Shimano 21 Sustain 3000 FJX vs Shimano Cardiff 301A
The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Shimano 21 Sustain
Spinning
90.40 out of 100
Value for money5 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability9.5 out of 10
Ergonomics6.3 out of 10
Gear ratio5:3:1
Maximum drag9kg / 19.84lbs
Weight210g / 7.41oz
Line retireve per crank78 centimeter / 30.71 inch
Ball bearings9
Technical Specifications
- BrandSHIMANO
- The main category of the reelSpinning
- Price range~ €209.33
- Is saltwater resistantYes
- Spare spoolNo
- Reel size3000 FJ
- Handle typeSingle handle
- Drag typeFront drag
- Handle orientationLeft, Right
- Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 130/1.3

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 Sustain 3000 FJX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 301A, offering significantly better performance in maximum drag (9kg / 19,84lbs) and durability (9.5 out of 10). While Shimano Cardiff 301A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano 21 Sustain 3000 FJX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.
What's the difference between Shimano 21 Sustain and Shimano Cardiff 301A?
Shimano 21 Sustain 3000 FJX
- Thanks to its 6.33 out of 10 (5:3:1) gear ratio, the reel offers a strong balance between torque and quick retrieval
- With a great drag score 9.2 out of 10 (9kg / 19,84lbs), the reel is built to handle big fish confidently.. whatever the setting, freshwater or inshore salt
- 6.14 out of 10 (78 centimeter / 30.71 inch) in line retrieve, means the reel delivers a steady and reliable retrieve which is ideal for most everyday techniques
- Saltwater-safe design makes it perfect for spinning conditions.
Shimano Cardiff 301A
- A 7 out of 10 (4 A-RB + 1 RB) ball bearing gives a smooth performance across most typical fishing situations
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