I can’t comment on the technium, but I have a 4500XSB and a 5500XTB Ultegra. I use it for method/bag fishing at anything 70+ yards. When I first bought my ultegra’s I didn’t think they gained me any distance on the cast, however having used them much more over the past few months, I can confidently say they do help to gain distance. They also have a massive advantage on the retrieve compared to a typical match reel such as a TDR/TDX.

The only issue I had with the Ultegra was the fact it takes a little getting used to. It’s a much bigger reel compared to most typical match reels. You’ll realise this when you fish the pellet waggler for a while, then put the rod down and pick up the ultegra…it feels wrong, but it works.

Hope this helps.

I should have also mentioned that the drag on the Ultegra isn’t as sensitive as a TDR/TDX. The clicking clutch noise alone was enough to make me never use it, however I do have a mate who thinks the drag is fine, so it’s perhaps a personal preference thing.

I have 12 & 14ft aerocast rods. On my 14 I use the 4500 Titanos on the 12 I use a 4000 Daiwa Exceller or Caldia. IMO the Technium even in 5000 have too small a spool ie Daiwa and Shimano spools are very different.