The Shimano Nasci 500: Best Micro Reel for the Money

The Current generation Nasci 500 is my favorite “micro sized” reel, and for the money I feel it is unbeatable. The current generation Nasci is also much improved from the last gen, I still have one of the first gen 1000 reels. Please like and subscribe if you like this type of content!

[@The_Next_Cast]

Looks like a solid 500 reel! Those were some nice catches! Thanks for the solid review!

[@TheUltralightLife]

Thanks brother hope you are having a great weekend!

[@miked9112]

Is this better than the Vanford 500?

[@Arrigo_Outdoor_Adventures]

Looks like it worked good!

[@TheUltralightLife]

Indeed it did brother! Thanks for watching!

[@fishingmaster99]

I just got the nasci 1000 and stradic 1000 wow cast a mile smooth asf.

[@TheUltralightLife]

They are definitely winners 🥇

[@brunobormann-ultralightfish]

Set up UL amazing🎣🔥 #Foconoultralight

[@TheUltralightLife]

Ultralight is 🔥

[@robertjohnson2586]

Nice setup

[@TheUltralightLife]

Thank you!

[@FishiganMilligan]

Just ordered a Shimano Sahara 500 and I can’t wait! What rod/line is on this?

[@TheUltralightLife]

Rod is the American market Daiwa presso UL rod in 6’6, I would get this rod without any hesitation best rod under 100$. The line I used in this video is 4lb stren Magnathin I believe. That line is extremely hard to find these days can recommend you others if you want!

[@lurestory0805]

Nice bro, you got to try the daiwa fuego 1000

[@TheUltralightLife]

I’ve always heard great things about that reel. Just never pulled the trigger! I almost did, when I needed a reel on short notice. But it was right next to the legalis and the legalis was crazy smooth for the price. I still have a few legalis that I need to review/break down. 2500 and 3000

[@gleamtarrest6310]

They last about 2 years and then they just are so loose , I sold mine to my brother for $50.00

[@Jashcraft64]

Great video man! How do you like the Daiwa rod you have that reel on?

[@TheUltralightLife]

That daiwa presso is by far the best ultralight rod under $80 ever made! I made a video on it too if you’re curious! Presso is in description. I would buy the 6’6 model on sight if you can find em, they sell quick.

[@TheUltralightLife]

I appreciate the kind words! Thanks for watching!

[@TristanThompson-le6lv]

Im planning on doing the same set up with the 8ft presco and 1000 nasci

[@TheUltralightLife]

8 footer sounds interesting let me know how you like it!!!!

[@EnXB1gDuk3]

What lure/bait are you running on your first fish you caught?

[@yep.fishing]

Have you considered doing intros to your vids? Does this reel have the same drag clicker as the Sienna?

[@TheUltralightLife]

Hmm sienna im unsure! I’ve never payed much attention to the sienna. But the Sahara is almost exactly like this reel. The nasci has a little more saltwater protection. I would get a Sahara no question they go for steals on the jdm sites. If you were blindfolded you couldn’t tell a difference haha. But for 40% off I sprung for this guy 😅. A lot of shimano’s reels are super super similar within 20-50$ usd of each other. Is there any on your radar?

[@TheUltralightLife]

Also, there’s alot of room for improvement on my channel. I have considered (and need to) do alot 😂

[@yep.fishing]

@@TheUltralightLife I think the Sahara is the Sedona here...silver and gold one that a bit cheaper than the Nasci. If I was you I woulda clipped a little bit of where you were talking about the reel and put it at the start. Like "this reel is awesome" or something then it goes onto the fishing.

[@TheUltralightLife]

@@yep.fishing I gotcha brother I will def put it in next time! Thanks for the tips

[@Henry-xh8ec]

I tried the previous model nasci 500. It was a descent reel. I have also tried several Sahara 500 models. I like them too. I tried the Vanford 500, and I will say for the money I was not that impressed. Lighter than the others 500 size shimano's but not any smoother. Nonetheless, I decided to stick with the 1000 size Vanfords. Much better than the 500 size version.

[@TheUltralightLife]

Dang really! Is there anything between Vanford and stella you want to try personally? Daiwa included? I may hold out for a Stella 1000 one day if I can sell some rods I got discounted, conventional bass gear. I won’t take much of a hit and feel I would get a lot of fun out of something like that. Thanks for recommended that 1000 to 500 size difference

[@Chickenpantz]

Vanford 500 is odd as its not even similar to the vanford 1000 other than looks, different internals and no worm gearing, for the extra few grams its way better off going the 1000

[@Henry-xh8ec]

@@Chickenpantz The Vanford 500 is based off the same frame as shimano's other 500 size reels. Therefore is lacks the improvements of its bigger brothers.

[@Henry-xh8ec]

@@TheUltralightLife I would suggest the Vanquish over the stella for ultralight fishing. The Vanquish is more refined for fishing light line. The Vanquish is perfect for fishing light jigs for crappie. The stella is more robust and much heavier. Much better for straight retrieve lures like spinners and crankbaits.

[@TheUltralightLife]

@@Henry-xh8ec that was the exact model I had my eye on, once they release the new one

[@gleamtarrest6310]

I have had allot of 500 size reels..nasci, sedona, sahara, soare, sienna , Pflueger ... my Nasci didn't really hold up 1.5 yrs and now it sounds horrible and getting harder to reel.. 2022 Sahara is an OK reel... 2022 Soare BB is allot better than any of those by far, I just hope it holds up..I pulled the trigger on Vanford 1000 & it is just as small and just as light as the 500 reels. Vanford cast further & has ALLOT better drag , I just wish it was a little smoother especially for the price tag. If I had to do it over I probably would get a Presso 1000.

[@gleamtarrest6310]

I ordered 1000 size Ultegra, while it is not the lightest I have a good use for it.. I am also looking at new Diawa Tatula MQ 1000 it is 6.0 oz & Diawa Ballistic MQ 1000 6.0oz while the ultegra is 6.4 oz

[@TheUltralightLife]

@@gleamtarrest6310 thanks for the insight brother. I have the older nasci 1000, it is not as refined and smooth after 2 years of solid work as well. I’m hoping this nasci holds up but it does feel better than the old gen, my current favorite within its price point. I made this vid because a lot of people won’t go over a certain price threshold for a panfish reel. I’m going to put this 500 to the test on some cats this summer too and some spotted bass that rip drag… it will be a good test

[@TheUltralightLife]

@@gleamtarrest6310 I also wanted to add my current favorite it my luvias 2000. It is just a tad over 5 ounces and a rock star for me

[@gleamtarrest6310]

@@TheUltralightLife try the 2022 Sahara 500.. it has an excellent drag. $90.00

[@TheUltralightLife]

@@gleamtarrest6310 just got a miravel 1000 in to test personally, but I do love the Sahara. Just about the same as the nasci

[@chrisnguyen3211]

That was a sexy pitch @2:00

[@TheUltralightLife]

Thanks 😂😂 I said the same thing. That cast deserved a fish for sure

[@philliplawson2932]

It's a great reel for the price but the Vanford and Soare 500's by Shimano are the best and their both under 5 ounces!

[@TheUltralightLife]

Definitely those take the cake, I was buying this on a budget for a comparable rod. I’m looking into a high end shimano next 😎👍. I have Vanford on my drop shot rod for bass

[@philliplawson2932]

@@TheUltralightLife Awesome!👍

[@zebwalton979]

Good review. Just picked one up in that size myself. Considered the 1000 size as it has a few more features, but 500 will do just fine. There’s a point in which 1000 size have better construction than 500s, but time will tell with this one. As for your intro... leave it alone. Straight, honest poignant... showing what it’s meant to do and speaking to its features, feel and capabilities is what sets you apart. There too much of the ‘glamour shots’ vids from people who try to create what they think a vid should look like. I can’t stand musical intros. Seriously, if I open a clip and it goes musical then I immediately exit and watch someone else - noting not to watch anymore of that person’s musical-intro vids and will not subscribe. Richard Gene has the best intro, in my opinion... he starts with the fishing and transitions to an outline of what he’ll be doing; species targeted, body of water, climate, conditions of water, rig setup and bait/lure. After the outline, he gets back to it and gives final thoughts.

[@TheUltralightLife]

I’ve taken a lot of inspiration from Richard gene, honestly he’s my KZbin idol. And yeah I’m feeling like I’m gonna keep all my stuff basic and straight to it. I never have the minute long like and subscribe deal into. I want to keep it 100 from the jump. Thanks for all the insight and feedback!

[@DpuckFishingandOutdoors]

I guess the downside to the Ultra light rods is you can't just flip the fish in. 😕

[@TheUltralightLife]

You could haha but 2 and 4 pound line (the 4 pound lines I use are very very thin for 4 pound I would say it’s really 3 lb) a little too much force and pop goes the line. I would rather make sure I get em unhooked to the best of my ability 😃

[@TheUltralightLife]

This rod has a lot of backbone, you could flip some smaller bass in… but not any of my super ultralights

[@billbob3747]

yo is that braided line or not

[@TheUltralightLife]

Nope! Nylon (mono)

[@Loganhinebaugh]

CUZ

[@TheUltralightLife]

Bruhhh