Introduction: Shimano always commands a major presence at ICAST, with offerings that span nearly every tackle category - from reels and rods to baits and lines. This year was no exception, as the company announced a number of significant reel updates aimed at pushing performance and expanding features within their most popular lines. Highlights include a refresh of the compact and dependable Curado 150 M, the saltwater powerhouse Stella SW D, the precise, moving-bait-focused Exsence B, and the accessible, reliable Nasci. Together, these updates show that Shimano continues to find ways to refine and elevate their most popular mainstream and halo reels.

Shimano's popular Curado Series gets an update with the 150M

Curado 150M: The upgrades started with the top-selling Curado 150 which is now updated with MGL Spool III, which uses a thinner construction to reduce startup inertia, and is designed to give anglers longer, more accurate casts with less effort. Fine-tuning is made simple with the company's proven SVS Infinity braking system, which is combines consistent spool control with an easily accessible external adjustment dial.

The Curado 150M has been updated with the MGL Spool III

On the retrieve, MicroModule Gear II keeps things smooth and quiet, and the Cross Carbon Drag provides reliable stopping power when battling fish. Housed in a rigid aluminum HAGANE body the Curado 150 M comes with 6BB + 1RB. The new Curado 150M is available now in 6.2:1, 7.4:1, and 8.1:1 ratios in both left and right hand retrieve for $209.99.
 

Shimano often trickles features from higher end reels down the line over time and the Curado 150M has a number of the features of the more expensive Metanium Series in a more affordable aluminum framed package

Exsence B: On the spinning side Shimano continues to refine finesse performance with the latest Exsence B, a reel engineered for anglers who demand the ultimate precision lure control. Available in a lightweight 2500-size with a quick XG gearing (6.4:1), the Exsence B is built for quick line pickup and precise presentations.

The flagship of Shimano's MGL Series gets a makeover

At its core is Shimano's MGL Rotor, crafted from carbon CI4+ material and shaped with an asymmetrical design that cuts rotational inertia by up to 22 percent for instant startup and ultra-responsive control.

The Exsence B is compact, light, and very refined

The MGL design translates to longer, more accurate casts and the agility to detect subtle bites - everything anglers need for modern minnow and live sonar techniques.

All murdered out as usual. The Exsence B maintains the stealthy matte black styling that is a signature of the series

Like the previous generation Exsence reels the latest version features a stealthy matte black look, all the way down to the murdered out anodized spool and handle arm. The 2500 size weighs in at only 6.3 ounces and there is also a 3000 and 4000 size which still comes in at a light 7.9 ounces. The Exsence B will become available in a few weeks and retail from $599.99 to $609.99.

The Exsence next to the larger Shimano Twin Power XD FB reel which is designed for inshore saltwater applications

Sustain FK: Positioned under the Exsence is the Sustain, which was in need of a makeover with the latest technologies. The Sustain FK Series remake not only gives the reel a more streamline and modern form factor but is designed to improve winding power, durability, and casting performance. Built with a rigid Hagane body and an asymmetrical Magnumlite (MGL) Rotor, the new Sustain, like the Exsence, focuses on reducing startup inertia for precise lure control while keeping overall weight down. Shimano's InfinityXross technology enhances gear durability by distributing load more evenly, while InfinityDrive delivers increased winding power for battling heavy fish.

The Sustain series was really due for a makeover and the new FK reel looks and feels so much more polished

Additional upgrades include InfinityLoop for super-slow oscillation and ultra-precise line lay, which minimizes friction for longer casts and smoother drag performance. The DuraCross drag system uses woven washers for consistent, long-lasting smoothness, and a rated drag pressure of 20lbs. in the 2500 size reel. Altogether, the new Sustain packs Shimano's latest trickle-down innovations into a versatile platform in the high-performance category.

This latest Sustain features all the latest InfinityLoop and MGL features which will help it feel lighter and more precise when fished

The 2500 size reel weighs in at 7.2 ounces, and has a gear ratio of 5.8:1. There are also sizes up to 5000, enabling the series to address both fresh and saltwater applications. The new reel looks and feels a lot more premium than the last revision, and looks like a MGL version of a Stella in many ways. The good news is that it is a lot more accessible than both the Stella and Exsence series reels ranging in price from $349 to $359 depending on size. The Sustain is scheduled to hit stores later than most of Shimano's other new products and will likely start becoming available this Fall.

Pro Angler Alex Wetherell shows us the latest Sustain

Nasci: The Nasci Series doesn't get the same attention and hype as the Sustain or Exsence but it is the reel that more anglers will buy. Shimano brings a lot of their trusted reel tech to anglers with the latest Nasci Spinning Reels, delivering comfort, power, and durability at a value-driven price point.

The Nasci gets a massive makeover as well this season

Designed for both saltwater and freshwater pursuits, the new Nasci is built around an advanced InfinityDrive structure, which helps reduce internal friction for smoother performance while supporting the pinion gear with the spool shaft to cut down on rotational resistance - without sacrificing gear strength. To tame troublesome line issues, the Nasci also comes equipped with an Anti-Twist Fin positioned near the line roller to minimize line sag and help prevent wind knots, while a One-Piece Bail ensures the line flows cleanly to the roller with less friction and fewer chances of snags.

The new Nasci not only gets performance upgrades but a new look and feel that gives the series much more personality. The new reel looks exciting and has the features to back it up

Add in a solid HAGANE Gear and X-Ship technology for proven durability and cranking power, and the Nasci stands out as an everyday spinning workhorse reel that won't break the bank. The Nasci reels will be available in sizes from 500 to 5000 for an aggressive price of only $109.99-$129.99.

Benny Ortiz shows us the biggest-baddest Stella, the new SW D

Stella SW D: On the saltwater specific side Shimano brought out the big guns with the introduction of a new Stella SW D, designed for anglers who demand uncompromising performance against the ocean's toughest predators.

The Stella SW D is overbuilt with intention. It is designed to do battle with some of the strongest predators in the ocean

Inside this Stella is Shimano's durable cold-forged HAGANE Gear, delivering the brute strength and rock-solid reliability the Stella name is known for. This generation builds on that foundation with InfinityXross and Infinity Drive, further boosting gear durability and ensuring effortless, powerful rotation even under punishing loads. For anglers who push drags to the limit, Shimano debuts its new X Tough Drag - a completely reengineered drag stack that improves drag durability, reduces heat buildup, and is designed to provide buttery-smooth, consistent pressure during long, hard runs. The Stella SW D is every bit a halo reel designed for saltwater enthusiasts and comes with a price of from $1,069.99 to $1,099.99.

PowerPro Max-8 makes use of Spectra HT fibers to maintain high strength while reducing diameter by 25%. This is designed to improve line stability, castability, line control, and overall durability

PowerPro Max-8: Designed to pair with the Stella and other big bait applications is the new PowerPro Max-8 superline. Built around an advanced 8-carrier Spectra HT construction, Max-8 is designed to deliver the precise vertical jigging performance serious saltwater anglers require. Despite its high tensile strength, Max-8 comes in with a 25% thinner diameter, giving anglers the advantage of greater line capacity and stealthier presentations.

Shimano always has a lot to showcase at ICAST across many categories

PowerPro's Enhanced Body Technology (EBT) takes things a step further by infusing each fiber with resin, resulting in a rounder, smoother, and more abrasion-resistant line that casts farther and manages better on the reel. Available in 30lb. to 100lb. test the MSRP for Max-8 line ranges from $84.99 to $119.99 for 300 yard spools.

Though not new for this show the Antares 100B was recently launched and is the halo reel on the baitcaster side featuring MGL Spool IV. How long before we see this design trickle down to Shimano's other reels, as the company often does over time

Our Quick Take: There was plenty to unpack at Shimano this year, with launches covering everything from finesse freshwater rigs to big-game saltwater reels. As always, Shimano's latest offerings showcase a deep bench of in-house technologies paired with the kind of precision manufacturing that few brands can match.

Though not as flashy as the new Exsence or Sustain reels I'm quite excited about the refresh for the Nasci and how much performance it offers per the dollar for anglers

This year's lineup is all about power, precision, and pushing technology forward - whether you're spooling up with PowerPro Max-8, casting the refreshed Curado 150 M, battling giants with the Stella SW D, fine-tuning presentations with the Exsence B, or putting the budget-friendly Nasci through its paces. The reels I'm most excited about this season are the new Sustain FK, which looks poised to make this legendary series relevant again, and the updated Nasci, which is stepping up with more features and personality to be a dependable everyday workhorse reel.