webertime]

Hagane is just an Aluminum Drive Gear.  I think the frame is different (No G Free on the Nasci, but there is on the Ultegra and Stratic)

[Hulkster]

couple of things:

 

1. I wonder if it has the direct drive train handle
 

2. its a shame that at this price point they did away with the tapered bail wire connection to the line roller. the older saros had that.

 

but it does look awesome. i'll probably have to get one lol

[The Bassman]

29 minutes ago, Hulkster said:

couple of things:

 

1. I wonder if it has the direct drive train handle
 

2. its a shame that at this price point they did away with the tapered bail wire connection to the line roller. the older saros had that.

 

but it does look awesome. i'll probably have to get one lol

 

At that price point it would surely have the screw in handle. I agree about the bail design.  I'm not the only one who's had issues with line hanging up.  Good observations.

[Big-Bass]

Is this the same style bail on the NASCI as I am very interested in this (Ultegra) reel?  What features add on the extra $40-50?  Thanks!  I have one on backorder to check out when it arrives.

[The Bassman]

18 minutes ago, Big-Bass said:

Is this the same style bail on the NASCI as I am very interested in this (Ultegra) reel?  What features add on the extra $40-50?  Thanks!  I have one on backorder to check out when it arrives.

 

Just checked it out.  Bail appears the same.  It has one more bearing than the Nasci. I love Shimano but they do really jump price points over small things.  That said it's a good looking reel. Kind of looks like a poor man's Stella.

[Big-Bass]

Yes it does...both the NASCI and now the Ultegra seem to take nuances from the Stella.  I wonder if this reel will officially be released at the Classic along with the new Chronarch?  I really like the color and it will nicely match an Avid X I think.

[PatrickKnight]

I would bet that it will get a direct drive handle and some line management upgrades over the Nasci.

[Big-Bass]

Here are specs:

 

http://fish.shimano.com/content/sac-fish/en/home/products/fishing-reels/spinning/ultegra-17.html

[Sammies77]

Looks like it doesn't have the direct drive handle, same as the nasci. It also looks to have a graphite body like the nasci. I wonder if it has worm gear oscillation? Shimano is really starting to downgrade thier reels under the stradic. 

 

For the price that a new stradic can be found for I'm not sure why anyone would buy this reel. 

[PatrickKnight]

1 hour ago, Sammies77 said:

Looks like it doesn't have the direct drive handle, same as the nasci. It also looks to have a graphite body like the nasci. I wonder if it has worm gear oscillation? Shimano is really starting to downgrade thier reels under the stradic. 

 

For the price that a new stradic can be found for I'm not sure why anyone would buy this reel. 

 

I will be the first to admit I am a Shimano fanboy but they are getting crushed in the low to mid range spinning reels. I am not sure how they continue to sell spinning reels in this range when they are out performed by the competition. Never thought I would ever say this but unless my budget can cover a Stradic I think I would look else where for a spinning reel. However if my budget was a Stradic or higher I would go Shimano hands down.

[Sammies77]

1 hour ago, PatrickKnight said:

 

I will be the first to admit I am a Shimano fanboy but they are getting crushed in the low to mid range spinning reels. I am not sure how they continue to sell spinning reels in this range when they are out performed by the competition. Never thought I would ever say this but unless my budget can cover a Stradic I think I would look else where for a spinning reel. However if my budget was a Stradic or higher I would go Shimano hands down.

Yeah it's pretty lame that shimano even makes spinning reels without direct drive handles. Same with daiwa, althought the new bg has direct drive. Pflueger Trion has a direct drive handle for 39 bucks. 

 

I'm not a fan of the two piece aluminum-pot metal main gear in the nasci either, and that's most likely the same gear the new ultegra uses. Oh but it must be the best right because it has hagene gearing forged by the ghosts of ancient Japanese swordmakers.

[d-camarena]

I bought a new sienna and at its price i beleive its the best reel around. 

But i rather buy the nasci over the ultrega at that price

["hamma"]

Ultegra has aerowrap,... Nasci doesnt,...and thats a big deal for longer casts, and probably the reason for its price.

 Saros was the same. If I need a new reel, Id check one out, my last spinning reel is the saros, and I'm more than happy with it

[fvogel67]

5 minutes ago, "hamma" said:

Ultegra has aerowrap,... Nasci doesnt,...and thats a big deal for longer casts, and probably the reason for its price.

 Saros was the same. If I need a new reel, Id check one out, my last spinning reel is the saros, and I'm more than happy with it

I love my Saros 2500,Smooth as butter.

[Big-Bass]

I ordered one on backorder on 12/22 and it shipped the other day.  If it's a nice reel, then I am in luck.  If not, I can always return it.  I would rather report back after actually using it instead of brand commenting without actually holding the said model of discussion.

[Hulkster]

I am curious about the direct drive handle. just because shimano's website doesn't list it doesn't mean it doesn't have it. the stradic FK doesn't list it either. and it has it.

 

 

[Sammies77]

1 hour ago, Hulkster said:

I am curious about the direct drive handle. just because shimano's website doesn't list it doesn't mean it doesn't have it. the stradic FK doesn't list it either. and it has it.

 

 

You may be right! Since it does have the worm gear oscillation it probably uses the same main gear as the stradic.  I still don't get why anyone would buy one for retail, you can get a new stradic 2500fk on ebay for 140-145 dollars. 

 

 

[aquaholik]

Probably a direct drive screw in handle to distinguish from the Nasci. The non tapered bail design is disturbing at this price point. And the handle knob looks like it came from the 2016 Ci4. Verdict, EBAY Stradic FK which is proven in my heavy use.

[Preytorien]

Can't wait for the Dura-Ace Di2 reels to come out -- should be some interesting technology!

[webertime]

Yeah they are starting to cross the names over between cycling and fishing products.  I think I'm reading BIKE magazine again sometimes with their names...

 

Ultegra means "Ultimate Integrity"

Dura Ace is "Durable Race"

Nexave

Tiagra

Alivio means "I'm a gonna A LEAVE YO a$$ in the woods" (it's LOW end Mtn components that broke all the time)