Tackle Tuesday... Shimano AR-C Aero Ci4+ Reels

This entry was posted on 17th June, 2014

Shimano AR-C Aero Ci4 Reels

Alex Bones of Match Fishing magazine takes a look at Shimano’s latest marvels – the AR-C Aero Ci4+ reels.

The first thing that’ll strike you if you get the chance to pick up one of these magnificent pieces of engineering is the weight… or lack of it, more to the point!

It’s like an Aero Match that’s been on a leafy-lettuce crash diet. However, the remarkable part is that the Ci4+ material that’s used is 250 percent stronger than Shimano’s already impressive Ci4 material, while also being 20 percent lighter than it’s XT-7 graphite.

While that may sound like a bunch of letters and numbers there is some real science behind what Shimano has managed to achieve, which, among other benefits, makes it completely impervious to water (even saltwater) and rust.

Deriving from the company’s Japanese spinning roots, this is a super high-performance reel designed to rival almost anything out there for float or feeder applications. The oversized spool gives the slick exterior a purposeful look. But, unlike Katie Price, it’s not just a huge set of 34Ds with little else to go with it. No, this is the Laura Shields of the reel world – a straight-A student, with a degree in chemical engineering, an IQ of 158… and a banging exterior to go with it!



What is Ci4+ In a nutshell, Ci4 is reinforced carbon fibre (the Ci stands for carbon interfusion), so add the ‘+’ and this is Shimano’s next-generation material boasting the sort of benefits that make a significant difference – ones you can actually feel.

Line Reducers Each reel comes with a set of line reducers, which are brilliant! They allow you to reduce the depth of spool, meaning you’re not wasting precious monofilament or having to back the spools up with older lie before winding on your preferred choice of mono.

Double Trouble Available in two versions – the 4000 and the 4000XG, with the difference being the retrieve ratio’s, which is 4.8:1 on the 4000 and 6.2:1 on the XG model. This means that the power applications, like feeder fishing, the 4000 will offer more torque per turn, but a slower retrieve.

Other Exclusive Shimano Features Even though it’s a lightweight model it packs a heavyweight punch in terms of features. As well as everything else this incredible reel is home to X-ship, AR-C Light Spool, Ci4+ (material for body and rotor), CF Gear, Rigid Support Drag, A-RB bearings, one-piece bail, Aero Wrap II line lay and saltwater resistance.

The Verdict In a word… incredible. I love a good reel – it’s almost an obsession – and these are not a cheap option by any means, but everything about them just feels right. They absolutely look the part while being fixed up with more added extras than a Royal Navy submarine. Providing you look after them they’ll last a lifetime, and the feel as you wind is simply exquisite.

Buy The Shimano AR-C Aero Ci4+ Reels