Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX vs Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX

Shimano 21 Stradic SW

Seafishing

85.10 out of 100

Value for money4.5 out of 5

Quality classGood

Durability8.8 out of 10

Ergonomics5.79 out of 10

Gear ratio4.6:1

Maximum drag12kg / 26.46lbs

Weight430g / 15.17oz

Line retireve per crank78 centimeter / 30.71 inch

Ball bearings7

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSeafishing
Price range~ €240.40
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size5000 PG
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeFront drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.33/200

Shimano Spheros SW A

Seafishing

59.10 out of 100

Value for money4 out of 5

Quality classGood

Durability8.56 out of 10

Ergonomics3.4 out of 10

Gear ratio5.7:1

Maximum drag18kg / 39.68lbs

Weight920g / 32.45oz

Line retireve per crank129 centimeter / 50.79 inch

Ball bearings4+1

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSeafishing
Price range~ €169.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size18000 HG
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeFront drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.52/310

Conclusion

Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX clearly outshines Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX, offering significantly better performance in gear ratio (4.6:1) and line retrieve per crank (78 centimeter / 30.71 inch). While Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano 21 Stradic SW and Shimano Spheros SW A?

Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX

Scoring 8.8 out of 10 (4.6:1), this reel offers a faster line retrieval, making it a good option for chasing pelagics or (and in practice useful for to quickly reset)
Scoring 8.77 out of 10 (430g / 15,17oz), this reel is lighter than expected for a saltwater model, which helps on long sessions without extra strain
A line retrieval (per crank) of 78 centimeter / 30.71 inch helps bringing in line quickly, making it great for repositioning or working topwater baits