This time, we are reviewing Shimano's new 25 Twin Power XD. In a nutshell, this reel is:
"A reel where a sturdy, rigid body fully unleashes the potential of a lightweight rotor."
By reading this article, you will understand:
* The evolutionary points of the new Twin Power XD
* Commonalities with the previous model
* Differences from the 24 Twin Power
* Differences from the 23 Vanquish
* Differences from the 24 Certate
* The actual advantages of the Twin Power XD found through real-world use
If you are curious about the newly revamped Twin Power XD, please read to the end.
What Kind of Reel is the Twin Power XD?
The Twin Power XD is a high-end model among Shimano's versatile reels with excellent operability. Within the MGL series, which includes the Vanquish, it is an attractive model known for its high rigidity and durability.
"XD" is not the emoticon often used overseas to represent a smiling face... but rather an abbreviation for "Extra Durability." It means a model that excels in durability and endurance.
Originally, it was a model that attached "XD" to the highly durable Twin Power with a metal rotor, but featured an MGL rotor, making its positioning slightly prone to misunderstanding.
The Twin Power XD is not a model that says, "We made the Twin Power even more rigid and durable!"
Instead, within the highly operable MGL series, it says:
"It has a Twin Power body, so it's highly rigid and highly durable!"
That is the Twin Power XD.
In fact, the body is shared with the Twin Power. It feels like the Twin Power XD is equipped with the latest technology to improve durability ahead of the next-generation Stella.
To make a long story short, this Twin Power XD has undergone a full model change in 2025. This newly revamped Twin Power XD is called the "25 Twin Power XD."
Lineup
The lineup for the 25 Twin Power XD consists of 6 models, ranging from C3000HG to C5000XG. Since it is a model that boasts high rigidity and high durability within the MGL series, there is no 1000-size body lineup.
Also, all models in the lineup feature round handle knobs.
Evolutionary Points of the 25 Twin Power XD
From here, let's look at the evolutionary points in this full model change. There are 6 main evolutionary points.
Evolutionary Points of the 25 Twin Power XD:
1. New line roller with improved waterproof performance
2. Internal gear durability increased by approximately 2 times
3. Even more powerful and smooth winding feel
4. Evolved dense winding (Infinity Loop) to reduce casting resistance
5. New mechanism to suppress line trouble (Anti-Twist Fin)
6. Drag wear resistance improved by more than 10 times (DURA Cross)
Let's look at them one by one!
1. New Line Roller with Improved Waterproof Performance
Adopts the new mechanism X-Protect Line Roller!
The 25 Twin Power XD has improved the waterproof performance of the line roller. This is because the new structure of the X-Protect Line Roller makes it even harder for water to enter.
It also adopts a mechanism that utilizes the centrifugal force of the rotor rotation to discharge any water that has entered.
This suppresses abnormal noises and squeaks, maintaining comfortable rotational performance. According to the manufacturer's test comparisons, durability has improved by approximately 3 times.
This new line roller is a technology that will surely be equipped on the next Stella. It is an evolutionary point worthy of the XD name.
2. Internal Gear Durability Increased by Approximately 2 Times
Adopts INFINITY XROSS!
In the 25 Twin Power XD, the meshing area between the drive gear and the pinion gear has been expanded due to excellent manufacturing technology.
They now mesh more on a "surface" level, and in manufacturer comparison tests, durability has improved by approximately 2 times compared to previous models.
In addition, the internal gears last longer, ensuring a high-quality winding feel is maintained over a long period.
3. Even More Powerful and Smooth Winding Feel
Equipped with Infinity Drive!
The 25 Twin Power XD reduces resistance during winding, realizing a powerful and smooth winding feel.
Specifically, the main shaft is supported by a special low-friction bush, significantly reducing sliding resistance. Furthermore, the main shaft itself has been subjected to surface treatment and processing to greatly reduce rotational torque.
In other words, the resistance for driving the reel has decreased, making it easier to transmit winding power, resulting in a smoother winding feel.
4. Evolved Dense Winding to Reduce Casting Resistance
Adopts Infinity Loop!
It adopts a dense winding called "Infinity Loop."
This reduces the line release resistance, realizing a line release with so little resistance that it feels like it's slipping away.
In the author's experience, when using PE line, the line release is so smooth that it feels as if you are using a line one size smaller.
This also suppresses fluctuations in tension when the drag starts to slip, allowing the drag to operate more smoothly.
5. New Mechanism to Suppress Line Trouble
Adopts Anti-Twist Fin!
Equipped with the "Anti-Twist Fin," a new mechanism that suppresses line slack.
This prevents the line from falling to the lower part of the spool and reduces the phenomenon where the line is wound up while twisted.
6. Drag Wear Resistance Improved by More Than 10 Times
Equipped with DURA CROSS!
The 25 Twin Power XD is equipped with a drag washer made of a new material called "DURA Cross."
The material is strengthened by weaving fibers orthogonal to the direction of the fibers in conventional drag washers.
As a result, while maintaining smooth drag performance, the wear resistance has been incredibly increased by more than 10 times (compared to manufacturer tests).
Commonalities with the Previous Model (21 Twin Power XD)
Commonalities with the old model "21 Twin Power XD" include the "SW Barrier Coat Spool Ring" equipped ahead of the 22 Stella, as well as:
- HAGANE Gear
- MicroModule Gear II
- X-Ship
- HAGANE Body
- MGL Rotor
- X-Protect
- G-Free Body
- AR-C Spool
- Long Stroke Spool
- CI4+
- Rigid Support Drag
- S A-RB
- One-Piece Bail
These technologies are equipped.
Comparison with Other Shimano Models
Now, let's compare the 25 Twin Power XD with other Shimano reels. We will compare it with the following two models:
- 24 Twin Power
- 23 Vanquish
Let's look at the differences model by model.
Comparison with 24 Twin Power
First is the comparison with the 24 Twin Power. The 24 Twin Power shares the same body as the 25 Twin Power XD. You could say they are like twin older brothers.
The main differences are as follows:
| Main Specification Differences | 25 Twin Power XD | 24 Twin Power |
|---|---|---|
| Lineup (Models) | 6 models | 13 models |
| Total Bearings | 10 | 9 |
| Rotor Material | CI4+ | Magnesium / Aluminum (*1) |
| Line Roller Waterproofing | Special Waterproof BB + New X-Protect | Special Waterproof BB + X-Protect |
| Weight (4000XG) | 245g | 260g |
| Round Knob Setting | All models | 4000PG, C5000XG |
(*1) C2500 size and below are Mg, 2500 size and above are AL.*
The 25 Twin Power XD is slightly more expensive. You can see that it is more fully equipped.
By the way, the operability and the feel of winding are quite different. Please think of the 25 Twin Power XD and the 24 Twin Power as almost entirely different reels.
The actual price difference is around $30-40, and the 25 Twin Power XD is equipped with:
* New waterproof mechanism for the line roller
* CI4+ MGL rotor
* Bearing in the rotor nut section (24 Twin Power uses a brass bush)
* Overall weight reduction
* Round knob on the C3000 size
Comparison with 23 Vanquish
Next is the comparison with the 23 Vanquish. The 23 Vanquish is the highest peak reel in the MGL series.
The main specification differences are here:
| Main Specification Differences | 25 Twin Power XD | 23 Vanquish |
|---|---|---|
| Total Bearings | 10 | 11, 13 (DH) |
| Spool Ring Material / Treatment | Stainless Steel / SW Barrier Coat | Aluminum / High Durability Hard Coat |
| Line Roller Waterproofing | Special Waterproof BB + New X-Protect | Special Waterproof BB + X-Protect |
| Handle Material | Aluminum | CI4+, Aluminum (*1) |
| Weight (C3000XG) | 200g | 170g |
(*1) C5000XG is Aluminum.*
The 23 Vanquish even uses CI4+ for the handle, showing its dedication to lightness.
However, the 25 Twin Power XD is likely superior in terms of winding feel, body rigidity, and durability.
If you prioritize lightness above all, choose the 23 Vanquish; if you emphasize comprehensive performance and durability, you should choose the 25 Twin Power XD.
Comparison with Daiwa Models
From here, let's compare it with Daiwa spinning reels.
Comparison with 24 CERTATE
The 24 Certate is a reel based on the concept of balancing rigidity and operability. It is a rival to the 25 Twin Power XD, which also has a high-strength resin rotor.
The main differences are tabulated below:
| Main Specification Differences | 25 Twin Power XD | 24 CERTATE |
|---|---|---|
| Line Winding | Infinity Loop (Dense Winding) | Cross Wrap (Cross Winding) |
| Lineup (Models) | 6 models | 15 models |
| Total Bearings | 10 | 10, 12 (DH) |
| Body Material | Aluminum + CI4+ | Aluminum |
| Rotor Material | CI4+ | ZAION |
| Double Handle Setting | None | Yes |
| Weight | 200g (C3000XG) | 205g (LT3000-CH) |
As rivals, their specs are similar, but... Unlike the 25 Twin Power XD, which is positioned as a derivative model, the Certate is a completely versatile model. Therefore, it has a rich lineup.
The biggest difference is the presence or absence of dense winding (Infinity Loop). Especially if you have never used dense winding, it requires consideration. If you dislike dense winding, the Certate is the only choice in the same price range.
The lineup of the 25 Twin Power XD is smaller. Also, the handle length is about 3 to 8 mm longer on the Certate.
25 Twin Power XD Impression
Now, here are the impressions of the 25 Twin Power XD!
First Impression
First, the impression right out of the box.
Design
First is the design. Compared to the 21 Twin Power XD, the color has settled down, and it has become much more refined.
The spool is the same color as the body, giving the design a sense of unity. The handle is also firmly matched in color. The spool hollowing has slit processing on the chamfered parts. The line at the bottom creates a design that makes you feel its toughness.
Equipped with an MGL rotor. The texture of the bail return is just right, not too hard.
The notation has changed from "TP" to "TWIN POWER." This looks cooler, doesn't it? Overall, it has been finished with a mature and refined design.
Winding Feel
Next is the winding feel. The winding feel right out of the box is:
"Even the XG is light! The texture is smooth, and there is no noise."
Although the 24 Twin Power, with its metal rotor, has an advantage in moistness, I was surprised that "it can become this light and nimble!"
If your fishing involves winding and stopping, you can't go wrong with the 25 Twin Power XD with its MGL rotor.
Weight
Finally, I measured the weight. The catalog weight of the 25 Twin Power XD (4000XG) is 245g, and the actual measurement was 239.5g.
245g for a 4000 size is quite light and comfortable. I feel it is an appropriate lightness that does not unbalance even when paired with a long rod.
Real-World Fishing Impression
Next, let's move on to the real-world fishing impression.
Operability
The operability is extremely good! Stop & go and shaking while winding finely are comfortable, allowing you to operate it as you wish.
The solid body firmly makes the rotor work, making the nimbleness of the rotor stand out. Because the main body weight is also light, it is easy to apply action with the rod.
I deeply understood why many people use it for surf fishing. This time, I used it with a 10-foot 3-inch rod, the Early 103M, and it was extremely comfortable without feeling heavy.
Winding Feel
Next is the winding feel, which is "light, nimble, moist, and smooth."
I retrieved while finely shaking the worm, and did stop-and-go with a minnow. Both starting and stopping the winding can be operated with light force, not interfering with the fishing.
Also, the rotation of the handle itself is light, and the texture of the winding is high quality, allowing for comfortable fishing.
However, during high-load fast winding such as retrieval, the impression is "you firmly feel resistance equivalent to the load." In this area, the 24 Twin Power with its heavy rotor wins.
Line Trouble
Next is line trouble. As expected, it can happen if you continue fishing with loose tension.
In fishing with an EGI (squid jig) using just a steady retrieve, an air knot formed once. Because it's dense winding, there is inevitably a possibility of trouble in fishing with loose tension.
However, no trouble has occurred in rockfish, LSJ (Light Shore Jigging), or surf fishing. It is best to use it in the right place for the right purpose.
Power and Sense of Rigidity
As for power, it feels necessary and sufficient.
Operating jigs and heavy minnows is comfortable, and there is power after hooking a fish. Because the body rigidity is high, you feel the power during winding even with the MGL rotor.
Overall, the rigidity is high, and there is little deflection, making it comfortable even in fishing where loads are applied.
Conclusion: A Light and Nimble All-Rounder Supported by a High-Rigidity Body "25 Twin Power XD"
This time was an impression of the 25 Twin Power XD. This reel, where a high-rigidity body unleashes a lightweight rotor, is like:
"A highly rigid lightweight sports car."
"I want to prioritize operability, but I don't want to compromise on rigidity..."
For those people, this is the perfect reel.
