Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX vs Shimano Sahara 2500 DH R

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

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 Sahara 2500 DH R

Spinning

29.70 out of 100

Value for money2.5 out of 5

Quality classLow

Durability2.99 out of 10

Ergonomics2 out of 10

Gear ratio5.2:1

Maximum drag2kg / 4.41 lbs

Weight320g / 11.29oz

Line retireve per crank76cm / 29.92 inch

Ball bearings3 S SUS + 1 Rollerbearing

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €49.33
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size2500 DH
Handle typeDouble handle
Drag typeRead drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.18/290. 0.20/240, 0.25/160

Conclusion

Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 2500 DH R, offering significantly better performance in durability (8.8 out of 10) and total score (8.51 out of 10). While Shimano Sahara 2500 DH R 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 Sahara 2500 DH R?

Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX

At 5.82 out of 10 (12kg / 26,46lbs), the drag is on the lighter side—suitable for smaller saltwater species or finesse-style presentations
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
Built tough for the salt, ideal for seafishing.