Please give all your input possible on which you would reccomend im planning on buying one after work and want to know what everyone thinks. Thank you!!!

Welcome aboard!

I'm a Shimano guy... :

8-)

I've never used the Abu, but I have two Saharas, a 1500 and a 4000 and love them both.  Good solid reels for the money and I've never had in problems with them, either in freshwater for bass or in skinny saltwater for reds.  I would definitely recommend them.

give me all the input i can get on these 2 because i have about 2 hours before i go purchase it. And thanks!

and also what Rod would you reccomend that is under 50 with it. Thank you!

no more advice?

The Sahara is a very nice reel for the money, very smooth, good line capacity, very good drag.

thanks

I've had mine (2500) for a while and it has been stellar!                    

I have owned both and liked both but my vote goes to the Sahara. As for a rod under 50 i dont have much suggestions but if you want to add another 10$ to that you can get a Shimano Clarus.

The Sahara is a nice reel and will serve you well. However, I am buying a cardinal 800 to take with me when I go on saltwater trips. Hopefully it will perform as good as the shimanos. I have heard good things about the new Abus.

I don't know if you live close to a Bass Pro but mine has the 700 series on sale for 49.99, reg 109.99.  Add $10 rebate, final price $39.99 .....DEAL.  I got mine for SW.

WOW! That is a steal. What store is it? I will call them and have them ship it to me...if they will.

I don't know if you live close to a Bass Pro but mine has the 700 series on sale for 49.99, reg 109.99. Add $10 rebate, final price $39.99 .....DEAL. I got mine for SW.

I owe you a big thanks! I just called the concord store and bought the last 2 they had for $49!!!!!!! They are shipping out this afternoon. wooo hooo. I was just going to get one but for that price I had to get them both. I already had my card out to buy the 800 from cabelas until i read this post. Thanks again....I love a good deal!

Yea I was going to recomend the Abu Barcia too. I have a cardinal, so have some of my have too. I nor any of my friends have had any complaints with it. By the way the only problem I have had is that the spool is too small, and it will cast ALL the line out down to the line tie on. It is also a VERY VERY smooth reel. I am a fan of this reel no matter what. I definataly think it is a confidence reel, pull this thing out and you WILL catch fish. Sorry to be so long but the moral of the story is that it is a very nice reel.

                    -searoach

I have a Cardinal 502ALB.  It's a great reel - a workhorse for me.  I use mine for just about everything.  If you like to fish crankaits on a spinning rod, it's a great reel for that.  Compared to others in it's class, it is slower (fewer inches of line retrieved per turn).

Tackle Tour reviewed this reel...

Cardinal 502

i have and love them both. to be honest you cant go wrong either way you go