There’s always something exciting about hearing news of a brand-new reel.
As I was casually browsing Shimano’s official website, I came across a sudden surprise — a completely new flagship model for the EXSENCE lineup is on its way in 2025.
A flagship for the Seabass fishing series? Looks good… but then — wait, what!? A full metal body!?
A Full Metal Magnesium Body — Seriously?
I had to do a double take. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.
Even the solid and dependable Twin Power, the extra-rugged Twin Power XD, or even the pinnacle of lightweight design Vanquish — none of them have what only the Stella had: a full metal body.
All of Shimano’s high-end reels up until now used a hybrid setup: a metal body on the reel foot side, but with a body cover made from CI4+ carbon composite. And now… here comes EXSENCE with a full magnesium body, just like Stella?
Go check the official image below.
Can you see it? That structure — it’s unmistakable.
This isn’t just a new reel. The internal layout is exactly like the Stella. Unlike hybrid body reels — which split their internal components, placing parts like the pinion gear inside the CI4+ plastic side cover, likely to distribute structural stress like a house frame — this reel keeps everything housed in the reel foot side.
That’s how Stella has always been, and this new EXSENCE does the same. The drive gear faces the reel foot side. All key components are built into the full metal body. That structure used to be Stella-exclusive — and now EXSENCE is doing it too.
Take a side-by-side look at Stella and EXSENCE:
Let’s overlay these two images.
They’re identical. Even the body cover shape is the same.
This 2025 EXSENCE is essentially a Stella body paired with an MGL rotor — exactly the kind of reel that some hardcore anglers have dreamed of. It’s honestly a game-changer. With a smaller price tag than Stella, it might even overshadow the current Twin Power XD.
You could argue that this is the true pinnacle of the MGL series now.
VS 2025 Twin Power XD
I know — all that excitement about the full metal body might have gotten the better of me, but let’s take a rational look at where the 2025 EXSENCE fits in alongside the 2025 Twin Power XD.
First off, the price. The Twin Power series is designed as a more affordable “little brother” to Stella. Naturally, Twin Power XD is priced lower than the 2025 EXSENCE, which borrows Stella’s body design. That’s a key difference.
Next, materials. While I mentioned “half-plastic,” in reality Twin Power uses mostly aluminum for the body, with a CI4+ body cover. Some say this layout causes faster fatigue on the body — particularly for right-hand wind — but the real question is: are you ready to pay extra for a full metal body to counter that?
And speaking of materials — the magnesium alloy used in EXSENCE is both light and strong, but less corrosion-resistant than aluminum. That’s why it needs extra coating, and that’s also part of why magnesium reels tend to be more expensive.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is heavier but cheaper, highly corrosion-resistant, and overall more practical. Even the Stella SW, built for saltwater abuse, sticks with aluminum.
Personally, I often choose Twin Power for rugged use like rock shore fishing. I’d rather scratch up a Twin Power than a Stella, and I know Twin Power won’t corrode even if the coating gets scraped.
For demanding, rough conditions where I still want the sensitivity of an MGL rotor, the XD just makes more sense — and it’s easier on the wallet.
But for calmer surf or river seabass games? EXSENCE’s strength and lightness would shine. And of course, with Stella’s body, the silky-smooth winding feel is guaranteed — making even the fishless hours enjoyable.
VS Vanquish
Now let’s look at Vanquish, the MGL series flagship among compact general-purpose spinning reels.
EXSENCE isn’t a general-purpose reel. It’s a seabass-specialized machine with only three available models — all Medium Spool.
It also includes the Rapid Fire Drag, which lets you adjust drag tension quickly. But be warned: the adjustment is sensitive. A slight twist can change the drag more than expected.
Vanquish, on the other hand, is fully focused on lightweight, ultra-sensitive design. You won’t beat it on weight or feel. Every part has been engineered for minimal weight. It also has a wider model range, ideal for light game fishing, eging, or anywhere you want to detect the faintest underwater movements.
And let’s face it — if you’re using PE0.3 or PE0.4 line, you’re not looking for a reel with the brute strength of a full metal body. Your line will give out long before you feel the benefits of all that metal.
But for mid-size game fish — where you’re mostly going after medium fish, but might hook into something big — the specialized EXSENCE is spot on. If you can afford it, it’s the safe choice.
What About the Features?
If you’ve been keeping up with Shimano’s premium reels, the features list on the 2025 EXSENCE will feel very familiar.
In fact, it’s practically identical to the Stella:
- Infinity Loop
- Infinity Xross
- Infinity Drive
- Anti-Twist Fin
All of them are here, carried over from the 2022 Stella.
What’s different?
- The EXSENCE uses an MGL Rotor.
- It has Rapid Fire Drag.
- And it has one less ball bearing.
We don’t yet know which bearing is missing, but otherwise? This is a Stella with an MGL rotor. Simple as that.
Specs & Release Info
As with all EXSENCE-series reels, this one is made specifically for seabass fishing — and that means only seabass-appropriate models.
This time, the standard gear model for C3000M is gone, and the three options are:
- C3000MHG
- 3000MHG
- 4000MXG
Personally, I’m thinking of getting the 4000MXG and swapping in a Twin Power 4000 spool depending on the situation — sounds fun, right?
With a price tag of ¥83,000 to ¥85,000, this reel comes close to Stella levels. It’s slated for release in July 2025.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Drag Power ave/Max (kg) | Weight (g) | Spool Size dia/stroke (mm) | Capacity Mono (Gou-m) Braid (Gou-m) | MAX Line Retrieve (cm) | Handle Length (mm) | Bearings | Price (yen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C3000MHG | 5.8 | 3.5/9 | 185 | 47/17 | 1.5-165, 1.7-150, 2-130 1-190, 1.2-150, 1.5-120 | 86 | 55 | 11/1 | 83,000 |
| 3000MHG | 5.7 | 3.5/9 | 200 | 47/17 | 1.5-165, 1.7-150, 2-130 1-190, 1.2-150, 1.5-120 | 84 | 55 | 11/1 | 84,000 |
| 4000MXG | 6.2 | 6/11 | 225 | 52/19 | 2.5-160, 3-120, 4-90 1.2-250, 1.5-200, 2-150 | 101 | 57 | 11/1 | 85,000 |
So here it is — the “Black Stella,” the 2025 EXSENCE.
Do you want one?
