Shopping for a new spinning reel can be overwhelming, as there are so many brands and models available. One name that can be trusted is Shimano. Shimano has been making fishing reels since the 1920s. An early partnership with Lew’s brought them into the limelight as a producer of quality fishing reel components. By the 1960s, they were producing their own reel models. In 1970 Shimano America was launched in New Jersey and a whole new market was created.
By 1983, Shimano America was producing lightweight, plastic bodied spinning reels that were dependable and affordable. American anglers fell in love with the products and the company took off. When carbon fiber became readily available in the mid 1980s, Shimano was one of the first companies to integrate an increased gear ratio and spool lip into their reel series to guarantee even inexperienced anglers could achieve long casting distances and fast line retrieval.
In this comparison, we will take a look at two of the best reels Shimano makes.
Shimano Sedona vs Sahara: Fishing Reel Specifications
The Shimano Sedona and the Shimano Sahara are both top of the line spinning reels at an affordable price. Both reels are versatile for a variety of applications, from light freshwater fishing to inshore saltwater fishing. Shimano’ s state of the art gear technology and line management design makes these among the best reels in the fishing industry.
The most important differences between the Shimano Sedona and Sahara
While the Shimano Sedona and the Shimano Sahara are very similar in looks, composition, and performance, there are a few key differences between the two. The Shimano Sedona FI reels come in a wider range of models for more fishing applications, including saltwater fishing with live baits and heavier lines.
Both reels feature the Shimano Hagene gear technology, but the Shimano Sedona FI reel has a 3+1 ball bearing system and gear ratio of 4.6:1 to 6.2:1 compared to the 4+1 ball bearings system and 5.0:1 to 6.2:1 gear ratio of the Sahara reels. For this reason alone, the Shimano Sahara is superior in the line retrieval category.
Another major difference is the number of models offered. Both reels offer a wide size range for catching fish with light lures in freshwater or for inshore fishing. If you are looking for a reel for heavy-duty saltwater use, the Shimano Sedona reels are available in more sizes, including the 8000FI which holds 185 yards of 20# monofilament and has a respectable 4.9:1 gear ratio with a 24# max drag setting.
What Kind of Fishing Are the Sedona and Sahara Spinning Reels Good For?
Both the Shimano Sedona and the Shimano Sahara have features that make them excellent for freshwater and saltwater use. Shimano’s flagship technology has created a lightweight G free body that shifts the weight of the reel closer to the rod to enhance casting comfort and relax the anglers hand position.
Shimano’s Hagane gear technology uses cutting edge computer programming to design and cut drive gear teeth precisely. The cold forged Hagane gears are designed to resist gear tooth war, even over repeated use. The Hagane cold forged gears also allow Shimano’s reels to include increased gear ratios with even line lay and fast line retrieval. The constant rotation of the reel prevents inconsistent spool speed that could cause the line to tangle. Shimano has also incorporated X ship technology into their designs. This unique feature supports the pinion gear on both ends of the shaft with bearings. This eliminates friction and wear between the spool shaft and gear teeth.
Another great feature of the Shimano Sedona FI and Sahara FI spinning reel is the propulsion line management system that offers a propulsion spool lip design that creates longer, smoother casts with better line management and less wind knots than other reels.
The wide range of reels offered by Shimano provide something for every angler. The Shimano Sedona FI spinning reel and the Shimano Sahara FI reel both offer smooth, quick line retrieval. The make these reels excellent for fishing with spinner baits, jerk baits, swimming jigs, crank baits, and live bait like shiners or shad.
Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel Reviewed
The Shimano Sedona FI is a high-quality reel. With Shimano’s Hagane gear and X ship technology, it is smooth and fast. The Sedona series offers a variety of reel sizes for different fishing applications, but all feature a lightweight graphite body, adjustable drag with carbon washers, an anti-reverse feature, and Shimano’s propulsion line management system for longer casts.
- Gear ratios up to 6.2:1
- sizes up to 8000 with enhanced drag power for big line fishing
- G free body design for angler comfort
Shimano Sahara FI Spinning Reel Reviewed
The Shimano Sahara FI reel offers the great G free body design Shimano has incorporated into other spinning reels. This design element shifts the reel’s center of gravity closer to the rod. This shift reduces hand fatigue, creates better casting arcs, and making fighting more comfortable. The Shimano reel is more comfortable than other reels of the same size.
- Enhanced 4 + 1 ball bearing system
- up to 24# max drag
- A range of reel size and line capacity for many angling needs
Shimano Sedona vs Sahara: Which One Should You Buy?
Deciding between the Sedona vs Sahara might be challenging. Both reels have Shimano’s high quality construction, adjustable cross carbon drag, and patented X ship technology. The two reels look alike with attractive coloring over the entire surface. Choosing a reel between the two really comes down to budget, experience, and fishing application.
For budget conscious buyers, the Sedona 1000 model has a great price point but still offers all of great features of the other Shimano products.
Saltwater fishermen might prefer the large spool capacity and heavy-duty drag offered on the Sahara 8000FI.
For a versatile freshwater fishing setup, the Shimano Sedona FI 3500 reel paired with a light to medium action 7 foot rod can handle any artificial or live bait with ease. Shimano’s Hagane gear beats out normal oscillation systems to make catching fish simple.
Conclusion
When comparing the Shimano Sedona vs. Sahara, there are many similarities. Both reels are affordable, reliable, and offer all of the great Shimano technology that has been developed over the last hundred years. Both the Shimano Sedona FI spinning reel and the Sahara FI spinning reel come in a variety of sizes for all your fishing needs. They both offer the G free body, Hagene style gears, continuous oscillation for level line lay, and easily adjustable carbon drag systems that make Shimano reels among the best.
