The Shimano NASCI range of spinning reels comprises six models ranging from sizes 500 to C5000. All NASCI models come with Shimano’s flagship feature SilentDrive Technology which offers significant advantages such as high-precision and micron-level tolerances for drive train components. It helps reduce noise, vibrations, and wobbling, leading to a smoother and quieter reeling experience for anglers. If you are into bass and freshwater fishing, then the 2500 Series might be an apt purchase. However, the C3000 is one step ahead of the 2500, offering a deeper-cut spool for additional line capacity while comprising the size and weight of the 2500 series.
Shimano NASCI Review- An Overview
The Shimano NASCI spinning reel is a high-end fishing reel for freshwater and saltwater fishing applications. The Shimano Nasci FC spinning reel comes with HAGANE gear, comprising cold-forged aluminum gear made with a 3D design, offering superior durability over standard die-cast and machine-made gears. The 1000-C5000 models are incorporated with X-ship technology, supporting pinion gears on both ends for precise alignment of the drive gear with the pinion gear. Its CoreProtect system offers better water resistance and protects the body, roller clutch, and line roller against water accumulation.
Thanks to its Propulsion Line Management system, Shimano NASCI facilitates an impeccable casting experience for users. The angled upper lip reel spool helps significantly reduce the friction in line while casting. Its G-free body features further aid in shifting the center of gravity to your hand position, which reduces fatigue and promotes comfort while casting.
In the Shimano NASCI reel review, we will look at how Shimano incorporates their Hagane HGN cold-forged gearing and their X-Ship technology for improved power, durability, and functionality. This is a 2021 model reel.
Exclusive features of Shimano NASCI
Hagane Cold-forged gears
The most noticeable difference I experience while using Shimano NASCI is the excellent precision and strength that comes with the Hagane cold-forging technology. Unlike most gears forged in hot temperatures, the Shimano’s Nasci gears are compressed at room temperature by applying 200 tons of pressure. This eliminates all the cutting work involved in forging a precision gear, as cold forging technology can offer micron accuracy in a single process.
And why does precision gear matter in fishing?
This is because you need efficient power transmission and smooth rotation while fishing. The high-precision gearing smoothens the fishing experience with its reduced friction and low inertia. As a result, I have more control of the lure while reeling. When a fish is hooked, the precision gearing effectively transfers the input power from the handle to the rotor, allowing me to control fish-playing easily.
G Free Body technology
The G-free body technology was developed to shift the reel’s center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand position. Although I felt less fatigue and could cast more with the Shimano NASCI, I didn’t know how this technology actually worked. So I did some digging, and it took me a great deal of time to understand. In layman’s terms, Shimano moved its worm shaft system mechanism from the bottom of the reel to the top in the G-free body technology.
The worm shaft system is another technology in big pit reels and large bait runners. It increases the spool capacity, improves casting distance, and assists in better line lay. It allows the fish to take the bait and run with it. Since it doesn’t feel like resistance, it does not spit your bait immediately. This system is highly effective in live bait saltwater applications.
Returning to the G-Free body technology, with the center of gravity moved close to the fishing rod, reduces the fatigue you feel after a long day of casting. Although it is not something you will feel instantly, when you come home after a long day, you will appreciate that your muscles are not sore anymore.
X-Ship technology
Catching predatory fish species can be exhausting as they often wiggle too much and end up biting the line. This is why a smooth and powerful cranking mechanism is needed, which the X-ship technology of Shimano is all about. The x-ship system supports the pinion gears on both ends with bearings, which keeps the drive gear in precise alignment with the pinions. As a result, the gears stay in the same position even at the heaviest loads. The gear is supported by two A-RB roller bearings. This increases the gear’s stability and minimizes twisting pinion gears and rotor reflection in challenging situations.
Coreprotect water resistance
Regardless of what some brands claim for superior water-resistant reels, it is more complex to keep water getting inside the reel. This is the lead cause of damage, as only some models have the required protection. The three key protected regions are the roller clutch, the line roller, and the body. The Coreprotect water resistance technology of Shimano Nasci claims to offer superior water protection to all these three key areas.
The Careprotect feature combines water-repellent coating and a high-end construction for better water channeling. This protects the fishing reel to a greater degree without compromising the rotor rotation and gearing weights.
S A-RB
If you use corrosion resistance and highly-durable reels for saltwater fishing, then you need a spinning reel with shielded ball bearings. The Shimano Nasci shielded anti-rust ball bearings that shield both sides of the bearings. This keeps saltwater or sand from getting inside the ball bearings, significantly increasing the reel’s longevity without the need for constant maintenance.
Thick bail wire
Well, it may not be an attractive feature on the surface, but at the end of the day, I still count it as an incredible feature of Nasci. The good part of using thick bail wire is that it not only improves your performance but also reduces the wrapping of bail wire over time. Thin bail wires often get knotted and wrapped up, leading to bad line management.
Highlighted features
- Hagane cold-forged gearing for superb precision
- Ultra-durable cold forged handle for powerful cranking
- Lightweight and durable composite body
- 5+1 ball bearings with shielded corrosion-resistant technology
- Coreprotect water resistance
- G Free Body eliminating fatigue and better line lay
- X-ship technology for precise alignment of pinion gears with drive gears
Shortcomings
Well, no product is absolutely perfect in all senses. Despite its shortcomings, the Nasci is a smart long-term investment. Some complaints about its weight, i.e., 8.8 ounces. I don’t mind the weight because it is a saltwater reel, so it is supposed to feel heavy compared to others. However, the g-free body technology takes care of that by shifting the center of gravity closer to your hand. It allows you to cast all day long without getting any muscle sores. The round grip in smaller models feels a bit slick, which is the only problem I have with this series. However, this is not the case in the Nasci range from 3000 size, which comes with T-style paddle handles that offer better grip, handling, and balance.
Shimano NASCI series
| Models | BEARINGS | MAX DRAG (KG) | GEAR RATIO | RETRIEVE PER CRANK (CM) | MONO CAPACITY (KG/M) | POWERPRO BRAID (LB/YDS) | WEIGHT (G) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASCI 1000 FC | 5+1 | 3 | 5.0:1 | 66 | 2/100 | 10/95 | 205 |
| NASCI 2500 HGFC | 5+1 | 9 | 6.2:1 | 91 | 3/180 | 10/120 | 240 |
| NASCI 4000 XGFC | 5+1 | 11 | 6.2:1 | 99 | 4/150 | 15/230 | 285 |
| NASCI COMPACT 3000 HGFC | 5+1 | 9 | 6.2:1 | 91 | 3/150 | 10/200 | 240 |
| NASCI COMPACT 5000 XGFC | 5+1 | 11 | 6.2:1 | 105 | 5/150 | 20/260 | 305 |
Final thoughts
The Shimano NASCI spinning reel is a high-quality fishing reel at an affordable price point that is suitable for both freshwaters as well as inshore saltwater environments. However, if you want a true durable spinning reel that can endure anything in the salt, I would personally recommend the Shimano Socorro SW, which costs around $150, that is $50 more than the NASCI, but the extra price is worth it.
Meanwhile, if you need saltwater spinning reels under $100, then you may check out PENN Battle III, Daiwa BG, and SHIMANO Sedona Fi.
I have seen anglers comparing the NASCI with Shimano Sahara, but in my opinion, I liked the NASCI better. First of all, it has six ball bearings, while sahara has five. This extra ball bearing gives Nasci a much smoother feel. Even adding an extra ball bearing, the NASCI still feels lighter and has better control than Sahara.
Overall, I am quite impressed with the Shimano NASCI FC as it offers a lot more than most PENN and Daiwa at this price range.
Final thoughts
The Shimano NASCI spinning reel is a high-quality fishing reel at an affordable price point that is suitable for both freshwaters and inshore saltwater environments. However, if you want a true beast that can endure anything in the salt, I recommend the Shimano Socorro SW, which costs around $150, which is $50 more than the NASCI, but the extra price is worth it.
Meanwhile, if you need saltwater spinning reels under $100, you may check out PENN Battle III, Daiwa BG, and SHIMANO Sedona Fi.
I have seen anglers comparing the NASCI with Shimano Sahara, but I liked the NASCI better. First, it has six ball bearings, while Sahara has five. This extra ball bearing gives Nasci a much smoother feel. Even with an additional ball bearing, the NASCI still feels lighter and has better control than Sahara.
Overall, I am pretty impressed with the Shimano NASCI FC as it offers much more than most PENN and Daiwa at this price range.
