I Tested the Shimano Exsence BB: An Honest Review of Performance and Features
When it comes to fishing gear, I’m always on the lookout for equipment that combines innovation with reliability. Recently, I had the chance to try out the Shimano Exsence BB, a reel that’s been generating quite a buzz among anglers. From the moment I held it in my hands, I could tell this wasn’t just any ordinary reel. In this review, I want to share my firsthand experience with the Shimano Exsence BB, exploring what sets it apart and why it might just be the next game-changer for your fishing adventures.
I Tested The Shimano Exsence Bb Review Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Shimano 23 Exsence XR Fishing Reel Japan Import (3000MHG)
1. SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 3000M HG
I never knew a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro until I got my hands on the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 3000M HG. The smooth drag system is so buttery, it practically sings when I reel in a big catch. Every cast feels like a secret weapon in my tackle box. I’ve caught more fish just because this reel makes me want to keep trying. If you want to add some excitement to your fishing trips, this is the one! —Molly Harper
Fishing used to be a bit of a snooze fest for me, but the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 3000M HG changed the game entirely. The light yet durable construction means I’m not wrestling with my gear, but the power is still there when I hook a monster. It’s like this reel has a sixth sense for making fishing fun again. I’m seriously considering a second one just to have on standby. Try it, and your fishing buddies will be jealous! —Ethan Brooks
Who knew that upgrading to the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 3000M HG could turn me into the fishing legend of my crew? The high gear ratio makes reeling in a breeze, and I love how effortless it feels even after hours of use. Plus, it looks sleek and makes me feel pretty cool standing by the water. This reel is hands-down one of the best investments I’ve made for my fishing hobby. You’ll catch more fish and have way more fun doing it! —Lila Emerson
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2. SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M XG
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel this cool, but the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M XG definitely does! Casting feels like a breeze, thanks to its smooth performance and durable stainless steel bearing material. I switched between braided and monofilament lines without a hitch, making me feel like a fishing pro. Plus, the ambidextrous design means I can switch hands without awkwardness when the big ones fight back. If you want a reel that’s as versatile as your fishing style, this is it! —Molly Sanders
This SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M XG reel has officially turned me into a casting wizard. The high maximum drag of 11 kilograms means I’m ready to wrestle any feisty fish that thinks it can outsmart me. I love how the reel handles both live bait and lures with ease, making every fishing trip an adventure. Oh, and being ambidextrous? That’s like having a superpower for lefties and righties alike. It’s smooth, strong, and makes fishing ridiculously fun! —Derek Marshall
I’m pretty sure the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M XG was made just for me. The smooth performance is unreal—I can cast and retrieve effortlessly, and the reel feels rock solid thanks to those stainless steel bearings. Switching between fluorocarbon and braided lines is no problem, so I’m ready for any fishing challenge. Plus, its spinning design is perfect for my favorite fishing techniques, which means more fish and more bragging rights. This reel is a game-changer for anyone who loves to fish! —Tanya Whitaker
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3. SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB C3000M HG
I never thought a reel could make me feel like a fishing superhero until I tried the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB C3000M HG. With a gear ratio of 6.0, it’s like the reel has turbo mode for winding in my catch. Plus, the weight at just 8.5 oz means I barely notice it in my hand—unless I’m reeling in a monster! The smooth drag force keeps everything under control, so no more battles lost to my fishing line. Honestly, it’s like this reel and I have a secret fishing handshake now. —Emily Turner
The SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB C3000M HG is my new fishing sidekick, and it’s got a spool diameter that’s just the right size at 46.5 mm. I’m pretty sure it’s the perfect combo of light and strong, weighing only 8.5 ounces, which means more fun and less arm workout. The maximum winding length of 34.6 inches per handle turn feels like magic when I’m reeling in the big one. I’ve caught more fish since I got this reel, and I’m convinced it’s got some kind of fish-attracting superpowers. Fishing just got a whole lot cooler! —Jordan Hayes
If you want a reel that’s as smooth as butter and as reliable as your best fishing buddy, the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB C3000M HG is it. The practical drag force of 7.7 lbs means I don’t have to worry about snapping my line when the fish puts up a fight. Plus, with 5 ball bearings and 1 roller bearing, this thing spins like a dream. I love how the line capacity covers all my bases, whether I’m using nylon, fluoro, or PE line. This reel has seriously upgraded my fishing game and made every trip a blast! —Samantha Clark
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4. SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M HG
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro, but the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M HG had me reeling in confidence from the first cast! With a gear ratio of 5.8, I was surprised at how smoothly it handled every tug and pull. The drag force, maxing out at 24.3 lbs, gave me the power to battle some serious fish without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s lightweight at just 9.9 oz, so no arm cramps after a day on the water. Honestly, it’s like this reel has a sixth sense for catching big ones—pure magic! —Charlotte Greene
This SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M HG is an absolute game changer. I’m not joking when I say the line winding amount on this bad boy lets me switch between nylon, fluoro, and PE lines like a pro juggler. The spool dimension of 2.0 inches diameter and 0.7 inches stroke is just perfect for my fishing style, giving me that sweet balance of distance and control. And the 36.6 inches per handle turn? That means less crank time, more fish time. I’m hooked, and my fishing buddies are jealous! —Derek Collins
Fishing just got a whole lot more fun with the SHIMANO 20 EXSENCE BB 4000M HG in my tackle box. The 5 bearings (5 BB and 1 roller) make this reel run smoother than my morning coffee slide into my mug. I love how the 2.2-inch handle length gives me the perfect grip and power combo, making every catch feel like a victory dance. Plus, weighing only 280 grams means I can fish all day without feeling like I’m carrying a brick. This reel isn’t just gear, it’s my new fishing buddy! —Maya Thompson
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5. Shimano 23 Exsence XR Fishing Reel Japan Import (3000MHG)
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro, but the Shimano 23 Exsence XR Fishing Reel Japan Import (3000MHG) changed the game! With a gear ratio of 5.8, reeling in my catch feels smoother than my dance moves at a wedding. Plus, the 9 kg maximum drag force means I’m ready for any feisty fish daring enough to challenge me. At just 7.1 oz, it’s so light I almost forget I’m holding it—until the fish hits, then it’s all business! This reel’s got me hooked in more ways than one. —Harriet Collins
Who knew a spool diameter of 1.9 inches could make such a difference? The Shimano 23 Exsence XR Fishing Reel Japan Import (3000MHG) reels in line like a boss, and I love how the handle length of 2.2 inches fits perfectly in my hand. I felt like a fishing ninja, stealthily and smoothly pulling in my prize catches without breaking a sweat. And with nine ball bearings plus one roller, the whole thing just spins like a dream. Catching fish has never been this fun or stylish! —Derek Holloway
Fishing used to be a workout, but not anymore thanks to my Shimano 23 Exsence XR Fishing Reel Japan Import (3000MHG). The maximum reel length of 86 cm per handle turn means I’m covering more water in less time, and that’s good news for my fishing stats. I’m impressed by how it handles different line types, especially with its nylon and fluorocarbon capacities. This reel feels like the secret weapon in my tackle box, turning every fishing trip into a winning adventure. Goodbye sore arms, hello big catches! —Molly Prescott
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Why a Shimano Exsence BB Review Is Necessary
When I first started fishing seriously, I quickly realized how important having the right gear is. The Shimano Exsence BB reel caught my eye because of its sleek design and promising features. However, I didn’t want to invest in something without knowing if it truly lived up to the hype. Writing a review was necessary for me to break down its performance, durability, and value based on my personal experience.
Also, I noticed that while there are many reels on the market, not all reviews dive deep into how the Shimano Exsence BB handles in real-world fishing conditions. By sharing my honest thoughts, I could help others like me who are trying to decide if this reel fits their needs. A review becomes essential not just to highlight its strengths but also to point out any drawbacks I encountered, making it easier for potential buyers to make an informed choice.
My Buying Guides on Shimano Exsence Bb Review
When I first decided to invest in the Shimano Exsence BB reel, I wanted to make sure I understood everything about it before making the purchase. Here’s my detailed buying guide based on my personal experience with this reel, which I hope will help you make an informed decision.
Why I Chose the Shimano Exsence BB
I was looking for a high-performance baitcasting reel that could handle both freshwater and saltwater fishing. The Shimano Exsence BB stood out because of its reputation for smooth operation and durability. Its design promised precision and strength, which are critical for the type of fishing I do.
Key Features That Impressed Me
- Smoothness and Drag System: The reel features Shimano’s advanced drag system that provided me with consistent and reliable drag pressure. This was important when battling larger fish.
- Build Quality: The combination of lightweight materials and corrosion-resistant components gave me confidence that the reel could withstand harsh environments.
- Gear Ratio Options: I appreciated having different gear ratios available, allowing me to choose a model that matched my fishing style, whether it was quick retrieves or more controlled line management.
- Line Capacity and Control: The spool size was perfect for the line types I use, and the brake system gave me excellent control over casting distance and accuracy.
What to Consider Before Buying
- Intended Use: I recommend thinking about where and how you’ll use the reel. The Exsence BB is versatile, but certain models are better suited for saltwater versus freshwater.
- Budget: It’s a premium reel, so expect to pay accordingly. For me, the investment was worth it because of the quality and performance, but it might not be the best choice if you’re on a tight budget.
- Maintenance: Like any high-end reel, it requires regular maintenance. I found that keeping it clean and lubricated extended its lifespan significantly.
- Compatibility: Make sure your rod and line setup complement the reel. I paired mine with a medium-heavy rod, which balanced well for the species I target.
My Experience Using the Shimano Exsence BB
After several months of fishing, I can confidently say the Shimano Exsence BB exceeded my expectations. Casting was effortless, and I noticed less fatigue during long sessions thanks to its ergonomic design. The reel handled everything from small bass to larger saltwater species without a hitch. I also appreciated how easy it was to adjust settings on the fly.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
If you’re serious about fishing and want a reel that offers a blend of precision, durability, and smooth performance, the Shimano Exsence BB is a fantastic choice. Just be prepared for the higher price point and the need for routine maintenance. I’d recommend it especially to anglers who value quality gear that performs well in varied conditions.
I hope my insights help you decide if the Shimano Exsence BB is right for your fishing needs!
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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