Shimano 20 Stella 18000 HGX vs Shimano Sahara 500 FI

Shimano 20 Stella

Spinning

84.10 out of 100

Value for money3 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability9.5 out of 10

Ergonomics4 out of 10

Gear ratio5.7:1

Maximum drag25kg / 55.12lbs

Weight670g / 23.63oz

Line retireve per crank129 centimeter / 50.79 inch

Ball bearings13

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €895.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size18000 HG
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeFront drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.52/310

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

Shimano 20 Stella 18000 HGX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in durability (9.5 out of 10) and maximum drag (25kg / 55,12lbs). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano 20 Stella 18000 HGX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano 20 Stella and Shimano Sahara 500 FI?

Shimano 20 Stella 18000 HGX

With a great drag score 10 out of 10 (25kg / 55,12lbs), the reel is built to handle big fish confidently.. whatever the setting, freshwater or inshore salt
Saltwater-safe design makes it perfect for spinning conditions.

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