What's the opinion for the Shimano Sahara spinning reel? I know Shimano makes awesome reels so I was just looking for some 'field' results.

Thnx.

8-)

I have one and think its a great reel for the price.

Great reels for the money, I have a 4000 series that I just acquired. I used to have the 2500 series which most people on here will tell you is the perfect size for bass. I liked that reel but traded it because it was a little small for my needs.  My spinning reels see double duty, bass and inshore saltwater. I would probably buy a second one. If you could swing an extra $20 or $30 then I would get the Symtre. Another awesome reel but it is over a $100 is the Stradic. Hope this helps.

I presently have four Saharas.  One is a 2500, the other ones are 4000's.  I tend to favor the larger spool diameter most of the time.  By this time tomorrow I will have one more, and it will most likely be another 4000 (have an old Mitchell I am replacing).  I find them to be all that I want in a spinning reel.  Balance is good, drag is smooth, bang for the buck is there.  I look for mid-range reels that are as high quality as I can get for the dollar..i.e. I have a bunch of Curados.  I'm just as happy with the Sahara in a spinning reel.

The 4000 is my one and only spinning reel, spooled with 8# Yo-Zuri Ultra Soft. I love it and have never had a single problem with it.

Oh, and welcome to the site!

I have a 1000 and for the money you cant beat it. Its a smooth reliable little reel.  I have it on an ultralite for crappie, perch, and trout.

Great! I'm 99% sure this is my next reel paired on a St Croix Premier Rod.

Thanks for all the info!

That will be really nice with the St Croix Premier

I LOVE THE REEL.I HAVE 5 OF THEM ALL 2000 WITH EXTRA SPOOLS.WITH ALL DFF bl TEST LINE SO WITH BREADED LINE. I KEEP IT ALL THE SPINNG REELS THE SAME AND ALL MY CASTING REELS I USE SHIMANO CRUZAR CRZ 200 ON A SHIMANO JIMMY HOUTON 6FT 6' RODS .

FOR SALTWATER ALL I USE IS PENN RODS AND REELS.

      GOOD LUCK  BAYRAT

Great reel for the money !

The Sahara was the first quality spinning reel I ever purchased.  I have the 4000.   If money is an issue, the Sahara will work just fine.   A better reel is the Stradic.  I have the 2500.  Best spinning reel I ever owned.   Highly recommend this one.    

my uncle use the sahara very happy with it great for his needs and  does everything well.my cuz has a sedona another good reel and my bro uses a symetre and i use a stradic we all fish together never once did any of these reels fail us, cant go wrong with a shimano

Great reel for the money. I'm looking at getting a 1500 for my son. It will go great with the st.croix premier rod.

Wow, thanks for all the great replies!

;D

Great reel for the money. Only drawback for me is the drag power.

Great reel for the money. Only drawback for me is the drag power.

Seriously???? Maybe your reels needs servicing... the shimano catalog list that reel as having the following drag settings: The 2500 has 11lbs which is more than most BC reels and the 4000 has 17 lbs.!!

SAHARA FB

Model Line Retrieve(in.) Line Cap. Max Drag (lbs.) Bearings Roller Bearings Gear Ratio Weight (oz.)

SH750FB 22 2/240, 4/120, 6/95 7.0 3 1 4.7:1 6.9

SH1500FB 28 4/170, 6/130, 8/90 9.0 3 1 6.2:1 9.5

SH2500FB 30 6/200, 8/140, 10/120 11.0 3 1 6.2:1 9.7

SH4000FB 34 8/240, 10/200, 12/160 17.0 3 1 6.0:1 12.1

11lbs? no way!!!!!!!!!!!

even a 5 pounder can take line. My reels require servicing but my buddy owns a brand new and he agrees with me that the drag power is not strong.

Do I miss something here?

just for your info::

i got a symetre brand new off of ebay for $65 & love it......why not upgrade for a few bucks more

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-Shimano-Symetre-SY-4000FI-5-A-RB-Spinning-Reel_W0QQitemZ130041773894QQihZ003QQcategoryZ36147QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIMANO-SYMETRE-2500FI-NIB-Spinning-Reel_W0QQitemZ170044485357QQihZ007QQcategoryZ36147QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.com/SHIMANO-SYMETRE-1500FI-NIB-Spinning-Reel_W0QQitemZ170044484612QQihZ007QQcategoryZ36147QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

11lbs? no way!!!!!!!!!!!

even a 5 pounder can take line. My reels require servicing but my buddy owns a brand new and he agrees with me that the drag power is not strong.

Do I miss something here?

As Vyron said, I have been using a Sahara 2500 for a few months - excellent reel in all respects, but then either the drag setting given by the company is wrong, or Cyprus' largemouth are ultra-powerful - the biggest I caught on it was 5lb 5oz and it pulled line (20lb powerpro) out of a completely closed drag like crazy, as did practically any bass above 5lb...

I got a brand new in box symetre for $45 plus $7 shipping so ya u can get real good deals on ebay

This a great reel for the money.  I have the 750 and get this, I bought a 4000 today at Dick's for $25.