New Shimano Ultegra XSE/XTE unboxing, disassembly and review (Read description)

The new Ultegra XSE/XTE were very promising on the paper. Indeed there is many features that has been added like bushings on both upper and lower side of the shaft to increase stability and reduce load on the pinion gear as well as preventing dust and small particles penetration. Next to high quality gears there is additional sealing rings that has been added on the oscilation gears in order to compensate play and prevent therefore the noise usually produced by this system on older ultegra models. The down sides are the use of a bushing instead of ball bearing in the line roller and the chromed plastic on the bail which is quite fragile and may crack or peel off easily due to high stress cycles on that part. Stainless steel has been used on the main shaft instead of Aluminium which makes the reel feel heavy in the hand. For most demanding fisherman, there are still some additional expenses to upgrade at least the line roller with a ball bearing and change the Bail arm completely. Although there is many interesting features, the Ultegra ci4+ XSC/XTC or the Surf Leader 35 are still a better choice for the money.