Shimano FX Rod & Reel Review

This is a review of the Shimano FX rod and reel combo, with the 4000 size reel. Both the rod and reel are exceptional value, and the lowest cost combo we recommend on the entire site. It’s a kit that is staggeringly better than other rod and reel options at its price point and is fantastic for the all-round lure angler that likes to use a lot of different size lures for a wide range of species. If you fish a few times a year on holiday and want to fish with modern lures like the pachinko and the fiish minnow, then this is an excellent choice.

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Shimano FX vs. Most Budget Rod & Reel Combos

I’d just like to add before you read the rest of this review that although I’m fairly tough on the rod and reel, I am comparing it with more expensive kits. Most anglers that want to go fishing will rock up in their local tackle shop, say they want a ‘budget rod and reel’ combo, and come out with something that can’t cast single lures without extra weight. If you’re having to use weights to cast out with your lure rod, you’ve got a nasty piece of kit…

Compared with those kits, this rod is will feel luxury and high end. Compared to serious lure fishing outfits that cost more than double, it won’t stand up. Although I did not snap the rod (and I have snapped others at this price), you can’t be thinking you’ve got a rod for life here!

My theory is that Shimano introduced the FX series as a “gateway” rod. By using the cheaper XT30+GLASS blank, they could offer a cost-effective yet reliable product. The FX gives you a taste of Shimano’s quality at an accessible price point, opening the door for future upgrades.

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It’s a gateway to the world of lure fishing with lighter rods…

The rod is an XT30+GLASS blank – which I think means it’s only 30% carbon fibre and is otherwise fibreglass. In this regard, the rod is not a ‘performance’ rod – it’s not going to be the most sensitive rod out there or have the fastest action. However, it is plenty sensitive and strong enough to be great fun while out fishing – and I could feel bites from mackerel no problem. For a rod at this price, a cheaper blank it to be expected. The lightness of the rod however is fantastic, and not many rods at this price provide such a light blank, that isn’t to fine you could snap it like a tooth pic.

Shimano FX rod review — We like to test the action on all our rods to compare them. This is a medium action.

As you can see, the rod has an impressive action and nice fairly progressive curve. I would describe the action as medium, because the rod doesn’t bend at the tip first, but about 6” into the blank. Shimano describes it as medium heavy, but the rod doesn’t have a huge amount of power, even for a light rod. It’s got all the power you need for UK bass, wrasse and numerous other species. I’d be very happy using this as a back up rod and I think it’s perfect for somebody looking to get into lure fishing at a reasonable price point.

When you compare the rod with others in its price range, I’ve not seen anything like this for the price of a fancy pub meal. It’s the kind of rod I wish I had when I started lure fishing.

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The Shimano FX reel in the 4000 size stands out as the best budget-friendly spinning reel I’ve ever used, clearly surpassing another reel we like at this price – the Daiwa Sweepfire. The latter, although a solid choice, suffers from flex and looseness that are noticeably absent in the FX model. I paired the reel with 10lb monofilament, and despite usually preferring pricier braided lines, I was impressed by its performance. However, I would not load this thing up with £20 braided line as it’s not built for that.

When it comes to using monofilament, it’s wise to limit the breaking strain to a maximum of 12lb. The smaller spool size of the reel means that heavier lines are more susceptible to coiling, making 15 or 20lb monofilament a risky choice.

We used the rod casting up to 40g, and it could cast more than that comfortably

When fishing with mono, I avoid using lighter lures as having weight helps to create tension and avoid coiling. This set up performed best when using lures at the upper limit of the rods casting weight (40g).

Fishing with the rod towards its upper casting limit worked best. I was able to fish with lures slightly beyond the maximum casting weight of the rod without problems. I think it would probably take 70g+ to snap this rod during casting (still, that’s under 2oz so easily done if you don’t fish often).

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The real has a graphite body and metal handle and spool

It’s surprising to have a metal handle at this price point. Even the slightly more expensive Savage Gear SG2 lacks a metal handle. The reel feels solid and reliable, it’s not a Micky Mouse reel. If you keep it away from salty water I think it could last you years of use on holidays and perhaps a year or two as an angler fishing more regularly. Note that even £100 reels get worn out after a few years of heavy use.

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