I just spent the last hour reading old posts with the search term symetre and sahara.

and I have been to the web site and the comparison seems to be the same

There are a lot of posts indicating the preference for a symetre but no (reel) real information of why.

Can anyone provide a more concrete explanation of why?

I am ready to purchase two new reels to replace my spirex reels that have lasted 15 years. I would hope that Shimano reels will give me the same longevity

For now they are going to be paired with my spiral graphite rods, also 15 years old but the best rods I have fished with.

By the end of the season my plan is to get two new shimano rods or maybe avids

thanks for your insight. as you can tell I have not been shopping for a while

I had the same questions about 2 months ago. My choices were a Sahara for $40, or a Symetre for $50. At first I bought the Sahara, then I received a $10 off coupon good for my next purchase. I figured I would return the Sahara and buy the Symetre for $40. (Sahara was never opened or fished with.)

I have fished with both, and have had many friends fish with both. They nor I can tell the difference. To me, there is no benefit in buying the Symetre, unless you can get it for almost the same price.

Price wise, the Symetre stepped up from $79 to $99 and the Sahara moved to the Symetre I's price point of $79.00.

The best way to do what you are seeking is to go to their site and download their catalog in the PDSF format. You can then browse the specs of both reels side by side to see of the $20.00 price difference is worth it to you.

They will probably both feel pretty good and the proof in the pudding will be the differences in the inside.

Sahara Specs

> Propulsion® Line Management System

Propulsion® Spool Lip

Power Roller® III

Graphite Rotor

Redesigned Bail Trip

> Slow Oscillation

> S A-RB® (Shielded A-RB® Ball Bearings)

> Lightweight Graphite Sideplate

> Lightweight Graphite Rotor

> Cold Forged Aluminum Spool

> Aluminum Frame (GR on 500 & 1000)

Symetre

> Propulsion® Line Management System

Propulsion® Spool Lip

SR® One-Piece Bail Wire

Power Roller® III

Redesigned Bail Trip

S-Arm Cam

> Slow Oscillation

> SR® Concept

> SR® One-Piece Bail Wire

> S A-RB® (Shielded A-RB® Ball Bearings)

> Aluminum Frame (GR on 500 & 1000)

> Lightweight Graphite Sideplate

Look like I would take the Symetre.  It also appears that the Sahara is not a slouch, is better than the previous Symetre.

Then the bait monkey will come in and tell you, "Hmmm...What about the Saros?  What about the Stradic?  And then you wind up getting a Stella. ;D