Shimano Sahara 500 FI vs Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX

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

67.00 out of 100

Value for money4 out of 5

Quality classGood

Durability8.61 out of 10

Ergonomics5.53 out of 10

Gear ratio6.2:1/4.1:1

Maximum drag8kg / 17.64lbs

Weight525g / 18.52oz

Line retireve per crank97 centimeter / 38.19 inch

Ball bearings4

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelMultireels
Price range~ €183.33
Is saltwater resistantYes
Spare spoolNo
Reel size8II
Handle typeSingle handle
Drag typeLever drag
Handle orientationRight
Line capacity monofillbs/yds: 20/200

Conclusion

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in durability (8.61 out of 10) and line retrieve per crank (97 centimeter / 38.19 inch). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX 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

Shimano Speedmaster Leverdrag II 8IIX

At a maximum drag of 8kg / 17,64lbs (scoring 5 out of 10), the reel has a modest drag setup which is enough for smaller fish or relaxed situations where finesse matters more
With a high retrieve rate of 9.13 out of 10 (97 centimeter / 38.19 inch), this reel is built for quick line recovery
Ready for saltwater, great for any multireels adventure.