With Shimano reels, the letters added to a model name are never random.

They identify important technical features, including:

• Gear ratio
• Retrieve speed
• Spool depth
• Handle configuration
• Reel generation

Understanding these suffixes is essential for correctly identifying a reel and avoiding mistakes when ordering spare parts or performing repairs.

Two reels that look almost identical can have significant mechanical differences depending on their suffixes.

SW – Salt Water

A reinforced version designed for saltwater use.

SW models typically feature enhanced sealing, increased durability, and components engineered to withstand harsh marine environments.

PG – Power Gear

A lower gear ratio designed to maximize cranking power.

The rotor turns more slowly but generates greater torque, making PG models well suited for heavy lures and powerful fish.

MHG – Medium High Gear

A versatile intermediate gear ratio.

MHG models offer a balance between power and retrieve speed, making them suitable for a wide range of fishing techniques.

HG – High Gear

A faster gear ratio than the standard model.

The rotor completes more spool rotations per handle turn, allowing quicker line retrieval.

XG – Extra High Gear

The fastest retrieve ratio available within a Shimano reel series.

XG models recover more line with each handle rotation, making them ideal for techniques requiring rapid lure presentation or fast line pickup.

C – Compact Body

A larger spool mounted on a smaller reel body.

This design reduces weight while maintaining spool capacity and improving handling comfort.

Example: A C5000 model often combines a 5000-size spool with a 4000-size body.

S – Shallow Spool

A shallow spool designed to hold less line.

This configuration is particularly useful when fishing with braided lines or when excessive line capacity is unnecessary.

SS – Super Shallow Spool

An even shallower spool than the S version.

Designed for light lines and specialized finesse fishing applications.

DH – Double Handle

The reel is equipped with a balanced double handle.

This design improves stability and provides smoother operation, particularly on smaller spinning reels.

FA, FB, FC, FD, FE, FI, FJ… – Reel Generations

These suffixes indicate the Shimano reel generation.

They are extremely important because they are one of the most common sources of identification and spare parts ordering errors.

Two reels with nearly identical names but different generation suffixes may use completely different internal components.

One Letter Can Change Everything

A single suffix can affect a reel's:

• Gear ratio
• Retrieve speed
• Spool capacity
• Frame size
• Handle configuration
• Internal components
• Spare parts compatibility

Before ordering replacement parts or diagnosing a reel, always verify the complete model designation, including every suffix.

A single letter can make the difference between a perfect fit and an incompatible part.