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Shimano takes the next step with improved design & mechanical offerings on one of their most popular reels.

Here, I bring out to you all, the Shimano Symetre 2500FI spinning reel.

Data for Review

Date– July thru October, 2004
Type of reel – Spinning Reel
Manufacturer –Shimano
Reviewed by –  Andrew Ragas

During the end of 2003, Shimano created something that I would consider as a “revolution” with their reels. What they did was give each reel in their line of spinning reels a new make-over. From the $500 Stella to the $30 Sonora, new features and designs were placed in each reel. Unlike previous Shimano spinning reel models, these reels will be hot and appealing to most anglers, especially the Symetre FI series of reels.

 

The Shimano Symetre 2500FI


When I first purchased my first-ever Shimano reel in July of 2004, I knew I’d be getting myself into something really good. Despite those “horror stories” I’ve heard with the maintenance of Shimano reels, all of those maintenance centers and with their sometimes “faulty” parts, I went with my belief and gut that this is the reel I needed. Not too expensive, nor too cheap.

Compared with past Symetre reels, the 2500FI series represents an image of what Shimano should be. That image is pure technology and having a flashy appearance.

As the reviewer of this product, I would consider the reel as a “low” high-end reel for Shimano. Meaning that it’s not as cheap of quality as the $20-50 reels and that it is very comparable to the $115 Stradic when it comes to price and features.

For those anglers who want a reel that is sleek, simple, has technology and not outrageous in price, take a look at this one.

 

Out on the Water (Casting, Retrieving, Drag System and Presentation)

During my 2004 fishing season, I used this reel everywhere I went. To name a few places & situations where I used this reel was on rivers and lakes in both Illinois and Wisconsin. I find this reel very appealing to Smallmouth Bass fishing on the Fox River and its small feeder creeks and on the famous upper stretches of the Wisconsin River. The reel was very good for Walleye jigging as well.

Throughout the year, the reel was spooled with P-line CXXX and was perfectly matched on a 6.5ft Galyans HMG-40 spinning rod.

During its review period, there were a wide variety of applications that were used on this reel. On rivers & small creeks in both IL and WI, I preferred casting twisters, Rapala Risto Raps, Husky Jerks and Mepps #2 spinners. The casting is just effortless, especially with using a line that is extremely abrasion resistant and has forms of bulkiness. Great casting distances and smooth reeling was achieved with help from the Fluidrive II gearing system and Floating Shaft system, which reduces friction between the spool shaft and the pinion gear.

The drag system is also great as well. Jeez - I just like everything this reel has, period! The synchronization is smooth and will handle everything that lives in the water.

Just like the impressive casting and drag system, the retrieve is equally as good. It is smooth and flawless with the Dynabalance Anti-wobble system. It will not wobble at all!


 

A nice Fox River, IL tributary Largemouth Bass caught during August on 2004 on the reviewed spinning reel.

 

On lakes, I applications I preferred using this reel were jigging for walleyes, using light-weight live-bait rigs, and drop-shotting for Largemouth Bass on my famous Lake Pescado. During its review period, I felt that this reel was better suited for finesse applications, rather than “power fishing” and covering water with aggressive presentations.

Like all reels, none can really handle any water-dunkings, but this one can. All Shimano spinning reels feature an A-RB bearing system. The A-RB system (anti-rust bearing) is made up of chromium which protects the actual bearing, itself and makes the bearing system nearly 100% water-proof. To protect your investment for a longer period of time, purchase yourself a tube of Quantum Hot Sauce. Now that is 100% waterproof, for sure.
 

Special Features

During the last two years, Shimano has been very competitive against Daiwa. They are always head-to-head in production, sales, and new innovations.

The best feature, along with the A-RB bearings is that this reel features the Shimano S-Concept design. Shimano S-Concept stands for "Smooth, Silent, and Strong" operation in their new family of reels. This represents the image on which the newer Shimano reels were designed. This year there are four reel families which take advantage of the new S-Concept design, the Stella FA, Sustain FD, Stradic FH and Symetre FI. S-Concept reels have new dimensions, new spools, and a wealth of upgraded features that set them apart from the previous generation models.

When you put the new Symetre side by side with its previous generation model you immediately will notice two things, the new sleeker design, and the reduced overall weight of the reel.
Here’s an example of the S-concept.

At only 9.5oz, the Symetre is smooth and very lightweight thanks to the S-Concept.

Construction & Quality – Despite their light aluminum frame & components, I don’t feel that this reel could take much abuse. The frame & coating seems cheap, but the rotation of gears feel superb. The metallic-gold side-plates will become scratched in no-time. - 4

On The Water Uses – Great for live-bait fishing, jigging and drop-shotting. Not too many other valuable uses. - 4

Design (ergonomics) – The S-concept enhances its looks. The reel is very sleek & slender, and not bulky at all. The aluminum handle rotates very cleanly when reeling line, thanks to the Fluidrive II drive gear and Power Roller. - 5

Presentation – Good for finesse applications – Poor for aggressive applications, such as “power” fishing and covering water - 4

Price – I didn’t feel that this reel was overpriced compared with other Shimano reels. I am basing this on the amount of technology that was poured into the Symetre line since 2003. At $80, this reel is well-worth it and lives up to its name of being symmetrical, with its design and an appealing price for all anglers. – 5

Total Score - - - 4.8
 

Positive
---------
Very Smooth
Powerful Drag
Just right as far as price goes
Spare aluminum spool
Anti-rust bearing system
Strong bail system

Negative
----------
Metal side-plates scratch too easily
Only good for finesse applications


Overall, since I first purchased tis reel, I have been very happy with it. Like all fishing reels, these objects are tools that will help the angler land fish. There is nothing special that separates reel brands from one-another, other than specific features.

A reel with this type of caliber, it has a price ($80) that no one should complain about. Most people have heard or know that for Shimano’s, you just pay the inflated price just for the Shimano name. That is not true with this reel. You will get great value that will suit your needs any-day!