Company: Shimano Inc. · Headquarters: Sakai, Osaka, Japan · US arm: Shimano North America Fishing · Category: Electric reels (power-assist)
Shimano needs no introduction to saltwater anglers. Its Tiagra, Talica and Stella reels are fixtures on sportfishing boats around the world. Its electric reels are less familiar in the US, because Shimano sells only a small part of its Japanese electric lineup here. The two models it does sell in America, the BeastMaster 9000 B and the ForceMaster A 9000, are serious deep drop tools. The ForceMaster was designed with South Florida deep dropping and kite fishing in mind.
This review covers both US models, how they compare, the technology inside them, and the smaller ForceMaster 3000 that some American anglers import from Japan.
Company overview
Shimano is a Japanese manufacturer best known for bicycle components and fishing tackle, with its headquarters in Sakai, Osaka. In North America the fishing business is run by Shimano North America Fishing, which sells through a large dealer network and its own online shop at fishshop.shimano.com.
In Japan, Shimano makes a broad range of electric reels (“dendo” reels) for everything from light bottom fishing to deep-sea tuna. In the US, the range is much narrower. As of September 2026, Shimano’s US site lists two electric reels, and both show as sold out on the factory store. Expect to buy from dealers and to plan around restocks.
At a glance
| Parent company | Shimano Inc., Sakai, Osaka, Japan |
| US distributor | Shimano North America Fishing |
| US electric models | BeastMaster 9000 B, ForceMaster A 9000 |
| US price range | $1,189.99 – $1,619.99 (MSRP) |
| Warranty (US) | 1 year |
| Shared technology | HAGANE metal body, Cross Carbon drag, Fine Dot LCD |
US lineup at a glance
| Model | Max drag | Gear ratio | Weight | Line capacity (PowerPro) | MSRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BeastMaster 9000 B | 55 lb (Thermo Adjust) | 3.1:1 | 52.4 oz | 40/2050, 50/1800, 65/1260, 80/1030 | $1,619.99 |
| ForceMaster A 9000 | 55 lb | 3.1:1 | 53.4 oz | 40/2050, 50/1800, 65/1260, 80/1030 | $1,189.99 |
Specifications and prices from Shimano North America’s product pages, September 2026. Both models were listed as sold out on the factory store at the time.
On paper the two reels look almost identical: same drag, same gear ratio, same spool capacity, and about the same weight. The differences are in the motor, the drag management, the bearings and the price.
BeastMaster 9000 B: the flagship
The BeastMaster is Shimano’s top electric reel for the US market. It’s aimed at large saltwater species, with bottom fishing and billfish named as the main uses.
Key specifications
- Max drag: 55 lb, with Thermo Adjust
- Gear ratio: 3.1:1 · Retrieve per crank: 35 in
- Weight: 52.4 oz
- Bearings: 14
- Line capacity (PowerPro braid): 2,050 yd of 40 lb, 1,800 yd of 50 lb, 1,260 yd of 65 lb, 1,030 yd of 80 lb
- MSRP: $1,619.99 · Warranty: 1 year
Technology
- GigaMax motor: a brushless motor built for high torque and speed. With no brushes there’s less to wear out and less to foul after salt exposure.
- Thermo Adjust Drag: automatically slows the motor when the drag slips, which keeps the reel from overheating during a long fight with a big fish.
- HAGANE Body Electric: a rigid metal body that resists flexing under heavy load and keeps the gears aligned.
- Cross Carbon Drag: a wider, smoother drag range.
- Fine Dot LCD: a color display that stays readable in bright sun.
- S A-RB Electric bearings: shielded bearings that resist salt and sand.
Who it’s for: Anglers who deep drop often from center consoles and sportfishers, and want the most robust Shimano electric available in the US. The brushless motor and thermal drag management justify the extra $430 over the ForceMaster if you fish big fish on long fights, such as swordfish during the day.
ForceMaster A 9000: built for South Florida
Shimano describes the ForceMaster A as built for “deep-dropping for bottom fish or flying kites in South Florida for sailfish and other pelagics.” That use case, deep drop in the morning and kites in the afternoon, is exactly how many Miami and Keys boats fish.
Key specifications
- Max drag: 55 lb
- Gear ratio: 3.1:1
- Retrieve speed: 153 yards per minute
- Weight: 53.4 oz
- Bearings: 3
- Line capacity (PowerPro): same as the BeastMaster
- MSRP: $1,189.99 · Warranty: 1 year, with a 30-day return policy on the factory store
Technology
- Heat Free System II: thermal management for long use. It matters on kite days, when the reel works on and off for hours in the sun.
- Cross Carbon Drag and HAGANE Body, shared with the BeastMaster
- Fine Dot LCD
- e-Exciting Drag Sound: an electronic alert when line goes out, useful when kite rods are spread across the cockpit
Rod pairing: Shimano lists the ForceMaster A as compatible with its Talavera Bluewater Deep-Drop rods. It will also fit most 50–80 lb class deep drop rods from US builders; see Deep Drop Rods.
Who it’s for: South Florida anglers who want one reel for both deep dropping and kite fishing, and anyone who wants Shimano quality at a lower price than the BeastMaster.
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Older ForceMaster 6000 and 9000
Shimano’s US parts pages list the earlier ForceMaster 6000 (released 2016, discontinued 2019) and ForceMaster 9000 (released 2016, discontinued 2020). Shimano described them as offering “best-in-class winding speed, winding strength, drag and line capacity,” with both programmable and manual modes for deep dropping, jigging and kite fishing. They’re common on the used market. Shimano still lists spare parts for both, which makes a good used ForceMaster a reasonable budget option.
ForceMaster 3000: the Japanese compact
Some American anglers import Shimano’s Japanese-market ForceMaster 3000, a much smaller reel for lighter deep drop work and hand-held fishing. Specifications from Shimano’s Asia site:
- Gear ratio: 3.9:1 · Weight: 795 g (about 28 oz)
- Max drag: 20 kg (about 44 lb) · Practical power: 11 kg
- Max speed: 170 m/min
- Motor: MUTEKI MOTOR+
- Modes: Rakuraku Mode (adjusts winding tension to the load) and Fixed Speed Mode
- Heat Free System II, Cross Carbon drag, e-Exciting Drag Sound
Import caveats: The ForceMaster 3000 isn’t sold by Shimano North America. Menus and manuals may be in Japanese, US warranty support is unlikely, and Japanese spool capacities assume thin PE line. Check capacity against how deep you actually fish before you buy.
Powering a Shimano electric
Both US models run on 12V DC. Salt Water Sportsman notes the BeastMaster 9000 is built for 12-volt DC. You can power them from the boat’s system through a marine twist-lock receptacle such as Hubbell, or from a portable lithium pack clipped to the rod. Several US battery makers sell packs and cords made for Shimano reels, including Florida companies Black Oak LED and Abyss Battery. See Reel Batteries.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Shimano’s build quality and a HAGANE metal body
- 55 lb drag and 1,800 yd of 50 lb braid, enough for most Florida deep drops
- Thermal management (Thermo Adjust or Heat Free System II) for long days
- The ForceMaster A is designed for the South Florida mix of deep drop and kite fishing
- Parts support for older ForceMasters
Cons
- A limited US lineup: two models, compared with a large Japanese range
- Both were sold out on Shimano’s own store in September 2026
- Only a 1-year US warranty
- Far less pulling power than commercial reels like Lindgren-Pitman or Kristal
Shimano vs. the competition
| Reel | Max drag | MSRP | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano BeastMaster 9000 B | 55 lb | $1,619.99 | Brushless GigaMax motor, Thermo Adjust |
| Shimano ForceMaster A 9000 | 55 lb | $1,189.99 | Built for deep drop and kite |
| Daiwa Seaborg 800MJ | — | $1,999.99 | Mega Twin two-speed, Jog Power Lever |
| Daiwa Seaborg 500J (2026) | — | $1,199.99 | Compact, 166 lb momentary power |
| Lindgren-Pitman SV-1200 | 110+ lb pull | $6,495 | Commercial, variable speed, factory service in FL |
Where to buy Shimano electric reels
Manufacturer / US distributor
- Shimano North America Fishing: fishshop.shimano.com (factory store; check stock)
Retailers carrying the BeastMaster 9000 B (September 2026)
- Melton Tackle: meltontackle.com
- Tomo’s Tackle: 104 Wharf St, Salem, MA 01970 · (978) 498-4187 · tomostackle.com
- Fisherman’s Warehouse: fishermanswarehouse.com
- Fisherman’s Headquarters: fishermansheadquarters.com
- Palmarius Outdoors: palmariusrods.com
- TackleDirect and Capt. Harry’s Fishing Supply (Miami) also carry Shimano electrics. Call for stock.
Service and parts: Shimano North America sells electric reel parts, including ForceMaster 6000/9000 parts, through its Electric Reels Parts page.
Buy online (Amazon)
Verdict
Shimano’s US electric lineup is small but strong. The ForceMaster A 9000 is the sensible buy for most Florida anglers. It’s designed for exactly the deep drop plus kite routine South Florida boats run, and at $1,189.99 it costs much less than the flagship. The BeastMaster 9000 B adds a brushless motor and Thermo Adjust drag for anglers who fight big fish on long days. Neither reel is in the commercial class, but both are well suited to recreational deep dropping.
Deep-Drop.com rating: Build quality 4.5/5 · Power 4/5 · Value 4/5 · US availability 3/5
FAQ
What Shimano electric reels are sold in the US?
As of September 2026, Shimano North America lists the BeastMaster 9000 B ($1,619.99) and the ForceMaster A 9000 ($1,189.99).
What’s the difference between the BeastMaster and the ForceMaster A?
Both have 55 lb max drag, a 3.1:1 gear ratio and the same line capacity. The BeastMaster adds a brushless GigaMax motor, Thermo Adjust drag and 14 bearings, and costs $430 more.
Is the Shimano ForceMaster good for deep dropping?
Yes. Shimano designed the ForceMaster A for deep-dropping for bottom fish and kite fishing in South Florida. It holds 1,800 yd of 50 lb braid.
Can I get parts for an older Shimano ForceMaster?
Shimano North America still lists parts for the ForceMaster 6000 (2016–2019) and ForceMaster 9000 (2016–2020).
Specifications and prices were checked against Shimano North America and Shimano Asia product pages and US retailer listings on September 25, 2026.