Shimano Sahara or Stradic???

[yak-aholic]

Is the extra $30 in price worth the difference between the Saros and the Stradic? The title says Sahara, but I'm really referring to the Saros. Couldn't figure out how to change the title so I just added this little note here.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_96667_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_96672_100001002_100000000_100001000_100-1-2

[Yak-a-Lou]

You made a little "whoops." You linked the Stradic & Saros but you thread title speaks of Sahara & Stradic. If you ever find a Stradic that only costs $30 more than a Sahara, JUMP ON IT!

Any way, to answer your question, IMHO, there's no reason to step it up UNLESS you plan to target a lot of bull reds in the passes and/or you get your reels soaked with saltwater on a regular basis.

We have a combined total of about twelve Sahara's, Sonoma's and Symetre's over here. None of them has given us a problem so far. I have Dad's old Stradic. It's probably 15-20 years old and it's still kicking. My oldest Symetre is probably six years old. Not a single problem so far.

I buy the Symetre's for myself and will continue to do so until I figure out why I need anything above that level. In the meantime, our Sahara's and Sonoma's have never failed.

[yak-aholic]

OK, I meant the Saros. I primarily use baitcasters, but plan to look for a good spinning reel somewhere in that price range and those are the 2 I have pretty much narrowed it down to. Thinking about getting either the 2500 or 3000 size. What's your opinion on that. enough reel, or should I step up a bit more in size?

[Yak-a-Lou]

I've started going with the 3000's since they came out. They're 2/10 of an ounce lighter, have more drag and have a little more line capacity than the 2500's.

[revredfish]

I have 8 shimanos but 2009 was a bad year all three that I have from that year have problems. the sahara wasw replaced by shimano with a stradic and it is doing the same thing. I have a sedona that also is doing the same thing. I have 2007's that are working better than those reels.

so if you are getting the deal because they are left over 2009 models run don't walk away from that deal.

[bernmurd]

I know you asked about Shimano, but I'll just throw this out there anyway. I bought an Okuma Trio in February. I use it at Magnolia a lot and it has worked really well. For around $80 retail it's a bargain.

Bernie

[Yellow Submarine]

I was thinking about another baitcasting reel, Right now I have a generic Bass Pro Qualifier, I like it a lot and has made me a much better caster.. I would like to get a nice Saltwater baitcasting reel, Not sure yet which one..
Marty

[Choupique]

saros are good reels, but all spinning gear seems the same to me!

[papawd]

I have been a Shimano man for years, and still contend the Curado is prolly the best baitcaster ever made..With that said I had Shimano spinning reels for years but have lately tried the Quantum Catalyst PTI (CT40PTI-A) I have found these to be better than all the Shimano spinning reels I have used and the price is about the same....I never thought I would say such a thing.....I also want to add check with Bowie Outfitters before YA buy a reel usually they are cheapest in Baton Rouge area and also a good club sponsor, and they sell Kajun Limb rods which are made here locally and by a club sponsor also .....Dat's my 2 cents.

[yak-aholic]

I too tried a Quantum last year. I got a good deal from Bowie on a Quantum Energy PT burner (baitcaster 7.0:1 ratio). They were coming out with new models for 2010 so I got the last of the old model for $100. They retailed for $189.99. First trip out it made some crazy noise when casting. Took it to Favaro's to do his magic and haven't looked back since. Very happy with it's performance so far. I'm still planning to get a couple Curados, just because they're tried and true. If I found another deal like that on a Quantum I wouldn't think twice.