Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX vs Shimano Sahara 500 FI

Penn Slammer IV

Spinning

8500 Hsx

70.80 out of 100

Value for money4.5 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability5.5 out of 10

Ergonomics4 out of 10

Gear ratio5.3:1

Maximum drag22.6kg / 49,82lbs

Weight870g / 30.69oz

Line retireve per crank127 centimeter / 50 inch

Ball bearings9

Technical Specifications

BrandPENN
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €294.00
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size8500 HS
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeFront drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.46/415

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

Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in maximum drag (22,6kg / 49,82lbs) and total score (7.08 out of 10). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Penn Slammer IV and Shimano Sahara 500 FI?

Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX

For 8 out of 10 (22,6kg / 49,82lbs) in drag score, the reel holds up well when you're battling strong fish or fishing near heavy cover

Shimano Sahara 500 FI

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