Whilst the Spheros SW does have an impressive line up of features and technology, and will serve you well in the most demanding of situations, it isn’t a cheap alternative to a Stella or Twin Power! For inshore work and occasional more demanding offshore fishing, it’s a great low cost option, but for continuous extreme fishing, for massive tuna, GT, grouper or sharks, you will get better service from one of the higher cost models. That said, for travelling or holidaying anglers who want their own tropical set-up, the larger sizes are a great value for money choice.

The Spheros is a practical reel that punches well above its price. With an aluminium HAGANE Body this is a tough reel that means business. The HAGANE Gear, X-SHIP combination is even enhanced with InfinityDrive to deliver lots of torque and cranking power. And it has X-Protect (IPX8) water protection to keep water out of the important moving parts. However, the drag doesn’t quite pack the punch of its more expensive brothers, and there are a few less ball bearings placed around the construction.

Shimano Spheros Saltwater Fishing Reel Features

• Hagane Gear - is produced by Shimano's coldforging technology, without the need for additional machining. This delivers a longlasting smoothness, strength, lightness and power at the very heart of the reel. Traditional diecast, machined gears are less durable under heavy loads.
• XShip - is a combination of features that work together to create much greater efficiency. By positioning the pinion gear close to the centre line of the large diameter drive gear, more power is transferred from the handle to the rotor. The pinion gear is also supported by two Shimano ARB roller bearings. This creates more stability.
• Hagane Body - The HAGANE Body is produced from highrigidity aluminium or magnesium. This creates stiffness and impact resistance, while at the same time eliminating flexing of the body. The result is a rocksolid housing and support for the moving internal gearing and greater efficiency throughout the reel.
• XProtect - The contact type triplelip structure is introduced to the roller clutch, the pivotal point concerning water resistance. In this structure, the first lip prevents water from entering through the space between the rotor and the body. In addition, the special grease between the second and third lip where it makes contact with the rotor collar located at the upper part of the roller clutch not only resists water from entering but also minimizes friction resistance. Without jeopardizing the 'silky smooth rotation capacity', the vital feature of STELLA SW, exceptional water resistance, has been achieved to withstand the crashing and splashing of waves and spray.
• DynaBalance - DynaBalance reduces wobble during the retrieve by counter balancing the rotor to enhance sensitivity and smoothness. By using computer balancing Shimano are able to redistribute the rotor weight to create eliminate vibrations.