Shimano Nasci FD: sizes, specs and what changed from the Nasci FC
Illustrative image, not the exact model.
The Nasci FD is Shimano North America's new-for-2025 Nasci, described as a dependable, versatile reel for a wide range of conditions. It comes in six sizes from the 500 to the C5000XG at $124.99 to $144.99, with INFINITYDRIVE, an Anti-Twist Fin, a One-Piece Bail and CoreProtect water resistance.
The previous Nasci FC is still listed on Shimano's US site, so both generations show up in stores. The model number tells them apart: NAS2500HGFD is the new reel, NAS2500HGFC the old one. Below: how the sizes differ, what the FD changed, and how it compares with its neighbors in Shimano's spinning lineup.
Shimano Nasci FD sizes and specs
| Model | Size | Gear ratio | Line/turn | Weight | Max drag | Bearings | Mono (lb/yd) | Braid (lb/yd) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NAS500FD | 500 | 5.6:1 | 27" | 6 oz170 g | 7 lb3.2 kg | 4+1 | 2/190, 4/100, 6/60 | 5/135, 8/105, 10/65 | $124.99 |
| NAS1000FD | 1000 | 5:1 | 26" | 7.2 oz204 g | 7 lb3.2 kg | 5+1 | 2/270, 4/160, 6/110 | 10/95, 15/75, 20/65 | $124.99 |
| NAS2500HGFD | 2500 | 6.2:1 | 36" | 8.3 oz235 g | 20 lb9.1 kg | 5+1 | 8/140, 10/120 | 10/150, 15/145, 30/100 | $124.99 |
| NASC3000HGFD | C3000 | 6.2:1 | 36" | 8.3 oz235 g | 20 lb9.1 kg | 5+1 | 6/230, 8/170, 10/140 | 10/200, 20/140, 40/105 | $124.99 |
| NAS4000XGFD | 4000 | 6.2:1 | 39" | 9.9 oz281 g | 24 lb10.9 kg | 5+1 | 10/200, 12/160 | 15/230, 30/180, 40/140 | $134.99 |
| NASC5000XGFD | C5000 | 6.2:1 | 41" | 10.6 oz301 g | 24 lb10.9 kg | 5+1 | 12/195, 14/165 | 20/260, 30/235, 40/185 | $144.99 |
Nasci 2500 vs 3000: same reel, different spool
The NAS2500HGFD and NASC3000HGFD are identical on Shimano's chart in every number except line capacity: same 6.2:1 ratio, 36 in retrieve, 8.3 oz weight, 20 lb drag and $124.99 price. The 2500 is rated for 8 to 10 lb mono and braid up to 30 lb. The C3000 is rated for lighter mono in greater length (6 lb at 230 yd) and braid up to 40 lb.
So the choice is about line, not weight or money. Anglers running 8 or 10 lb mono for bass or walleye fit the 2500 well; anglers spooling braid, or wanting more line in reserve, get extra capacity from the C3000 at no cost on paper.
- 500 and 1000: the panfish and trout sizes. The 500 is the lighter at 6 oz; the 1000 runs a slower 5:1 ratio.
- 2500HG and C3000HG: the all-round middle, as described above.
- 4000XG ($134.99) and C5000XG ($144.99): 24 lb of drag and XG gearing. The 4000 is rated for braid up to 40 lb; the C5000 adds 14 lb mono capacity.
Nasci FC vs FD: what changed
The Nasci FC, launched for 2021, combined CoreProtect, HAGANE Gear and SilentDrive, and its official description called it a reel for freshwater and inshore saltwater. The FD keeps CoreProtect and HAGANE Gear in its feature list and adds three new items:
- INFINITYDRIVE: lower-friction main-shaft support so the reel keeps winding under heavy load.
- Anti-Twist Fin: a polymer fin near the line roller that keeps tension on the line to reduce slack and uneven winding.
- One-Piece Bail: a seamless bail that lets line run to the roller without a step, reducing friction and tangles.
Nasci vs Sedona, Sahara and Miravel
Below the Nasci, the Sedona FJ ($89.99 to $99.99) and Sahara FJ ($104.99 to $119.99) both use HAGANE Gear and SilentDrive, with 3+1 or 4+1 bearings. The Nasci FD is the cheapest Shimano reel in the current lineup whose feature list includes INFINITYDRIVE and CoreProtect together.
Above it, the Miravel A ($149.99 to $169.99) lists the same INFINITYDRIVE, Anti-Twist Fin and One-Piece Bail, swaps CoreProtect for X-Protect, and adds a first-generation MagnumLite rotor. The Ultegra FD ($179.99 to $199.99) then moves into CoreSolid construction, the same family as the Stradic FM.
Nasci generations (US model codes)
| Code | US year | What changed |
|---|---|---|
| Nasci FB | — | US models (from Shimano's US parts listing): NAS500FB, NAS1000FB, NAS2500FB, NASC3000HGFB, NAS4000XGFB, NASC5000XGFB. |
| Nasci FC | 2021 | Has CoreProtect, HAGANE Gear and SilentDrive (official US Nasci FC description). The US 2500 became 2500HG (NAS2500HGFC) per Shimano's US parts listing. Shimano North America's launch video is titled "NEW FOR 2021: Nasci FC". |
| Nasci FD | 2025 | Added INFINITYDRIVE, the Anti-Twist Fin and a One-Piece Bail. None of these are in the Nasci FC's official technology list. US MSRP rose from $99.99 to $109.99 (FC) to $124.99 to $144.99 (FD), with both shown on the official US site. Shimano North America's launch video is titled "New for 2025: Shimano Nasci FD Spinning Reels". |
US vs Japan (JDM) version
In Japan this reel is sold as the 26 Nasci (26ナスキー).
- The US Nasci FD page and Shimano Japan's ナスキー page share the global product ID a075f00003slx0xqac. In Japan the model is sold as 26ナスキー; for example, Japanese retailers list "26ナスキー C5000XG" with JAN 4969363048172, the JAN on Shimano Japan's C5000XG row. Shimano North America markets it as "New for 2025".
- Shimano Japan lists 12 models: 500, 1000, C2000S, C2000SHG, 2500, 2500HG, 2500SHG, C3000, C3000HG, 4000, 4000XG and C5000XG.
- All six US sizes are also in the Japanese table. The C2000S, C2000SHG, 2500, 2500SHG, C3000 and 4000 variants are Japan-only.
- Both markets list 4+1 bearings for the 500 and 5+1 for every other size.
- Japanese list prices (本体価格, before tax) are 12,500 to 16,000 yen.
More on Japanese-market models: JDM reels explained.
Official videos
Where to buy the Shimano Nasci FD
Related comparisons
FAQ
Is the Nasci FC or FD the current model?
The Nasci FD is current; Shimano North America markets it as new for 2025. The Nasci FC from 2021 is still listed on Shimano's US site at a lower price.
Should I get the Nasci 2500 or 3000?
They weigh the same, cost the same and share gear ratio and drag. Choose the 2500HG for 8 to 10 lb mono; choose the C3000HG for braid up to 40 lb or more length of light mono.
What size Nasci is best for panfish and crappie?
Shimano North America recommends the Nasci FD in 1000 or 500 for panfish and other light species, including through the ice. Both are rated for 2 to 6 lb mono.
Can the Shimano Nasci be used in saltwater?
The Nasci FC's official description said freshwater and inshore saltwater. The FD page does not state a water type, but it keeps CoreProtect water resistance for the roller clutch, body and line roller.
Is the Nasci FD the same as the Japanese 26 Nasci?
Yes, it shares a global product ID with Shimano Japan's 26 Nasci. Japan lists 12 models; all six US sizes are in the Japanese table, which adds shallow-spool and normal-gear variants.
Sources (4)
Specs and facts on this page come from the manufacturers' published specifications and the pages below, checked on 2026-10-11. We have not hands-on tested these reels; this is a spec-based comparison.