A mid-price spinning reel that borrows gearing and water-protection ideas from Shimano's top reels. Anglers pick it for a very smooth, light reel that handles bass, trout and inshore fish.
Specs
- Sizes: 1000, 2500HG, C3000XG, 4000XG, C5000XG
- Gear ratio: 5.1:1 (1000) to 6.4:1 (C3000XG)
- Weight: 6.5 oz (1000), 7.8 oz (2500HG), 7.9 oz (C3000XG), 9.7 oz (4000XG), 10.1 oz (C5000XG)
- Bearings: 6 S A-RB + 1 roller bearing
- Line capacity (2500HG): 140 yd of 8 lb or 120 yd of 10 lb mono
- Gearing: HAGANE cold-forged gears with InfinityXross and InfinityDrive
- Drag: Duracross
- Water protection: X-Protect coating and water-channeling design
- Anti-Twist Fin near the line roller
- Awards: ICAST 2023 Best of Show, Freshwater Reel
- Price at Tackle Warehouse: $234.99 to $264.99 (Oct 2026)
- Tackle Warehouse rating: 4.4 from 41 reviews (Oct 2026)
What reviewers say
Wired2Fish tested the C3000XG and found it lighter and smoother than older Stradics. That reviewer also used it in salt water with good results, even though Shimano pitches it mostly at freshwater anglers. UK and Australian tackle writers describe it as a strong all-rounder. Store reviewers mostly praise smoothness and the drag; a few long-time Stradic owners say older versions lasted them close to a decade.
Good
- Very smooth retrieve
- Light for a metal-geared reel
- Good water protection for the price
- Sizes cover finesse bass to light inshore
Not so good
- Costs well over $200
- Not a heavy saltwater reel; no large sizes
Who it's for
Bass, trout and inshore anglers who want one premium-feeling spinning reel without paying flagship prices. Skip it if you need a big reel for surf or offshore work.
Sources
Last checked 2026-10-19. Specs from the maker; review notes summarized in our own words.