Searching for a monster of an inshore reel that is luxurious too from Shimano fishing? Do yourself a favor and check out the Twin Power XD, it’s a little powerhouse of a reel. Introduced in 2017 and made in Japan it has become a very popular product for Shimano.
The “XD” stands for (extreme durable). As its name suggests, the gears used in this spinning reel are 70% stronger than the older 2015 Twin Power.
I don’t own or use this model for Shimano fishing reel. Instead of not including it I asked Darren a contributor to Outdoors Informed who owns the C3000XG model to give you his review.
Darren’s Review:
Hey fellow anglers! If you are like me and prefer to use a smaller inshore saltwater reel this is one of the best I own. Think of it as an upgraded Stradic or a “Stella-lite.”
First, if you aren’t experienced with Shimano product codes this is what they mean. The “XD” stands for extra durable; while the “XG” means extra-high gearing (6.4:1).
The “C” stands for compact, but this is a bit of a misnomer. A “compact” reel is the same physical size as the previous smaller model. What’s different is the spool, on the compact reel it’s larger. This means the drag pressure and internal gearing is extra powerful. Keep in mind though, Shimano only offers compact versions for the 3000 and 5000 models.
Function Over Cosmetics
For looks, it’s super slick, but for the money you are spending what’s vital is how tough it’s construction is. More about that in another section of this review. One thing you will notice is how light and compact this reel feels in your palm, it’s comfortable and rock solid.
On first touch you’ll notice Shimanos well-known lightweight Ci4+ carbon reel body. The single aluminum handle feels secure but rotates smooth. While I find the round EVA grip comfortable, some anglers prefer the paddle shaped knob. An EVA knob is great for instances like it gets wet, unlike other types it won’t get slippery. Shape and comfort is subjective but know I never fail to grip with this knob when engaged in a fight.
Another feature I love is how the inner low inertia works via the MGL rotor to allow the handle to move. There is a distinct feeling of fluid movement combined with big cranking power. Plus the single bail has a steady trip closed on every use.
At the top of the spool is the front dray control and it clicks with authority. Below the spool you will see some cutouts, these allow water to exit from the channels of the X-protect
Durable And Reliable Features
Model Specs: Weight/Max Drag/Line Capacity
Shimanos Twin Power XD series offers three models to suit a many species and cast methods. The models include the C3000XG, 4000XG, and C5000XG.
The C3000XG is the lightest model of the bunch at a puny 8.3 ounces. Don’t let the weight fool you though, it is more than capable to target red fish. Its max drag comes in at 20 pounds. For average line capacity it holds 170 yards of 8 pound mono-line and 140 yards of 20 pound PowerPro/braid. Retrieve 37 inches of line per rotation with fastest gear ratio available at 6.4:1.
Next is the 4000XG, which weighs in at decent 10.2 ounces. Pick this model if you like to target larger species like bluefish and striper. It has a tough drag system with a max drag of 24 pounds. For line capacity it holds 200 yards of 10 pound mono-line and 170 yards of 30 pound braid. It has a fast gear ratio of 6.2:1 and a retrieval of 39 inches per crank.
Third, is the C5000XG another compact model. This one is the heaviest at 10.6 ounces although the extra weight is from the bigger spool. Like the last model it is best to conquer bull reds, striped bass and other big inshore species. Likewise it has a max drag of 24 pounds. It holds an average of 195 yards of 12 pound mono line and 200 yards of 30 pound braid line.
Stella Like Features At Half The Price!
I bet your next question is how does it perform? Let me put it this way, flawless. Shimano designed this reel with harsh saltwater environments in mind. But they also included almost all the features found in the double the cost Stella SW series!
The big concept for the Twin Power XD is X-Protect. This is a labyrinth of internal channels combined with a water resistant grease. It’s meant to protect the line roller and clutch and from my uses, it’s been great. Keep in mind though, this reel isn’t waterproof like a Van Staal, but for most anglers it’s more than proficient.
If you open up the reel you will see that it isn’t a sealed reel. Which isn’t much of a surprise as Shimano has never made a fully sealed reel. This is because the brand focuses on smooth performance and luxury features. Over you being able to dunk the reel for extended amounts of time.
Cast & Retrieve Performance
For such a small reel I was a bit worried my first time out. But no matter how aggressive I cast the body simply doesn’t flex. This is thanks to the Ci4+ carbon and polyamide body, its stiff. Shimano also uses this material for the rotor. Match this with X-Ship and the S-ARB bearing. As a result it delivers massive improvements over the 2015 Twin Power models.
During retrieves the main improvement I notice is the durable cross carbon drag for better control while fighting fish. Targeting lighter inshore species using soft bait was a breeze. Like the Stella it uses an AR-C spool, 2-speed oscillation and full titanium bail. The sum of these parts makes this reel super powerful and exceeds my expectations. The bottom line, this is my go-to for inshore fishing with lures.
Is It Better Than A SW Stella Or Twin Power?
Well, no it isn’t. While the X-protect works well for inshore I wouldn’t class it the same as the Stella or other “SW” reels. The Stella has greater waterproofing, it’s ideal for off-shore and works for inshore albeit overkill.
Looking at the Twin Power XD as a less expensive version of the Stella or Twin Power SW models, take my advice, don’t. This is a excellent reel for inshore saltwater targeting small to medium species. But when hooking something large it struggles unless you buy the 5000 model. Even with this size some anglers who target strippers feel it’s under powered. Although this is dependent on personal preference.
Verdict
This is all about fishing experience, by that I mean this is a high-end inshore spinning reel. Anglers who appreciate intense cranking power with luxury features will love it. It’s great light inshore reel but I imagine it’s not as robust as the either of the SW models. All the same, for discerning anglers there is no better option for a light inshore reel.
