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.

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.

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.

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 .

Great reel. Smooth and quite!! With the. Money

SUPER SMOOTH AND SUPER FLAWLESS. GREAT PRICE FOR QUALITY. WOULD RECOMMEND TO ANYONE THAT LOVES SURF FISHING

I've been using it for soaking chunks on 3-6oz lead. Its performed well and held up nicely.

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.

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.

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!

Extremely light and smooth. perfect for surf fishing for stripers.

all perfect! thanks!

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.

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

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 $$$