Shimano 21 Stradic SW 5000 PGX vs Shimano Sahara 2500 R

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

Shimano 21 Stradic SW, 5000 PG, left and right hand, Saltwater Fishing Reel, Front Drag, 20STSW5000PG
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 R, Spinning reel with rear drag
Shimano Sahara 2500 R
Spinning
38.50 out of 100
Value for money2.5 out of 5
Quality classLow
Durability2.96 out of 10
Ergonomics4.08 out of 10
Gear ratio5.2:1
Maximum drag2kg / 4.41 lbs
Weight275g / 9.70oz
Line retireve per crank76cm / 29.92 inch
Ball bearings3 S SUS + 1 Rollerbearing

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelSpinning
  • Price range~ €47.33
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size2500
  • Handle typeSingle 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 R, offering significantly better performance in durability (8.8 out of 10) and total score (8.51 out of 10). While Shimano Sahara 2500 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 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
  • Built tough for the salt, ideal for seafishing.