Shimano Sahara 500 FI vs Shimano Beastmaster 12000 MD

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

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

Shimano Beastmaster 12000 MD

Seafishing

75.70 out of 100

Value for money3 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability9.5 out of 10

Ergonomics3.4 out of 10

Gear ratio2.4:1

Maximum drag43kg / 94.8lbs

Weight2300g / 81.13oz

Line retireve per crank53 centimeter / 20.87 inch

Ball bearings20

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSeafishing
Price range~ €1,245.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size-
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeStar drag
Handle orientationRight
Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 0.4/1660

Conclusion

Shimano Beastmaster 12000 MD clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in durability (9.5 out of 10) and maximum drag (43kg / 94,8lbs). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Beastmaster 12000 MD is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Sahara 500 FI and Shimano Beastmaster 12000 MD?

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

Shimano Beastmaster 12000 MD

With a drag score of 10 out of 10 (43kg / 94,8lbs), the reel is built to handle serious pressure from large saltwater predators
Built tough for the salt, ideal for seafishing.