Predator reels · Fast retrieve · Our take
Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG Reel
ST4000XGFM
A cracking fast-retrieve predator reel with serious gearing, a smooth drag and enough line capacity for everything from perch and chub work to pike and zander chucking.
- 6.2:1 gear ratio with 101cm of line retrieved per handle turn.
- Maximum drag is 11kg / 24lb, giving plenty of control for predator fishing.
- Weighs 275g and uses a lightweight aluminium HAGANE Body.
- Line capacity covers nylon 10lb/200m, 12lb/160m, plus a broad range of PE braid sizes.
Make sure it’s the right one. This is the Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG, model ST4000XGFM. Don’t confuse it with the standard-speed Stradic 4000 or a smaller 2500-size body.
Tackle Index Score
Tackle Index score
A premium, fast-retrieve predator reel that earns its money through refinement, strength and versatility.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality9.9/10
- Performance9.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching9.4/10
- Ease of Use9.4/10
- Value for Money8.8/10
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Who it suits
Is it right for you?
Great for
- Predator anglers fishing pike, perch and zander lures. The fast retrieve, strong drag and versatile capacity cover a cracking range of lure styles and venues.
- Anglers wanting one premium 4000-size spinning reel. It’s light enough for mobile fishing but has the build, gearing and line capacity for proper all-round use.
Maybe skip if
- Ultralight and finesse anglers. The 4000-size body and fast gearing are more reel than you need for tiny lures and delicate tackle.
- Anglers mainly fishing slow presentations. The XG retrieve is built for speed and line pick-up, not the most relaxed, low-geared feel.
The lowdown
Introducing the Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG Reel
A cracking fast-retrieve predator reel with serious gearing, a smooth drag and enough line capacity for everything from perch and chub work to pike and zander chucking.
- 6.2:1 gear ratio with 101cm of line retrieved per handle turn.
- Maximum drag is 11kg / 24lb, giving plenty of control for predator fishing.
- Weighs 275g and uses a lightweight aluminium HAGANE Body.
- Line capacity covers nylon 10lb/200m, 12lb/160m, plus a broad range of PE braid sizes.
Quick verdict
A proper all-round predator reel
The Stradic FM 4000 XG is a cracking choice when you want speed, strength and a refined feel without hauling a massive reel around all day. Its 6.2:1 gearing brings back 101cm of line per turn, making it spot on for lures that need quick line pick-up.
It isn’t the cheapest 4000-size reel on the shelf, and the XG retrieve won’t suit every lure style. But for serious lure anglers after one versatile, high-quality workhorse, this is a very easy reel to like.
A premium, fast-retrieve predator reel that earns its money through refinement, strength and versatility.
Desk-research score from specs, price and fishing fit · How we score
- Product Quality
- 9.9/10
- Performance
- 9.9/10
- Impact on Fish Catching
- 9.4/10
- Ease of Use
- 9.4/10
- Value for Money
- 8.8/10
The solid aluminium body, refined gearing and premium Shimano features give it a properly high-end feel.
Fast 101cm line pick-up, smooth gearing and an 11kg drag make it highly capable for active lure fishing.
Quick slack-line pick-up and responsive lure control can make a real difference when fish follow, hit on the drop or turn for snags.
The 4000 format, line capacity and Anti-Twist Fin are user-friendly, though the fast XG retrieve takes a little restraint with slow presentations.
It costs proper money, but the build, feature set and broad predator-fishing ability justify the spend for regular anglers.
Head to head
How it stacks up
Side by side with the closest kit we've reviewed. This updates as we add more reviews.
Shimano
Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG Reel (this one)
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Scores are our own, out of 10. Best in each row is in green. Prices change, so check the latest before you buy.
The full rundown
Everything you'll want to know about the Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG Reel
The Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG is the sort of reel that’ll have lure anglers nodding before it’s even clipped onto the rod. It’s a proper 4000-size predator reel, but it doesn’t feel like you’re strapping a winch to the blank. At 275g, it keeps a mobile lure setup feeling balanced enough for a long day roving the banks.
The headline figure is that 6.2:1 gear ratio. This is the XG, or extra-high gear, version, and it pulls back 101cm of line with every turn of the handle. That’s a serious bit of line pick-up. When a pike follows a lure right to your boots or a perch hits on the drop, you can get connected quickly rather than faffing around winding slack.
That speed makes loads of sense for modern predator fishing. It suits soft plastics, jig heads, spinners, spoons and plenty of hard lures where you’re covering water and regularly changing pace. It’s also dead handy when fishing from a high bank, casting across a river or working a lure back through the margins. Keep the line tight, keep the lure moving and be ready for that cheeky hit.
Of course, fast gearing isn’t automatically better for every job. If you’re happiest crawling a lure along the deck at a snail’s pace, a lower-geared reel can feel more relaxed. The XG wants you to use the handle sensibly. You don’t have to burn every retrieve back like a man late for the last bus, but the reel is clearly happiest when quick pick-up and responsive lure control matter.
Under the hood, Shimano has packed in plenty of its premium reel tech. HAGANE Gear, X-SHIP, Micro Module II, Silent Drive, InfinityXross and InfinityDrive all work towards a smooth, solid winding feel. In plain English, that means a reel designed to feel refined under load rather than graunchy when a decent fish starts pulling back.
The lightweight aluminium HAGANE Body is another big tick for predator anglers. Lure fishing involves a lot of casting, walking, stopping, starting and casting again. A reel that keeps its shape and doesn’t feel flimsy is worth having. The XT7 rotor keeps the front end sensible too, while the cold-forged aluminium spool gives the whole package a proper premium feel.
Capacity is spot on for a versatile 4000. You get 10lb nylon capacity of 200m and 12lb at 160m, with stated mono capacities of 180m of 0.30mm and 130m of 0.35mm. For braid, it takes PE 1, PE 1.5 and PE 2 in useful amounts. That gives you room for river work, lure fishing on reservoirs and general predator jobs without constantly worrying about running short.
The 11kg maximum drag is more than enough for the species most UK lure anglers are targeting. It gives you plenty of headroom when a pike turns in weed or a zander lunges at the net. Just remember, mate, maximum drag isn’t a reason to lock the thing solid. Set it sensibly for your line, knots and rod, then let the tackle do its job.
There are some thoughtful practical touches as well. X-Protect helps shield key areas from water and grime, while the Long Stroke AR-C spool is designed to help line leave cleanly. The Anti-Twist Fin is there to help manage line lay and reduce the sort of loops that can turn a bite-time session into a proper faff. Add the 6+1 bearing setup and you’ve got a polished, feature-packed reel rather than a basic chuck-and-wind model.
So, who should buy it? If you want one high-quality reel for pike, perch and zander lure fishing, the Stradic FM 4000 XG makes a strong case. It’s fast, capable and light enough for active fishing. It costs more than entry-level kit, mind, so casual anglers may not need all this refinement. But if you’re serious about your lure fishing and want something that feels properly sorted, this is a bob-on choice.
Specifications
The nuts and bolts
- Model
- ST4000XGFM
- Gear ratio
- 6.2:1
- Retrieve per crank
- 101cm / 40in
- Maximum drag
- 11kg / 24lb
- Weight
- 275g / 9.7oz
- Bearings
- 6+1
Specs checked with Shimano, Oct 2026.
Spot a model or spec change?
Our take
Why the XG version matters
The big selling point here is speed. At 101cm per crank, the Stradic 4000 XG gets slack out fast when a pike follows a lure to the boat, a perch nips at the tail or you need to keep a moving bait working properly.
That fast retrieve is especially handy for jigging, soft plastics, spoons, spinners and surface lures. It also helps when fishing from a high bank or around snags, where you want to steer a hooked fish away from trouble sharpish.
What you’re buying
A fast, refined 4000-size workhorse
The Stradic FM 4000 XG combines a 6.2:1 ratio with a 101cm retrieve per turn. That’s the main character here: fast line pick-up, quick lure control and less slack when a fish follows right in. The 275g body keeps it manageable for roving sessions, while the aluminium HAGANE Body gives it a solid backbone.
Shimano’s HAGANE Gear, X-SHIP, Micro Module II, Silent Drive, InfinityXross and InfinityDrive are aimed at smooth, strong winding under pressure. The reel also gets an 11kg maximum drag, a cold-forged aluminium spool, XT7 rotor, X-Protect, Long Stroke AR-C spool and Anti-Twist Fin.
Worth knowing. XG means extra high gear. That’s brilliant for fast lure work and picking up slack, but a slower retrieve may feel more natural if you spend most of the day crawling tiny lures or fishing ultra-slow presentations.
On the bank
Built for active predator fishing
This is a cracking match for a medium predator setup aimed at pike, perch and zander. The 4000 size gives you useful capacity without becoming daft and bulky, while the quick retrieve helps when you’re covering water, fishing from a high bank or steering a fish away from snags.
It makes particular sense for anglers using braid around PE 1 to PE 2. There’s enough capacity for normal UK lure fishing, and the drag gives you plenty of control when a fish turns its head. Pair it with suitable trace material for pike and keep your drag matched to the whole setup.
Worth knowing. For tiny perch lures, ultralight rods or delicate finesse work, this reel is probably overkill. A smaller, lighter reel will feel more balanced and less tiring when the lures and line are properly dainty.
Quick answers
The stuff anglers usually want to know
Is it a good all-round predator reel? Yes, especially if you value speed. It handles a broad range of lure fishing and has enough capacity for rivers, canals and larger stillwaters. The main choice is whether you actually want the extra-high retrieve.
Will it handle bigger fish? The 11kg maximum drag and strong internal gearing give it plenty of control for normal UK predator work. The rest of the setup still matters, though: rod power, braid, knots, trace and your own drag setting all need to be up to the job.
Worth knowing. Line capacity is listed as 10lb nylon/200m, 12lb nylon/160m, 0.30mm mono/180m, 0.35mm mono/130m, PE 1/490m, PE 1.5/320m and PE 2/240m. Spool it properly and the line-management features should help keep the session running smoothly.
On paper
Pros & cons
What we like
- Fast 101cm retrieve is excellent for lure work and quick slack-line pick-up.
- Strong, refined gearing with HAGANE Gear, X-SHIP, Micro Module II and InfinityXross.
- Useful 4000-size capacity without becoming a brick on a lure rod.
- 11kg maximum drag gives loads of headroom for pike and bigger predators.
- X-Protect, Anti-Twist Fin and the Long Stroke AR-C spool add practical bank-friendly features.
Worth knowing
- The XG gearing can feel a touch lively for slow, steady lure presentations.
- It’s a premium-priced reel, so it may be more than casual perch anglers need.
- A 4000-size reel is a bit much for tiny finesse lures and ultralight rods.
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Your questions answered
What anglers want to know
The stuff you’d ask your mate on the next peg. Straight answers, no waffle.
01What does XG mean on the Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG?
What does XG mean on the Shimano Stradic FM 4000 XG?
XG means extra high gear. This model has a 6.2:1 ratio and retrieves 101cm of line per handle turn, so it picks up slack quickly and keeps moving lures lively.
02Is the Stradic FM 4000 XG suitable for pike fishing?
Is the Stradic FM 4000 XG suitable for pike fishing?
Yes, it’s a strong option for lure fishing for pike when matched with suitable braid, a wire or bite-resistant trace, and a rod with the right casting range. The 11kg maximum drag gives plenty of control, though the reel alone doesn’t replace proper pike tackle.
03How much line does the Stradic FM 4000 XG hold?
How much line does the Stradic FM 4000 XG hold?
The stated capacities include 10lb nylon at 200m, 12lb nylon at 160m, 0.30mm mono at 180m and 0.35mm mono at 130m. PE capacity is PE 1 at 490m, PE 1.5 at 320m and PE 2 at 240m.
What anglers say
The word from the bank
Our read: a proper all-round predator reel. The strongest reasons to choose it are fast 101cm retrieve is excellent for lure work and quick slack-line pick-up. and strong, refined gearing with hagane gear, x-ship, micro module ii and infinityxross.; the main trade-off is the xg gearing can feel a touch lively for slow, steady lure presentations..
Our take on the feedback
Why it appeals
Checked Sept '26 — “Fast 101cm retrieve is excellent for lure work and quick slack-line pick-up.”
Best fit
Checked Sept '26 — “Predator anglers fishing pike, perch and zander lures: The fast retrieve, strong drag and versatile capacity cover a cracking range of lure styles and venues.”
Worth knowing
Checked Sept '26 — “The XG gearing can feel a touch lively for slow, steady lure presentations.”
Tackle Index’s take from the product details and fishing fit we checked. We haven’t found enough independent public feedback to call this an angler consensus yet.
Angler score
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