Before you buy a fishing reel, you need to know its capacity. Some people like a deep spool, others a shallow one. Different thicknesses of braided line take up different capacities. It’s approximate and for guidance only.
Shimano Nasci and Ultegra braid capacity
| Model | PE (No. – m) | USA / PowerPro (lbs. – yds.) |
| 1000 | 0.8-240 1-190 | 10-95 15-85 20-65 |
| 1000HG | 0.8-240 1-190 | 10-95 15-85 20-65 |
| 2500 | 1-320 1.2-220 1.5-160 | 10-150 15-145 30-100 |
| 2500HG | 1-320 1.2-220 1.5-160 | 10-150 15-145 30-100 |
| C3000 | 1-400 1.5-270 2-180 | 10-200 20-140 40-105 |
| C3000HG | 1-400 1.5-270 2-180 | 10-200 20-140 40-105 |
| 4000 | 1-500 1.5-320 2-210 | 15-280 30-170 50-150 |
| 4000XG | 1-500 1.5-320 2-210 | 15-280 30-170 50-150 |
| C5000XG | 1.5-370 2-320 3-190 | 20-220 30-200 40-160 |
| Model | PE (No. – yd) |
| 1000 | 0.8-262 1-207 |
| 1000HG | 0.8-262 1-207 |
| 2500 | 1-350 1.2-241 1.5-175 |
| 2500HG | 1-350 1.2-241 1.5-175 |
| C3000 | 1-437 1.5-295 2-197 |
| C3000HG | 1-437 1.5-295 2-197 |
| 4000 | 1-547 1.5-350 2-230 |
| 4000XG | 1-547 1.5-350 2-230 |
| C5000XG | 1.5-405 2-350 3-208 |
Shimano Stradic braid capacity
| Model | PE (No. – m) | USA / PowerPro (lbs. – yds.) |
| 1000 | 0.8-240 1-190 | 10-95 15-75 20-65 |
| 1000HG | 0.8-240 1-190 | 10-95 15-75 20-65 |
| 2500 | 1-320 1.2-270 1.5-220 | 10-150 15-145 30-100 |
| 2500HG | 1-320 1.2-270 1.5-220 | 10-150 15-145 30-100 |
| C3000 | 1-400 1.5-270 2-200 | 10-200 20-140 40-105 |
| C3000HG | 1-400 1.5-270 2-200 | 10-200 20-140 40-105 |
| C3000XG | 1-400 1.5-270 2-200 | 10-200 20-140 40-105 |
| 4000 | 1-490 1.5-320 2-240 | 15-230 30-180 50-150 |
| 4000MHG | 1.2-250 1.5-200 2-150 | 10-195 20-120 30-110 |
| 4000XG | 1-490 1.5-320 2-240 | 15-230 30-180 50-150 |
| C5000XG | 1.5-400 2-300 3-200 | 20-260 30-235 40-185 |
| Model | PE (No. – yd) |
| 1000 | 0.8-262 1-207 |
| 1000HG | 0.8-262 1-207 |
| 2500 | 1-350 1.2-295 1.5-241 |
| 2500HG | 1-350 1.2-295 1.5-241 |
| C3000 | 1-437 1.5-295 2-219 |
| C3000HG | 1-437 1.5-295 2-219 |
| C3000XG | 1-437 1.5-295 2-219 |
| 4000 | 1-536 1.5-350 2-262 |
| 4000MHG | 1.2-273 1.5-219 2-164 |
| 4000XG | 1-536 1.5-350 2-262 |
| C5000XG | 1.5-437 2-328 3-219 |
Understanding the different units of measurement of braided fishing line
For a better understanding of the relationship between English pounds, metric kilograms per break, and Japanese egi units, here is a summary table of basic values using Dangan Braid PE-line braided line as an example. This is sufficient for a rough estimate.
| # | lb | kg | Ø Diameter, mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.8 | 14 | 6.1 | 0.12 |
| 1 | 18 | 7.4 | 0.13 |
| 1.2 | 20 | 8.6 | 0.15 |
| 1.5 | 25 | 11.3 | 0.19 |
| 2 | 30 | 12.3 | |
| 3 | 40 | 18.1 |
As a rule, I use fishing reels of large size, 3000 – 4000, but the braid line is thin: #1 – #1.5. So under it I apply backing line. It’s either monofilament or pe, which I no longer use as the main one. It is very important when fishing from the shore and when fishing from a boat in areas and shallow water to have a long throw. For this reason, the main line must be wound to the edge of the spool.
