Shimano Sahara 500 FI vs Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX

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 Speedmaster Leverdrag II

Multireels

82.70 out of 100

Value for money4.5 out of 5

Quality classExcellent

Durability9.5 out of 10

Ergonomics3.4 out of 10

Gear ratio5.7:1/3.1:1

Maximum drag18kg / 39.68lbs

Weight730g / 25.75oz

Line retireve per crank106 centimeter / 41.73 inch

Ball bearings4

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelMultireels
Price range~ €205.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size12II
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeLever drag
Handle orientationRight
Line capacity monofillbs/yds: 20/350

Conclusion

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in durability (9.5 out of 10) and maximum drag (18kg / 39,68lbs). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Sahara 500 FI and Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II?

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.

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 12IIX

With a serious drag score of 10 out of 10 (18kg / 39,68lbs), this reel is made to stop big carp in their tracks, even in rough terrain or tight swims
With a high retrieve rate of 9.73 out of 10 (106 centimeter / 41.73 inch), this reel is built for quick line recovery
Ready for saltwater, great for any multireels adventure.