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

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

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

Shimano 21 Sustain

Spinning

94.80 out of 100

Value for money5 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability9.5 out of 10

Ergonomics6.08 out of 10

Gear ratio5:8:1

Maximum drag11kg / 24.25lbs

Weight275g / 9.7oz

Line retireve per crank95 centimeter / 37.4 inch

Ball bearings9

Technical Specifications

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

Conclusion

Shimano 21 Sustain 4000 HGFJX clearly outshines Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX, offering significantly better performance in line retrieve per crank (95 centimeter / 37.4 inch) and gear ratio (5:8:1). While Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano 21 Sustain 4000 HGFJX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

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

Shimano Spheros SW A 18000 HGX

Scoring 8 out of 10 (4+1), the reel runs smooth under pressure

Shimano 21 Sustain 4000 HGFJX

Thanks to its 6.33 out of 10 (5:8:1) 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.
A high retrieve rate of 9 out of 10 (95 centimeter / 37.4 inch), means the reel is made just for speed, perfect for speed fishing or covering water quickly