Shimano ULT5500XSD Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel

Shimano ULT5500XSD Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel

Price: $189.99
Model
TD Code
Inches Per CrankGear RatioMono/Fluoro Line Capacity
(lb test/yds)
Max Drag (lb)Ball BearingsWeight (oz)ColorPrice
ULT5500XSD
SHM-3507
415.3:110/425
12/315
16/230
334+117.3Silver$189.99 USD
The Shimano ULT5500XTD Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel is designed for the serious surf caster. This surf reel provides consistent long-casting performance and Shimano X-Ship for improved durability even under the heaviest loads.

  • X-Ship
  • Slow Oscillation (5500)
  • Aero Wrap II
  • Dyna balance
  • Super Stopper II
  • 1 Spare Spool Included
4.5 Stars based on 37 reviews
By Kevin
Annapolis
Superb Reel
June 10, 2022
I’ve just gotten back into fishing and surf fishing in particular. I was recommended this reel by a relative and it’s superb. I love how smooth it is both casting and retrieving. If you’re looking for and outstanding reel to get you to that one area, consider this Ultegra.
By Jonathan
Southampton, NY
5500 XTD
May 12, 2022
First off, I am a die hard Penn fan and I love all their spinning reels, but I wanted another long cast reel besides Penns after fishing the conflict ii lc 5500. After a months worth of homework I decided on the Ultegra. I can't believe the quality of this reel. Now its only been through a month of good use catching some stripers and bluefish. Probably a 15 to 25 percent increase in distanced over standard spinning reels. Strong and smooth drag, damn near perfect line lay and the reel istself is very smooth. I am incredibly impress and definitely thinking more so outside of Penn now.
By Samer
Springfield Gardens, NY
Very good quality
September 3, 2021
Smooth as butter, strong drag, and I love that it includes a spare spool and reducers. I only wish it came with a larger power knob, and it's not easy to replace the stock one. I will also be installing ice washers.
Pros
  • Casts long
  • Smooth
Cons
  • Knob could be better
By herb
N.C
AWESOME SURF REEL , PAY NO MIND TO THE NEGATIVE REVIEWS.
July 27, 2021
This reel has held up great for surf fishing. As long as you don't dunk it will last many years .

It will throw further than any other spinner outside an Aero Technium that I also own and it is in itself an awesome surf reel .

They're exceedingly easy to take apart and clean despite some saying they aren't and they look awesome to boot .

DON'T USE HEAVY BRAID on them which completely defeats their purpose ,first of all nobody needs braid heavier than 20 pound since 20 pound braid will land fish in the 70 plus pound range in short order .

Only thing that disappoints me is that the Ultegra long cast models even in the 14000 size only offer Shimano Super 5 oscillation instead of the superior Super 10 .
Pros
  • Awesome long cast reel capable of far better distances than Shimano's locomotive driven oscillation spinning reels .
  • Hold up over the long haul as superb surf fishing beach reels and lightweight to boot .
Cons
  • No Super 10 oscillation .
By John M.
MD
Great reel smooth
July 24, 2021
Great reel. Smooth and quite!! With the. Money
Pros
  • Quite and smooth
Cons
  • Wish handle would fold
By jim
,
SUPER SMOOTH
April 21, 2021
SUPER SMOOTH AND SUPER FLAWLESS. GREAT PRICE FOR QUALITY. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT LOVES SURF FISHING
By Anthony
Long Beach, CA
Nice reel for the $
March 27, 2020
I've been using it for soaking chunks on 3-6oz lead. Its performed well and held up nicely.
Pros
  • Solid drag, holds a ton of line, surprisingly light for it's size
Cons
  • A bit of flex under heavy load (30+lb). I would like it to be more rigid.
By Lupan
Nashville, TN
Great Reel
August 25, 2019
The real has performed great it holds a massive amount of line.

I have cut all brand of species with this rod from Sturgeon to stripers two flat heads it’s a great reel.
Pros
  • Drag, casting, and power great
Cons
  • Little heavier than others.
By T W.
MD
Not Durable
August 19, 2019
I own 4 of these reels. Sorry to report that after only two seasons of moderate use, with tender loving care, two are reeling in very rough. They are showing signs of internal part failure. I have been avid surf fisherman for over 40 years. These reels are by far the biggest disappointing, fishing purchase, I've made.
Pros
  • Light, well balanced, good price
Cons
  • The ones I own, are not durable.
By Woody
Stuart FL
Has Disappointing Issues
August 11, 2019
Initially these reels performance is too good to be true. After two seasons of surf tournament fishing, (a grand total of 10 days) and thorough cleaning after each use, these reels tend to be difficult during retrieval, under moderate loads.

I own 4 of these lemons, one cost me 38.00, to replace internal cheaply made parts. Another one is now doing the same crap!

Shimano, is constantly changing their reels, instead of improving the models they have. Buyer beware, Shimano quality control seems to out to lunch!
Pros
  • In all honesty, I have no positive remarks.
Cons
  • Not durable!
By James
HAZLET, NJ
Great reel
February 20, 2019
Extremely light and smooth. perfect for surf fishing for stripers.
By Patricio S.
Puebla
all perfect
January 2, 2019
all perfect! thanks!
By Tim
Fenwick Island, DE
Very Long Caster
November 7, 2018
I have purchased two of these reels to use on surf rods. I overload line on reels to reduce friction from the front lip of the spool. These reels cast noticeably further than the two that they are replacing and I have not had an issue with wind knots from over loading them. They are FAST retrievers also. Only issue is because they do not have a skirt on the spool they can get line wrapped under the spool and around the spindle if you are not careful.
Pros
  • Long caster.
  • Quick retrieve
Cons
  • line can easily get under the spool.
By Jessie
nj
Nice drag for the price!!!!!
October 30, 2018
always been a Penn man, but after looking at reviews on the Shimano reels I might have to try one. I mean 44 lbs of drag for $160, yep that is a good deal
By Vinnie D.
Newington, CT
ULT 14000XSD- big bang for the buck!!!
September 5, 2018
Shimano has always been one of my surf fishing reels- purchased this model for my son to pair with a g loomis 11 ft surf rod- he loves it. Long casting, smooth, and solid design. Well worth the $$$
Pros
  • Long cast spools (2), well balanced and smooth, good drag system
Cons
  • None yet
3 Questions & 3 Answers
Thyda
from Providence, RI asked:
August 4, 2018
hi,does the handle screw in?
1 Answers
The handle does screw in and is a dual retrieve.
Bernie
on August 6, 2018

Alvin
from Cayman Islands asked:
June 27, 2018
Can you suggest a good rod to match this with? I prefer 8-9' for casting poppers and stick baits.
1 Answers

David
from Charlestown,Rhode island asked:
September 19, 2018
How much braid will this hold? 20-30
1 Answers
Unfortunately, Shimano only lists the mono capacity. The Shimano Ultegra 5500 XSD is currently out of stock, but we do have the 5500 XTD in-stock here at TackleDirect. 9/20/2018
Rebecca
on September 20, 2018

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