Shimano Sahara 2500 R vs Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX

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
Penn Slammer IV, 8500 HS, left and right hand, Spinning Fishing Reel, Front Drag, 1545770
Penn Slammer IV
Spinning
8500 Hsx
70.80 out of 100
Value for money4.5 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability5.5 out of 10
Ergonomics4 out of 10
Gear ratio5.3:1
Maximum drag22.6kg / 49,82lbs
Weight870g / 30.69oz
Line retireve per crank127 centimeter / 50 inch
Ball bearings9

Technical Specifications

  • BrandPENN
  • The main category of the reelSpinning
  • Price range~ €294.00
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size8500 HS
  • Handle typeSingle handle
  • Drag typeFront drag
  • Handle orientationLeft, Right
  • Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.46/415

Conclusion

Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 2500 R, offering significantly better performance in maximum drag (22,6kg / 49,82lbs) and total score (7.08 out of 10). While Shimano Sahara 2500 R may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Sahara 2500 R and Penn Slammer IV?

Shimano Sahara 2500 R

  • With a score like 8.17 out of 10 (275g / 9.70oz), the reel feels light in the hand.. ideal for active techniques like twitching, jigging, or topwater.
  • When it comes to retrieve speed, a score of 5.86 out of 10 (76cm / 29.92 inch) means slower line pickup, great when you need more control for slower fishing styles
  • The reel scores 7 out of 10 (3 S SUS + 1 Rollerbearing) in bearings, offering smooth performance for regular use with no issues

Penn Slammer IV 8500 HSX

  • For 8 out of 10 (22,6kg / 49,82lbs) in drag score, the reel holds up well when you're battling strong fish or fishing near heavy cover