Shimano Sahara 500 FI vs Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting 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

Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag

Spinning

57.30 out of 100

Value for money3.5 out of 5

Quality classMedium

Durability3.74 out of 10

Ergonomics2 out of 10

Gear ratio6.0:1

Maximum drag2.5 kg - 5.51 lbs

Weight315 g - 11.1oz

Line retireve per crank88 cm / 34.65 inch

Ball bearings4 Shielded Stainless Steel

Technical Specifications

BrandSHIMANO
The main category of the reelSpinning
Price range~ €99.33
Is saltwater resistantNo
Spare spoolNo
Reel size2500
Handle typeDouble handle
Drag typeRead drag
Handle orientationLeft, Right
Line capacity monofilmm/m: 0.18-290 / 0,20-240 / 0,25-160 / 0,30-105 lb/yds: 6-200 / 8-140 / 10-120

Conclusion

Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag clearly outshines Shimano Sahara 500 FI, offering significantly better performance in line retrieve per crank (88 cm / 34.65 inch) and maximum drag (2,5 kg - 5.51 lbs). While Shimano Sahara 500 FI may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Sahara 500 FI and Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag?

Shimano Stradic GTM 2500 RC Spinning reel with fighting drag

A drag rating of 6.38 out of 10 (2,5 kg - 5.51 lbs) gives you steady control and it's perfect for most freshwater fish and light saltwater action
8.3 out of 10 (88 cm / 34.65 inch) in line retrieve, means it picks up line fast, very handy when chasing quick fish