In the Shimano Socorro SW review, we will look at Shimano’s offering, which I would classify as a no-frills saltwater fishing reel that falls in the “average” price range for a good reel.
While at first glance, the Shimano Socorro SW spinning reel looks similar to the Shimano Spheros SW spinning reel, upon closer examination, we can see that there is a big difference between these two reels.
The Shimano Socorro SW spinning reel is about as basic a saltwater reel as you can get and is built with quality components.
The basics of the reel are the strong and reliable Hagane gearing combined with Shimano’s X-Ship technology for a smooth retrieve and cross carbon drag washers with between 22 and 27 lbs of drag.
If you want a rugged but basic spinning reel that will get the job done and do not need a model larger than 10,000, then the Shimano Socorro SW might be a good option.
Personally, I feel that classifying this reel with the SW for saltwater is a bit of a stretch since one of the main things that I look for in a saltwater reel (sealed ball bearings) is missing.
The Bottom Line
- My good quality mid-tier spinning reel for larger species
- Very smooth reel with a great drag
- High level of manufacturing quality, parts are easy to find, and reel is easy to maintain
- Quality Hagane gearing
Equipped with long-lasting hagane gearing, the Socorro reels give anglers the strength for both inshore and offshore action, and with x-ship technology, they offer the ultimate in smoothness and power.
- Hagane Gear: Allows for the reel to hold up in the saltwater with the cold forged drive gear.
- X-Ship Construction: Keeps the gears in perfect alignment, increasing power and enhancing smoothness.
- One-piece, highly rigid handle shank provides more cranking power.
- Cross Carbon Drag: Provides long lasting smoothness to withstand fast, powerful runs from pelagic and large inshore species.
Features
Rugged saltwater reel for inshore or offshore
As I said, this is a basic and well-built reel with no frills. The construction is solid, and it should last if you take meticulous care of it.
Hagane cold-forged gearing
As with most Shimano reels these days, the Socorro SW is built with Hagane cold-forged gearing, producing a very smooth gearing system. Instead of cutting the gears, the cold-forging process allows more precise gear to be manufactured consistently.
Not only does this process create a smooth gear, but it also creates a very strong gear, as the gears can mesh tightly together.
X-Ship Technology for perfect gear alignment
Shimano’s use of two bearings — one on each end of the pinion gear to support it, means that the gears stay aligned. A typical challenge for many reels is that under a heavy load, the torque will tend to twist the gears out of alignment as you get on big saltwater reels.
When this happens, you can feel the reel bogging down when you crank it, and the gears will wear much more quickly.
4+1 bearing system
In my opinion, Shimano cut a corner that they should not have cut on a saltwater reel. If a reel is designed primarily for saltwater use, then you need to provide at least minimal protection.
To me, minimal protection is the use of anti-corrosion ball bearings, if not shielded ball bearings.
Cross-Carbon Drag system
Shimano uses a Cross Carbon Drag washer in the Socorro SW, which provides a smooth drag from when you get pressure on it through the fight. The Cross-Carbon Drag is a registered trademark of Shimano.
The cross-carbon drag has a hatch pattern that provides a strong and smooth drag needed when fighting larger pelagic species that love to run fast and hard.
Features at a Glance
- Rugged saltwater reel for inshore or offshore
- Superior durability, power, and smoothness
- Hagane cold-forged gearing
- X-Ship Technology for perfect gear alignment
- Efficient 4+1 ball bearing system
- Powerful, wide-ranging Cross-Carbon Drag system
The Shimano Socorro SW is available in 4 sizes.
The Socorro 5000SW will retrieve line at a rate of 31″ per crank and handle up to 245 yards of 20-pound braid or 240-yards of 10-pound mono line. The 6000SW retrieves at a rate of 33 ” of line per crank and handles up to 290 yards of 30-pound braid or 265-yards of 12-pound mono line.
These reels feature 4:6:1 gear ratios and have a maximum drag of 22 lbs.
For those who need larger line capacity, the Socorro 8000SW will retrieve line at a rate of 37″ per crank and handle up to 340 yards of 40-pound braid or 345 yards of 12-pound mono line.
Personally, I would most likely use 265 yards of 50 lbs braid on this model. The 10000SW retrieves at a rate of 40″ ” of line per crank to get those bigger fish back to the boat quicker. You can load the spool with up to 360 yards of 50-pound braid or 500 yards of 12-pound mono.
I have no idea why you would want to put 12 lb. mono on a reel this big. For the 10000SW, my choice would be the 50 or 60 lbs braid. The 8000SW and the 10000SW have a 4:9:1 gear ratio and a maximum drag of 27 lbs.
There will not be much weight difference between models with the Hagane body in this size reel from Shimano.
We took the Socorro 8000SW offshore to one of our favorite grouper holes for our field test. Overall, the reel performed well; it was smooth to retrieve, and when a smaller fish was snapped up by a 5″ shark, the drag performed well under the load.
I wish we had been able to get into some pelagics so that I could have tested the drag more.
Pros
- Price
- Strength of design
Cons
- I would like to see more saltwater protection
- Stainless steel ball bearings are not sealed
Alternatives
If you want a Shimano reel, this will be the least expensive you will find that can handle the larger species. The next step up in the Shimano line of reels would be the Shimano Spheros SW, one of the best reels from Shimano when you compare the features you get for the price. Speaking of price, this reel will cost you about 50% more.
Another excellent reel to consider is the Quantum Cabo PTSE, which will have a price point similar to the Shimano Spheros SW. Still, like the Shimano Spheros SW, it will be a truly sealed reel that will most likely stand the test of time much better than the Shimano Socorro SW.
In my opinion, Daiwa has what will be a better bang for the buck with their Daiwa BG SW Spinning Reel. To date, this is my favorite reel for the price because it can withstand harsh saltwater conditions and larger species of inshore and offshore fish.
In Conclusion
If you are a Shimano diehard and you know who you are — and you are looking for a no-frills saltwater reel that can be used for everything from surfcasting to jigging and going after the larger pelagic species, then this might be a good solution for you.
For my money, I will save a bit more and go for the Shimano Spheros SW at about 60% of the Socorrow SW price. Why? If I am fishing for larger saltwater fish, I want a reel designed for the saltwater; by that, I mean a reel with corrosion-resistant or sealed features.
Equipped with long-lasting hagane gearing, the Socorro reels give anglers the strength for both inshore and offshore action, and with x-ship technology, they offer the ultimate in smoothness and power.
- Hagane Gear: Allows for the reel to hold up in the saltwater with the cold forged drive gear.
- X-Ship Construction: Keeps the gears in perfect alignment, increasing power and enhancing smoothness.
- One-piece, highly rigid handle shank provides more cranking power.
- Cross Carbon Drag: Provides long lasting smoothness to withstand fast, powerful runs from pelagic and large inshore species.
- Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Review - April 3, 2023
- Penn Fierce II Spinning Reel Review - February 14, 2023
- Abu Garcia Revo STX Baitcast Reel Review - February 8, 2023