Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX vs Shimano Sahara 500 FI

The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G)

Seafishing

67.80 out of 100

Value for money3 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability9.5 out of 10

Ergonomics3.4 out of 10

Gear ratio5.8:1

Maximum drag30kg / 66.14lbs

Weight885g / 31.22oz

Line retireve per crank131 centimeter / 51.57 inch

Ball bearings12

Technical Specifications

BrandDAIWA
The main category of the reelSeafishing
Price range~ €850.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size18000-H
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeFront drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.47/300

Shimano Sahara 500 FI

Spinning

44.20 out of 100

Value for money2.5 out of 5

Quality classLow

Durability3 out of 10

Ergonomics6.42 out of 10

Gear ratio6.2:1

Maximum drag2.5kg / 5.52 lbs

Weight175g / 6.17oz

Line retireve per crank69cm / 27.17 inch

Ball bearings4 S SUS + 1 Rollerbearing

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €62.00
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size500
Handle typeHandle
Drag typeFront drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.20/110 lb/yds: 2/190. 4/100, 6/60

Conclusion

Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in durability (9.5 out of 10) and maximum drag (30kg / 66,14lbs). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) and Shimano Sahara 500 FI?

Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX

With a drag score of 10 out of 10 (30kg / 66,14lbs), the reel is built to handle serious pressure from large saltwater predators
Built tough for the salt, ideal for seafishing.

Shimano Sahara 500 FI

A fast gear ratio of 10 out of 10 (6.2:1), means the reel is built for speed and it's perfect for active retrieves, and quick follow ups
With a score like 8.83 out of 10 (175g / 6.17oz), the reel feels light in the hand.. ideal for active techniques like twitching, jigging, or topwater.
Landing a score of 8 out of 10 (4 S SUS + 1 Rollerbearing) in bearings, it feels smooth and controlled. Great when you're fishing actively and want consistency