Shimano 21 Sahara FJ 2500SHGFJX vs Shimano Cardiff 301A

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

Shimano 21 Sahara FJ, 2500SHGFJ, Spinning Fishing Reel, Front Drag, SH2500SHGFJ
Shimano 21 Sahara FJ
Spinning
64.90 out of 100
Value for money3 out of 5
Quality classLow
Durability3 out of 10
Ergonomics6.2 out of 10
Gear ratio6.2:1
Maximum drag4kg / 8.82lbs
Weight240g / 8.47oz
Line retireve per crank91 centimeter / 35.83 inch
Ball bearings5

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelSpinning
  • Price range~ €63.33
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size2500SHGFJ
  • Handle typeSingle handle
  • Drag typeFront drag
  • Handle orientationLeft, Right
  • Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.18/120
Shimano Cardiff 301A, Lefthand, Multiplier Reel, Baitcasting reel
Shimano Cardiff 301A
Multireels
34.80 out of 100
Value for money3.5 out of 5
Quality classMedium
Durability3.69 out of 10
Ergonomics6.38 out of 10
Gear ratio5.8:1
Maximum drag5kg / 11.02 lbs
Weight252g / 8.89oz
Line retireve per crank61cm / 24.01 inch
Ball bearings4 A-RB + 1 RB

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelMultireels
  • Price range~ €88.60
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size301
  • Handle typeDouble handle
  • Drag typeStar drag
  • Handle orientationLeft
  • Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.25/285. 0.30/235, 0.40/40 lb/yds:12/230, 14/180

Conclusion

Shimano 21 Sahara FJ 2500SHGFJX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (6.2:1) and line retrieve per crank (91 centimeter / 35.83 inch). While Shimano Cardiff 301A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano 21 Sahara FJ 2500SHGFJX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano 21 Sahara FJ and Shimano Cardiff 301A?

Shimano 21 Sahara FJ 2500SHGFJX

  • 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
  • Designed with a light drag at 5.69 out of 10 (4kg / 8,82lbs), the reel is perfect when you're going after small fish or using ultralight setups
  • 8.6 out of 10 (91 centimeter / 35.83 inch) in line retrieve, means it picks up line fast, very handy when chasing quick fish