Shimano 21 Sustain 4000 FJX vs Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX

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

Shimano 21 Sustain

Spinning

93.60 out of 100

Value for money5 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability9.5 out of 10

Ergonomics6.08 out of 10

Gear ratio5:3:1

Maximum drag11kg / 24.25lbs

Weight275g / 9.7oz

Line retireve per crank87 centimeter / 34.25 inch

Ball bearings9

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €215.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size4000 FJ
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeFront drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 180/1.8

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 Sustain 4000 FJX clearly outshines Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX, offering significantly better performance in line retrieve per crank (87 centimeter / 34.25 inch) and gear ratio (5:3:1). While Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano 21 Sustain 4000 FJX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

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

Shimano 21 Sustain 4000 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 score like 8.17 out of 10 (275g / 9,7oz), the reel feels light in the hand.. ideal for active techniques like twitching, jigging, or topwater.
8.2 out of 10 (87 centimeter / 34.25 inch) in line retrieve, means it picks up line fast, very handy when chasing quick fish