Please select your home edition
Edition
V-DRY-X

Shimano Spheros SW conquers offshore and inshore waters

by Shimano 24 Sep 2021 05:57 BST
Spheros SW A © Shimano

The jack of all trades in the saltwater realm, Shimano redesigned the Spheros SW series of spinning reels to conquer both offshore and inshore waters. Now, every saltwater angler can access premium Shimano features that deliver durability and powerful reeling performance at an entry-level price point.

The redesigned Spheros SW A family includes seven reels in sizes from 5000 up to 20000 to span a wide range of inshore, nearshore and offshore applications. Each Spheros now includes Shimano's Infinity Drive - a premium feature in Shimano's flagship series of reels - to deliver unmatched winding power that brings powerful fish to hand. A unique main shaft supporting structure and special low-friction bushings and coatings in the Infinity Drive System significantly reduce sliding resistance when anglers reel against large and powerful fish. Now, every reel handle turn requires less effort to get headstrong saltwater adversaries moving toward the boat.

Premium gearing within the redesigned Spheros SW A extends to the reel's HAGANE Gear and X-Ship system. The HAGANE Gear is a cold-forged aluminum drive gear that delivers smooth feel and function over many seasons. By leveraging an exclusive three-dimensional design process and eliminating cutting work on the drive gear, the HAGANE Gear offers unparalleled durability compared to reels with diecast or machined gear construction. The X-Ship system maintains precise alignment of the pinion gear with the drive gear by supporting the pinion gear with bearings on both ends, providing increased gear durability when fighting hard-charging saltwater fish.

The HAGANE Body provides Spheros SW A with a lightweight yet extremely rigid aluminum frame, efficiently transforming every handle turn into cranking power. Shimano engineered the redesigned Spheros with the X-Protect and X-Shield systems to combat the corrosive effects of saltwater intrusion. By combining water-repellent coatings with a water-channeling labyrinth construction, Shimano's X-Protect technology shrugs off the elements without sacrificing reel performance, ensuring years of durability. The Shimano X-Shield system provides dependable sealing structures and gaskets at critical locations throughout the reel body, creating a highly reliable and durable water-resistant structure. Reflecting the highest level of protection against water intrusion currently available, the Spheros SW A reel body features an IPX-8 water resistance rating - perfect for the demanding saltwater environment.

Whether jigging for grouper and amberjack, free-lining live bait to snook and striped bass, or casting lures to cobia and tuna, Shimano's Cross Carbon Drag ensures that Spheros SW A can deliver hard-fighting saltwater fish to hand. Incorporated throughout the redesigned Spheros series, Cross Carbon Drag provides a wider range of drag settings, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance available.

The redesigned Spheros SW A provides dependable performance for anglers targeting prized saltwater game fish. Seven different sizes, including 5000, 6000 and 8000 for inshore and nearshore use as well as 10000, 14000, 18000 and 20000 sizes for bluewater fishing, complete the new Spheros SW family. New additions to the lineup for 2021, the 14000 and 18000 sizes bridge the gap in offshore spinning reels, enhancing the reel family's versatility in the offshore setting. The Shimano Spheros SW A is available now from authorized Shimano dealers with an MSRP of $139.99 to $199.99.

Spheros SW A Features:

  • Infinity Drive
  • HAGANE Gear
  • X-Protect
  • X-Shield
  • HAGANE Body
  • Cross Carbon Drag
  • X-Ship
  • Screw-in Handle
  • IPX-8 Water Resistant Body
  • Propulsion Line Management System

Related Articles

49er & 49erFX Junior Worlds champions crowned
One final race before the storm kicked in at Øresund The final day of the 2025 Junior World Championship delivered high drama and even higher waves. As wind and rain swept across the Øresund, Race Committees managed to run one final race before safety concerns forced an early end to the competition. Posted today at 4:43 am
Admiral's Cup: Emotional, Rare, Unforgettable
The 2025 Admirals' Cup set the stage for a bold new era in offshore racing Once the pinnacle of international offshore sailing, the return of the Admiral's Cup was a resounding success, setting the stage for a bold new era in offshire racing. Posted on 4 Aug
29er World Championship at Porto Day 2
The breeze never quite showed up but the action didn't stop Day two of the Porto World Championships began with hope—and strategy. With light winds in the forecast, the race committee scheduled an early start in anticipation of a short sea breeze window. Posted on 4 Aug
Cape 31 Early Bird Claims ORC Europeans Silver
An epic performance at the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE in Palma After an intense week of high-level racing at the 43rd Copa del Rey MAPFRE – ORC European Championship 2025, the Cape 31 Early Bird secured an outstanding 2nd place overall, just a few points shy of the title in a fiercely competitive 32-boat fleet. Posted on 4 Aug
Cowes Week 2025 Day 3
Weekend warriors and inspiring figures With the decision to abandon racing for the day taken on Sunday evening, many crews took the opportunity to rest and gear themselves up for the rest of the week. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Aero World & Youth Worlds overall
The fine Brittany weather and afternoon sea breezes have provided excellent racing The stage was set for a dramatic final day showdown in Quiberon Bay, France, to decide the titles for the 7th RS Aero Worlds and 4th Youth Worlds. Posted on 4 Aug
Noble Marine Solo class Nationals day 1
The forecast is slightly foreboding Saturday was moving day for the Solo fleet, 43 competitors arriving to a sun-drenched North Berwick from three of the four corners of the UK. The forecast is slightly foreboding. Posted on 4 Aug
RS Feva Worlds at Aix-les-Bains, France Overall
Crowning of our 2025 World Champions As our World Championships drew to a thrilling close on Friday afternoon, the atmosphere was electric with anticipation! Sailors and families were buzzing with excitement as they prepared for their journey home. Posted on 4 Aug
Charlestown Regatta at Porthpean Sailing Club
Sailors doing their thing out in the bay! Charlestown Regatta is a week-long event and is a feature in mid-Cornwall for visitors and locals alike. Porthpean Sailing Club have always used it as an excuse for some extra sailing. Posted on 4 Aug
Just another event?
Is Cowes Week still a pinnacle regatta? We've been blessed with incredible sailing so far this summer in the UK (for once) with great breeze much of the time, and some of the best events in the world gracing our shores. But, like with Storm Floris, there are clouds on the horizon... Posted on 4 Aug