The Shimano TLD 15 vs 20: Which One is Right for You?

Shimano TLD 15 vs 20, which one is for you? 

If someone asked me the question before, I got confused and it was very difficult for me to choose between them. But now I can easily answer and it is Shimano TLD 20. But that does not mean that 15 is not recommendable.

Here, I am going to share my personal experience and great journey with the Shimano TLD 15 and 20 series, discuss and compare them as well as make a guideline for you so that you can make your decision easier.

If you are a recreational fisherman and need a reel at a reasonable price then you are doing the right to choose Shimano’s product. But I think you will also face such a confusing situation. That’s why I am here to guide you.

The TLD series of fishing reels is one of the most popular and adaptable reels in this series. No one can beat their reliability. Shimano TLD 15 vs 20 both are great in terms of quality, durability and efficiency. I used both the series and the things that attract me are their versatility, lightweight, and durability as expected.

Shimano Tld 15 Vs 20 – Which One Is Great And Why?

Shimano Tld 15 vs 20! both are built by Shimano, durability is an inevitable part of them, and reliability is invincible. Both have the same quality and their construction is the same. But there are some variances you will feel when you use them like the difference in weight, the difference in drag, spool capacity, etc. Also, you will not find them at the same price. You can check the comparison table given below:

Comparison table of Shimano TLD 15 vs 20

There are no major differences between these two series as they are from the same manufacturer. You will get the same performance with both. But still, there are a few differences between them. You will be clear if you see the comparison table given below and go through the whole article.

Shimano Tld 15

The TLD reel Reels are presented with a graphite and titanium body. Mainly there are four stainless steel ball bearings, stainless steel gears, the main shaft, an Aluminum Spool, a stainless steel reel foot, titanium drag, Graphite Sideplate, and a titanium frame. 

The special feature of lever drag with its free spool type allows you to cast, troll, and live bait fishing. They are awesome and perfect for small to medium-game fishing. They can handle big fish easily. 

 The smoothness of lever drag and fine line capacity make it unaffected when things run and combat to the reel. Also, the anti-rust bearings are specifically responsible for increasing corrosion resistivity for the bearing.

These bearings are long-lasting in high salty atmospheres as the record says that they last approximately 10 times longer than an ordinary stainless steel ball bearing. The reels are qualitatively high, lightweight, less in price, and easily affordable. 

But the low in weight graphite frame reason behind the gear’s misaligns and the possibility to bend. However, these are incredible. They can adjust with any kind of Bluewater species from tuna to striped marlin.

Shimano Tld 20

The TLD reel Reels are also presented with a graphite and titanium body. Mainly there are four stainless steel ball bearings, stainless steel gears, the main shaft, an Aluminum Spool, a stainless steel reel foot, titanium lever drag, Graphite Side plate, and titanium frame like tld 15 series.

Additionally, it has a frame across the top adding extra strength to this series. They are suitable for light to standard fishing challenges. Moreover, the anti-rust bearings specifically increase corrosion resistance for the bearing. These bearings are long-lasting in high salty atmospheres as ltd 15 than an ordinary stainless-steel ball.

The special feature of lever drag with its free spool type allows you a lot of weight, casting, and live bait fishing. But corrosion problems may occur due to bad greasing which can destroy the reel. However, they are permitted to practice in Saltwater.

The series is a little heavy and built for fast and big fish. It is possible to catch a lot of tuna fish with this reel. Besides, big and fast fishes like small marlin, cobia, sails, mackerel, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, yellowtail kingfish, albacore, and so on can be targeted by TLD 20. 

Shimano Tld 15 Vs 20 – Which One Is The Winner And Why?

 As per my perception, the TLD 20 will be the winner, as it is a great all-over choice.

The series number affects the reel size only. As the number increases, the reel size increases. A smaller one will hold less line capacity than a larger one. Less line capacity as well as reel size will not permit extra weight. On the other hand, the needless line capacity and size can make you tired in a larger series. However, this is a silly problem.

TLD 20 is one of the most common reels and is perfect for catching tuna. It holds 700 yds of 20lb line capacity. Moreover, it has a frame across the top adding extra strength to this series that the 15 does not have. You are allowed to catch everything you will throw at this as it is perfect in size, not so big and not so small. But sometimes TLD 20 may have faced some corrosion problems due to bad greasing, whereas the TLD15 series has not faced this problem.

Also, TLD15 has less price than TLD 20. If you want to go with the TLD 15, you’ll not regret rather than love it. But having the top frame that allows additional strength of reel, makes me reassured. Moreover, It holds less line capacity than 20 which is 450 yds of 20lb. Also, the TLD 20 is heavier than the other, whereas the TLD 15 is a modest and low-weight reel. This lightweight graphite frame reason behind the gears aligning badly and the possibility to bend. 

Overall, the TLD 20 reels are actually nice. They are one of the best reels. Having fantastic drag, they hold a lot of line capacity and perform their function as smoothly as desired. But before buying you have to make sure the reel has a good coating of grease. Because if they are not coated well with grease, corrosion problems may occur which can destroy the reel. 

How To Take Care Of Shimano Tld 15 and 20 So That They Can Last Longer? 

If you want the Shimano reels to have a Longer Life you should take care of them as they are susceptible to dirt and water entrance, salt spray, and rain. There is no need to have any special instrument for this. It needs little care depending on its uses. 

Although they have corrosion resistive material, the high temperature and seawater could create salt combinedly. To prevent this the solution is to just spray the reel with water dislocating oil. Then use an aerosol spray to the reel and keep it for a few minutes then remove by wiping. Do it after each time of use. At least clean the reel with fresh water lightly.

You must retain the drag seal dry, clean, and far from all harmful external substances while disassembling. Be careful that the reel does not get dunked. Do not store it in an air-tight plastic bag. To avoid loss check and assure that all screws are tightened well. 

You should service your reel at least once a year. You should apply silicone coating or water-resistant lubricant to the gears of your reel. Apply lubricant to the handle knob pivot, strike stop button, and main gear shaft. Check the stainless-steel ball bearings and oil them if necessary. 

How long your reel will serve you, it’s totally up to you. You should follow the direction for cleaning, disassembly, check, and re-lubrication which will help to have a longer life of your reel and will protect it from several failures.

Conclusion 

 Both the Shimano TLD 15 and 20 are affordable and also work nicely. They are great for light to medium fishing in offshore seawater. No noticeable changes occur in doing a performance with the two series. But there are some variances you will feel when you get in touch with them. The series 15 is lighter than 20.

A fishing reel with medium size, heavier drag, and more line capacity will be nice. So, in that case, Tld 20 is preferable to Tld 15. Comparatively, being low in weight the graphite frame has the possibility to bend. If you are looking for a high-performance game fishing reel that is operative, robust, and easy to handle at a reasonable price, then the Shimano TLD 20 reel will be a great choice.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Ayaan

Content Creator and researcher at Solvefishing

Hi, this is Ayaan. I have been fishing since I was a young boy. I love the outdoors and the peace that comes with being by the water.

Fishing is more than a hobby to me, it is a passion. I have learned much about fishing over the years, and I enjoy sharing my knowledge with others. I am happy to teach anyone who is interested in learning how to fish.

I love everything about fishing – the peace and tranquility of being out on the water, the challenge of trying to catch a big one, and the sense of accomplishment when I finally land a fish.

I love fishing because it is a way to connect with nature and escape everyday life’s hustle and bustle.

Latest posts by Ayaan (see all)

• Are Yamaha Jet Boats Reliable? - November 19, 2022
• Are Yamaha Outboard Motors Any Good? - November 19, 2022
• Are Yamaha Outboards Any Good? - November 19, 2022