When it comes to premium quality, Shimao is the only real option in the market.
The majority of experts eventually shift to this brand to enjoy better efficiency. However, it is not such a great option for anglers that are just getting into fishing.
You’ll have to set aside a substantial budget to include Shimano fishing reels in your setup. So, it is better to instead go with a brand that is better for your budget, like Okuma.
The Shimano TLD 20 is one of the most used units when it comes to finding the perfect balance between a durable frame and a lighter weight.
If you’re also thinking of putting your money into this unit, then the following review will help.
Shimano TLD 20 Reviews
When it comes to off-shore sports fishing reels, the TLD series from Shimano has always been the top option for many anglers.
The use of corrosion-resistant bearing in the Shimano TLD 20 makes it optimal for usage in saltwater.
You won’t have to worry about servicing this unit as often if you’re using a good lubricant from the market.
On top of that, the combination of titanium and graphite frame offers the perfect durability for catching heavier fish.
According to dealers, you can use this fishing reel for deep water fishing, and some have also pointed out phenomenal fishing performance with ballooning this fishing reel off the rocks.
The spool capacity can hold up to 640 meters of 19-pound nylon line, which is more than enough for even the most demanding projects.
You will further enjoy a 3.6:1 gear ratio, and the maximum retrieve distance reaches 81 cm.
The only issue that some owners have pointed out is that the central dial for the drag management can sometimes malfunction.
Now, this malfunction can be linked to the poor condition of the gears inside the system as well as damage to the dial.
So, if your unit is new, try to forward a warranty claim and have an expert help you with the device.
One of the best features that you will get with this unit is the oil port with the torpedo handle. This port can be used to keep the unit lubricated at all times without having to take apart the whole reel.
So, the maintenance cycle can be extended by a little margin, and you’ll enjoy a better performance consistency.
For all these reasons, Shimano TLD 20 is one of the most viable options in the current market.
While this unit doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that can be expected from a new fishing reel, it outperforms other fishing reels in terms of pure functionality.
On top of that, the price tag on this option is not too unreasonable.
So, if you’re looking for an off-shore fishing reel for your fishing needs, then going with the Shimano TLD series is not a bad option.
Depending upon the budget, you can either go with the TLD 20 or other variants to better match the performance with the fishing requirements.
The unique and the best thing about the Shimano TLD 25 is that you will get more value than promised.
All the anglers that tested out this unit mentioned that everything from the line capacity to the weight management and the handling of this reel is beyond the advertised metrics.
So, if you’re worried about going into harsher regions this summer, be at ease.
This reel is more than capable of lasting a long time (even under rougher regions). The only thing that we will ask you to be mindful of is the care requirements.
You gotta look at the care requirements and make sure that the system is clean and oiled properly.
You won’t believe how far a bit of maintenance can take you and there is no harm in spending a bit of time for exceptional results and utility.
Dealer Support & Warranty
Depending upon the dealer, you should get about 10 years of warranty on this system.
The Shimano team will cover all damages and make sure that there are no issues with the reel itself. Sometimes, hardware issues can present themselves from time to time.
These issues are not that easy to resolve and you will have to fix them rather quickly.
The good thing is that you’re not liable for any of these issues. Instead, you can just engage the officials from the customer support team to help you out.
Asking the dealer for a replacement after sending him proof of damage is the best mode of action.
He will verify more things on his end and then send you a replacement within the same week. Holding off on the claim or trying to repair the reel yourself will further put you in a tricky situation.
So, don’t hesitate to call the dealer. From there, you can send him snaps of the hardware issues and then demand a fresh piece. Hopefully, you will not have to worry about dealing with a damaged reel that way.
Aside from this warranty status, the Shimano customer support is already the best in the market.
Whether it is a minor issue or a major blunder, you can reach out to these experts at any time and they will guide you.
Everything will go well if you seek information from these experts and have them help you out.
There is no point in tackling any issues with this reel on your own. So, be sure to reach out and have the officials make your life easier.
Hopefully, you will not have to bother as much and fixing the unit will come easily to you. So, be sure to reach out, explain your end, and let the dealer guide you accordingly.
Similarly, if the dealer is not responding at the moment, you can also reach out to the official support team.
They will have you sorted out right away, and you will not have to wait as long when it comes to getting a fresh piece.
Should You Purchase TLD 25 Over TLD 20?
For most anglers, the increase in the price is not justified by the small increase in weight and spool capacity.
According to experts, the TLD 20 is the perfect package for most anglers. It is optimal for catching heavier fish, and the spool capacity is not that short.
So, it would be better if you try to save some money and go with the TLD 20 instead of TLD 25 for your fishing trip.
However, if you’re not too concerned about the budget and need more spool capacity for deep-water fishing, then the TLD 25 might just be worth the investment.
All the features, as well as the gear ratio on both reels, are quite similar, and the only differences are related to spool capacity and the final weight.
So, keep that in mind if you are confused between TLD 25 and TLD 20 for your fishing setup.
Testing out both fishing reels will give you a better perspective on the purchase decision. If you’re not a fan of a heavier setup, then going with TLD 20 is the only real option.
Engage the dealer to get more specifics on the differences between these two reels.
Another great thing that you can do here is to ask the veterans in your region. You can just reach out to the anglers that have been fishing for quite a while and then explain your situation.
These anglers will make your life much easier and you will not have to worry as much about making a bad decision.
Everything will boil down to the local water conditions in most situations. So, you should focus on relying on experienced anglers that know about your locality. That way, you will save yourself from making a bad purchase.
The Takeaway
When you browse through the Shimano TLD 20 reviews, it is hard to find an angler that is disappointed in the performance of this reel.
It is better than ninety percent of the units on the market. You will get amazing utility and control as long as you stick with this reel.
The best thing about this reel is the price point. You will not have to go over budget when trying to include this reel in your setup.
So, stick with Shimano TLD 20 and you will be more than happy with the realized performance.
Aside from the quality of the real, its gear ratio, and the responsiveness, you will also get amazing dealer support from Shimano.
This brand is no beginner in the market and knows how to exactly serve its customers. So, be sure to stick with this reel if you’re aiming for purchase security.
Lastly, if you’re unsure about the environmental conditions and the harshness of the waves, it will be better to ask a local expert.
He will know more about the performance of the Shimano TLD 20 in your local region. That way, you might just save yourself from a bad purchase.