I have always fished with the Shimano Sahara reels. I know you get what you pay for.
What’s the biggest difference in the higher priced models?
18’ Hewes Bayfisher/115 4 Stroke Yamaha/6’Powerpole, etc
I think the primary differences are 1) the # of washers, which equates to a stronger, smoother drag system and 2) the materials used in the reel’s construction, which can reduce the reel’s weight and increase its life expectancy. Hope this helps.
“I’m not a hundred percent in love with your tone right now…”
Biggest difference in the Stradic on up is the use of a worm gear instead of an oscilating gear. Much smoother. The rest is really just number of ball bearings, different drag systems, colors, body material, etc. The overall engineering of the reels are the same for Stradic thru Sustain, as well as the same for Sienna thru Saros.
Personally I stay away from the non-XGT7 graphite body reels, and the Sahara is about as low as I feel comfortable with quality wise. Personally I don’t see much of an improvement from there until you get to the Stradic.
“Banana Pants”
Indigo Bay 170
90 Johnson
Wilderness Ride 115