Shimano Sahara 500 FI vs Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX

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

Shimano Sahara 500 FI, Spinning reel with front drag
Shimano Sahara 500 FI
Spinning
44.20 out of 100
Value for money2.5 out of 5
Quality classLow
Durability3 out of 10
Ergonomics6.42 out of 10
Gear ratio6.2:1
Maximum drag2.5kg / 5.52 lbs
Weight175g / 6.17oz
Line retireve per crank69cm / 27.17 inch
Ball bearings4 S SUS + 1 Rollerbearing

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelSpinning
  • Price range~ €62.00
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size500
  • Handle typeHandle
  • Drag typeFront drag
  • Handle orientationLeft, Right
  • Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.20/110 lb/yds: 2/190. 4/100, 6/60
Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G), 18000-H, left and right hand, Spinning Fishing reel, Front Drag, 10310-180
Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G)
Seafishing
67.80 out of 100
Value for money3 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability9.5 out of 10
Ergonomics3.4 out of 10
Gear ratio5.8:1
Maximum drag30kg / 66.14lbs
Weight885g / 31.22oz
Line retireve per crank131 centimeter / 51.57 inch
Ball bearings12

Technical Specifications

  • BrandDAIWA
  • The main category of the reelSeafishing
  • Price range~ €850.33
  • Is saltwater resistantYes
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size18000-H
  • Handle typeSingle handle
  • Drag typeFront drag
  • Handle orientationLeft, Right
  • Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.47/300

Conclusion

Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in durability (9.5 out of 10) and maximum drag (30kg / 66,14lbs). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Sahara 500 FI and Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G)?

Shimano Sahara 500 FI

  • A fast gear ratio of 10 out of 10 (6.2:1), means the reel is built for speed and it's perfect for active retrieves, and quick follow ups
  • With a score like 8.83 out of 10 (175g / 6.17oz), the reel feels light in the hand.. ideal for active techniques like twitching, jigging, or topwater.
  • Landing a score of 8 out of 10 (4 S SUS + 1 Rollerbearing) in bearings, it feels smooth and controlled. Great when you're fishing actively and want consistency

Daiwa 20 Saltiga (G) 18000-HX

  • With a drag score of 10 out of 10 (30kg / 66,14lbs), the reel is built to handle serious pressure from large saltwater predators
  • Built tough for the salt, ideal for seafishing.