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Shimano Sienna 2500FB

Shimano Produces a high value performer.

Reviewed by James Ramirez - 2005.

In 2005 the lower end Shimano spinning reels had a complete makeover with their overall designs and components. According to most anglers, they were no longer “dull” looking. These reels turned out to be pieces of art. The Sienna, Slade, Sidestab, CX, and the TX were completely redone. These reels are comparable to the $40 Sonora, and the $50 Sedona.

One of the new Shimano models - The Sienna 2500FB

 

On the Water Uses (Casting, Retrieving, Drag System
and Presentation)

During its review period this reel was used for shore-fishing on rivers and
lakes where long, accurate casts were required to reach the fish, the Shimano Sienna 2500FB has an exceptionally wide diameter spool. With the large diameter spool line memory is reduced. By having a small diameter, low memory with smooth line dispersion on each cast with P-Line Fluoroclear a breeze. This reel was excellent at casting jig and plastic combinations, drop-shot and split shot rigs, Texas style, and weightless rigs for bass and
walleye.

A few of the favorites used on the Sienna spinning reel.

The retrieving on this reel was buttery smooth with the help of three ball bearings. This reel was smoother than some of my other reels that have five or more bearings. The Sienna has Dynabalance, a system that eliminates all wobble. The retrieval smoothness is only one step down from the $80 Symetre and is identical to the $60 Sahara.
 

The Drag system is one of the most important features on a reel, and Shimano did not mess up at all on the Sienna’s drag system. The Sienna uses a harmonious ring, instead of the traditional tick that you hear when you have a fish on.

This reel was perfectly matched on a 6'6" medium power rod and 8-lb test line. The Sienna was used primarily for casting plastics that are too light for a
baitcaster. Grubs, creature, worm, and senko style baits were my favorite to cast with this setup. This reel was used for casting, pitching and skipping. Skipping is a technique that requires the angler to sweep the rod in a circular motion to hit the water and then come back up and land under a dock or some cover. Its motion is almost like skipping a rock.

The author, with a pair of nice bass caught on the reviewed spinning reel.


Special Features

The Shimano Sienna utilizes a system known as P3. P3 stands for Power, Precision and Performance. This reel packs all of those features into a stunning design. The 2005 model of the Sienna has way more, and better features than the previous generations of this model. A comfortable barrel grip is used for maximum gripping power.

 

Construction & Quality – Very strong reel, but
sideplates, and frame are made of graphite 4

On The Water Uses – Excellent casting reel, it shocked
me how good it performed 5

Design (ergonomics) – Very sleek and light reel, mostly
a graphite reel. Only drawback is the graphite material. 3.5

Presentation – Was excellent for using soft plastics in
most situations 5

Price – Excellent value, the overall price is a bargain.5

Overall Score -- 4.5/5

 

Positive
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Smooth performer
Solid Drag
Flashy colors
Light Weight
High Technology for low priced reel
Shocking price

Negative
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Graphite Frame, rotor, and sideplates
No spare spool