Shimano TLD II A 50lb 2-speed LRS Reel

There is nothing that can be said about our iconic TLD range of multipliers that hasn’t already been said! Wherever you fish in the world, you will find Shimano TLD reels being used by anglers in both fresh and saltwater. The TLD II A series is a tried and tested product, widely regarded as the absolute industry standard in terms of affordable, high-performance, lever drag multiplier reels.

The upgraded 50lb LRS (Long Range Special) edition is engineered to bridge the gap between lightweight graphite reels and heavy, expensive gold big-game multipliers, offering immense drag power and legendary reliability without the premium price tag.

Heavy-Duty Lightweight Composites & LRS Mechanics

The foundation of the TLD II A 50lb is its legendary lightweight, one-piece graphite composite frame. This material is completely impervious to saltwater corrosion and keeps the overall weight of the reel down, making it exceptionally comfortable when holding the rod for long periods at anchor or on the drift.

The LRS (Long Range Special) designation means this reel is fitted with an uprated, aggressive drag cam profile. It delivers a much steeper drag curve than a standard 50-class reel, allowing you to run heavier breaking strain monofilament or braided mainlines and lock down on massive fish with the stopping power normally reserved for larger 80-class setups.

Precision 2-Speed Power Shift

When you are locked into a grueling battle with a powerful deep-water species, having the correct mechanical advantage is vital. The TLD II A features Shimano’s seamless, push-button 2-Speed Gearing system:

• High Gear (3.5:1): Ideal for rapidly clearing empty rigs from deep water, working artificial lures, or quickly recovering slack line when a hooked fish turns and charges toward the boat.

• Low Gear (1.4:1): A brutal, high-torque winching gear. When a massive fish is hanging dead-weight in a heavy tide or deep vertical column, dropping into low gear provides the raw mechanical leverage needed to pump them up safely.

Specifications

• Model: TLD II A 50lb LRS (Long Range Special)

• Frame Construction: Heavy-duty, lightweight one-piece Graphite Composite

• Drag Type: Lever Drag (Uprated LRS Drag Profile)

• Gearing: 2-Speed manual shifting mechanism

• Gear Ratio (High): 3.5:1

• Gear Ratio (Low): 1.4:1

• Bearings: 4 Shielded Anti-Rust Bearings (A-RB)

• Harness Features: Built-in heavy-duty stainless steel harness lugs

Pro Tip

British sea anglers will find the TLD 50 LRS to be an absolute powerhouse for deep-water wrecking and heavy sharking. Because the LRS cam ramps up drag pressure very quickly as you advance the lever, always use a calibrated spring balance to set your “Strike” drag setting before leaving port. Setting your strike drag to exactly one-third of your line’s breaking strain ensures you never accidentally over-tighten the lever and pop a hooklength when a heavy fish bolts.

Ideal Applications

• UK Charter & Deep-Wrecking: The perfect choice for fishing deep-water offshore wrecks and reefs for massive conger eels, skate, cod, and ling where immense lifting power is mandatory.

• Specimen Shark Angling: Highly popular for targeting powerful blue, porbeagle, and thresher sharks in UK waters, providing big-game stopping power on a budget-friendly platform.

• Global Travel & Big Game: An excellent, reliable option for the traveling angler heading to western venues or the tropics to target sailfish, marlin, yellowfin tuna, and giant trevally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a standard TLD 50 and this LRS model?

While they share the same physical graphite body dimensions, the LRS (Long Range Special) version features a modified internal drag cam structure. This provides a much faster, more aggressive increase in drag pressure as you advance the lever, making it perfect for handling heavier line classes and larger apex fish.

Are the internal bearings protected against salt water?

Yes. The TLD II A is equipped with 4 premium, Shielded A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings). These bearings feature a specialized protective shield that prevents sand, grit, and salt crystals from entering the tracks, ensuring ultra-smooth performance season after season.

Can this reel be used with modern braided lines?

Absolutely. The robust aluminum spool and rigid composite frame are designed to withstand the crushing pressures associated with loading high-capacity braided mainlines. Just ensure you wrap a small amount of monofilament backing or tape on the spool first to prevent the braid from slipping on the slick metal core.