SHIMANO Sahara Rear Drag Spinning Fishing Reel, Model 2018 review and price compare 2025

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Product overview

Brand	SHIMANO
Material	Stainless Steel, Aluminum
Hand Orientation	Ambidextrous
Item Weight	0.87 Pounds
Fishing Line Type	Wire

product features

Spinning Fishing reel with Rear drag
Gear ratio: 5.2:1, Weight: 9.0 ounce, Retrieve: Reversable
Mono Line capacity (lbs/yd): 2/270, 4/140, 6/110
Line Retrieve per crank: 27 inch
Max drag force: 4.4 lbs, Bearings: 3 SUS and 1 RB

product description

More drag efficiency is the hallmark of the Shimano Sahara R rear drag spinning reel. Its rear-adjustable drag knob is located at the back of the reel, so you don't have to interfere with the line to make a quick adjustment. And the Sahara R also features Shimano fight in' drag II, which adds a rear strike lever that enables solid hook sets without losing your drag setting. Click the lever to the strike position to tighten up for hook setting, then flip it back to immediately return to the original drag setting to fight the fish in. As always, the Sahara R provides Shimano quality at an affordable price, with its graphite body and rotor, one-piece bail wire, durable cold-forged spool with smooth propulsion line management system, and 3+1 bearing system.

product details

Is Discontinued By Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ No
Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7 x 6 x 4 inches; 13.92 Ounces
Item model number ‏ : ‎ SH1000R
Department ‏ : ‎ Unisex
Date First Available ‏ : ‎ July 20, 2017
Manufacturer ‏ : ‎ Pro-Motion Distributing - Direct
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B073FC1QRQ

important information

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Questions about SHIMANO Sahara Rear Drag Spinning Fishing Reel, Model 2018

Can I get spare spool? And will the 2500 & 1000 spool interchange? The look identical.

Answer: My reels (1000) came with a spare spool so I don’t know if you can order one and you can not interchange 1000 and 2500. They are difficult sizes.

Answer: A spare spool came with my reel.

Answer: I have the shimano 1000 rd. Fantastic reel. Love it. It did come with a spare spool.

Answer: I got one with mine

Answer: Usually hard to find spares....and I don't know if they are interchangeable but suspect not.

Answer: Probably not as they are different sizes.

Answer: Cannot say they are interchangeable but the last 2 1000 I ordered came with extra spool. First time and I have gotten quite a few

Can I get spare spool? And will the 2500 & 1000 spool interchange? The look identical.

Answer: My reels (1000) came with a spare spool so I don’t know if you can order one and you can not interchange 1000 and 2500. They are difficult sizes.

Answer: A spare spool came with my reel.

Answer: I have the shimano 1000 rd. Fantastic reel. Love it. It did come with a spare spool.

Answer: I got one with mine

Answer: Usually hard to find spares....and I don't know if they are interchangeable but suspect not.

Answer: Probably not as they are different sizes.

Answer: Cannot say they are interchangeable but the last 2 1000 I ordered came with extra spool. First time and I have gotten quite a few

What quality or functional advantage does the Sahara have over the Spirex?

Answer: Way smoother..... i have a few of each and the Sahara is smoother and easier to retrieve with a fish on

Answer: I really don't know about the spirex but I've had similar reels in the past. The Sahara seems pretty well made with very good castabiliity with 20# braided line despite being made in China but as with the rear drag it's not as strong as front drag so if the spirex is cheaper, I'd be careful. The Sahara I believe has higher end gearing inside like the more expensive reels.

Answer: It doesn't go back to zero degrees so when the fish hits the line stays right there unlike the spirex

how many pounds of drag

Answer: I have not tested it with a scale but works fine for my 10lb and under lines...hope that helps

For how many pounds can it hold?

Answer: I fish with 8 lb braided line and it held just fine....

Answer: Depends on reel size, line size and rod

what is the line lbs and yards for the 4000R model?

Answer: Line lbs. on the 4000 is (Mono lbs. / Yds), 8/240, 10/200, 12/160. For PowerPro Line, 15/280, 30/170, 50/150.

Answer: Try that cloth line it has no memory and it's thinner so you can get a higher pound test

Where is this reel made?

Answer: It and/or the box it came in was made in Malaysia. It is printed on the bottom of the box but I cannot find it on the reel itself.

Answer: The reel is made in Malaysia

Answer: It’s premium models are made in Japan. Their second tier models are made in Malaysia. Given the price pint of this reel, I suspect that it is Malaysian made.

Answer: Mylasia. 1st tier are Japan,2nd tier Mylasia. Very good reel

Answer: I believe Malaysia. Fit and finish are quality.

is the handle on this reel universal from left to right?

Answer: Yes

Answer: Yes it is

este reel sirve para agua salada?

can I get a spare spool? will a 4000 fit a 2500?

Answer: I’m not sure if a 4000 will fit but the reel I bought came with a spare. One metal, one nylon.

Answer: Very doubtful. the 4000 and 2500 are different sizes.

Answer: I did NOT get extra spools with these reels. I did buy extra spools separately from Shimano website. Spools are NOT interchangeable between models. Each Sahara series has a unique spool size.

I have a Phoenix feather rod 6 to 10 pounds want to put a reel for drop shot what size is good for it ?

Answer: I think this reel is too big for that pole I would go one size down.

Answer: I'm not sure what drop shot is

Is this reel usable for salt water fishing

Answer: It could be , but the model I purchased is the 1000 model. It only takes up to 6 lb test, but Shimano makes a larger " Sahara" reel which would probably be more in line with saltwater fishing.

Answer: Depends on the size of fish and line strength. But IMO its more a fresh water reel.

Can a quick fire be added

I bought the 2500 and I didn’t get a spare spool am I suppose to get one?

Answer: I got a spare with my order.

Answer: I do not know, i got one with larger 4000 series rear drag reel, which is all i will use.

Answer: Not sure about that. Fantastic reel though!

Answer: Mine did

how big in Inches Shimano 4000 ?

Answer: I have a SHIMANO 25OO which is a step smaller than the 4000. It works fine for walleyes and northerns up to 30". I also have a SYMETRE 4000 which is 6-3/4" in length. It's built for larger fish and thus longer and heavier. Still a great reel though.

Answer: Agree totally with Charlie! Got all 3 sizes, A+ at this price.

Answer: The height of the reel body is 4.5”(5” at the highest point for the bail wire).

line lb/yd on the 2500 &3000?

Answer: My husband uses 6lb test and 150 yards on his shimano 2500. Hope this helps.

Does the reel look like in the picture?

Answer: No. The picture is a front drag.

Answer: no. that is not rear drag

Answer: Yes

Answer: No, The picture is wrong. The correct one is equipped with Rear drag.

Answer: No. The picture shows a front drag reel,

Answer: Not that picture. Reel is very smooth but it is heavy compared to similar front drag models.

Answer: No, this does not look like the rear drag model.

Answer: I have the rear drag one so I'm not sure

Answer: Yes

Is this mew or reconditioned?

Answer: The reel was brad new and works great

Answer: Purchased 4 all new

Answer: New and excellent.

Answer: New

Can I get spare spool? And will the 2500 & 1000 spool interchange? The look identical.

Answer: My reels (1000) came with a spare spool so I don’t know if you can order one and you can not interchange 1000 and 2500. They are difficult sizes.

Answer: A spare spool came with my reel.

Answer: I have the shimano 1000 rd. Fantastic reel. Love it. It did come with a spare spool.

Answer: I got one with mine

Answer: Usually hard to find spares....and I don't know if they are interchangeable but suspect not.

Answer: Probably not as they are different sizes.

Answer: Cannot say they are interchangeable but the last 2 1000 I ordered came with extra spool. First time and I have gotten quite a few

Can I get spare spool? And will the 2500 & 1000 spool interchange? The look identical.

Answer: My reels (1000) came with a spare spool so I don’t know if you can order one and you can not interchange 1000 and 2500. They are difficult sizes.

Answer: A spare spool came with my reel.

Answer: I have the shimano 1000 rd. Fantastic reel. Love it. It did come with a spare spool.

Answer: I got one with mine

Answer: Usually hard to find spares....and I don't know if they are interchangeable but suspect not.

Answer: Probably not as they are different sizes.

Answer: Cannot say they are interchangeable but the last 2 1000 I ordered came with extra spool. First time and I have gotten quite a few

Is it a fast retrevie

Answer: Pretty fast

Answer: 5.2 to 1 is fairly fast, and it’s also super smooth

Does the bail self center to prepare for casting?

Answer: No, it does not. This is not a trigger system.

I purchased 4000 model and it came with one spool only. Is this how they come?

Answer: My 3000 came with two spools. You’d have to read the description on the 4000.

Answer: Yes, I received one spool. Unfortunately, they don't come with a spare spool. From past experience, spare spools aren't usually included and are usually hard to locate when you want to purchase one. But, Shimano reels are very reliable.

Answer: Yes,

Can I get a deep spool for this reel?

Answer: It comes with a spare spool, however I don't know if you can get a deep spool.

Is this reel a different color than the Sahara front drag?

Answer: Mine looks like the picture

¿ can i use it in salt water?

Answer: Yes

Can I get spare spool? And will the 2500 & 1000 spool interchange? The look identical.

Answer: My reels (1000) came with a spare spool so I don’t know if you can order one and you can not interchange 1000 and 2500. They are difficult sizes.

Answer: A spare spool came with my reel.

Answer: I have the shimano 1000 rd. Fantastic reel. Love it. It did come with a spare spool.

Answer: I got one with mine

Answer: Usually hard to find spares....and I don't know if they are interchangeable but suspect not.

Answer: Probably not as they are different sizes.

Answer: Cannot say they are interchangeable but the last 2 1000 I ordered came with extra spool. First time and I have gotten quite a few

Can I get spare spool? And will the 2500 & 1000 spool interchange? The look identical.

Answer: My reels (1000) came with a spare spool so I don’t know if you can order one and you can not interchange 1000 and 2500. They are difficult sizes.

Answer: A spare spool came with my reel.

Answer: I have the shimano 1000 rd. Fantastic reel. Love it. It did come with a spare spool.

Answer: I got one with mine

Answer: Usually hard to find spares....and I don't know if they are interchangeable but suspect not.

Answer: Probably not as they are different sizes.

Answer: Cannot say they are interchangeable but the last 2 1000 I ordered came with extra spool. First time and I have gotten quite a few

What are Sahara gears made of?

What is the line lb/yard on the 2500 vs the 3000?

Answer: Braided 20ib works nice on mine.

Capacidad de arratre del carreto

Does this reel have 'infinite anti-reverse'? Some reels only stop in one position when anti reverse is engaged.

Answer: Anti reverse has a little on/off switch. If you select on, the reel will not go backwards at all. It’s handy for holding the rod in one hand and a net in the other. Drag still works if fish decides to run.

Answer: The infinite anti-reverse is a nice feature I appreciate. The leverage on the handle changes with the angle, so the pressure needed to flip the bail wire will vary with position, as well. This is generally true for reels with this feature.

Answer: Yes it does. You will not be disappointed with this reel.

Answer: It stops where you stop it

Answer: Yes, it has infinite anti-reverse

Does this have the fighting drag?.. its hard to tell by the pic

Answer: Yes, and I love it. Wasn’t sure I needed this feature. Bobber-doggin Oregon rivers is a great way to catch snags and lose tackle.

Answer: It has the bait setting quick drag but real is very nice you'll enjoy it.

Answer: yes it does.

Answer: Yes it does.

Does the reel look like in the picture?

Answer: No. The picture is a front drag.

Answer: no. that is not rear drag

Answer: Yes

Answer: No, The picture is wrong. The correct one is equipped with Rear drag.

Answer: No. The picture shows a front drag reel,

Answer: Not that picture. Reel is very smooth but it is heavy compared to similar front drag models.

Answer: No, this does not look like the rear drag model.

Answer: I have the rear drag one so I'm not sure

Answer: Yes

Why doesnt this model come in 500 ultra light

Answer: Manufacturers choice

Is this reel usable for salt water fishing

Answer: Depends on the size of fish and line strength. But IMO its more a fresh water reel.

Is reel good for salmon fishing?

Answer: I don't salmon fish but use this reel in Florida for seatrout and snook fishing. I love the reel. Rear drag is the way to go.

Answer: Bank fishing salmon or steelhead on big rivers with the 4000 on an Okinawa, on medium or smaller rivers with the 2500 and Lamiglas.

Answer: I have the 2500 series. A bot light but excellent reel

What are the difference between 3000SR & 4000R ?

Answer: the main difference is the size - the 4000 is bigger. 2nd the line capacity. The 3000SR has a shallow spool (s=shallow). The 4000 has a Deep spool (more line capacity).

Answer: S means "shallow", small capacity respect to the standard and R "rear" is referred to the drag system

Do you guys know where I can find parts for this reel? My rear drag knob fell off and got lost. Googled, but can't find anything.

Answer: Look for description then look on amazon

What are the difference between sahara rd and the super gt rd ?

Answer: Dear Laura,

Can I get spare spool? And will the 2500 & 1000 spool interchange? The look identical.

Answer: My reels (1000) came with a spare spool so I don’t know if you can order one and you can not interchange 1000 and 2500. They are difficult sizes.

Answer: A spare spool came with my reel.

Answer: I have the shimano 1000 rd. Fantastic reel. Love it. It did come with a spare spool.

Answer: I got one with mine

Answer: Usually hard to find spares....and I don't know if they are interchangeable but suspect not.

Answer: Probably not as they are different sizes.

Answer: Cannot say they are interchangeable but the last 2 1000 I ordered came with extra spool. First time and I have gotten quite a few

Capacidadvde arrasrtre del carrete

Product reviews of SHIMANO Sahara Rear Drag Spinning Fishing Reel, Model 2018

adrian guasina : OMG these reels are sexy. I ordered 2. Top of the line

Been fishing my whole life. It's a pleasure to own such a smooth, well crafted reel

Romka : Top

Shimano halt

kewalo surfer : I love the Shimano Sahara!

Top quality is what to expect from Shimano. I also own 2 sizes of the Shimano Calcutta reels. It doesn’t get any better! I also have a Sahara 4000 reel that’s more than a few years old and never have had any problems. Ever! So I don’t expect any problems with this newer model. I like rear drag reels. I tested and it worked great. Its a very smooth winding reel. I can tell it’s top quality. Looking forward to the ice melting here in MI so I can go out on Lake St. Clair and latch on to some Walleye with my new Sahara.

M. E. : Top Rolle!

Top Angelrolle!

Anthony : Already my favorite reel.

Already became my favorite reel. Looks pretty, and easy to set the drag.

Amazon Kunde : Schöne Rolle

Tolle rolle für Kleines Geld, nutze sie zum Aal angeln und zum Feedern. Hier kann man nichts falsch machen. Top ware, schnelle Lieferung keine Mängel.

Anthony : Already my favorite reel.

Already became my favorite reel. Looks pretty, and easy to set the drag.

Bass23 : Ottimo shimano!!!

Prodotto di qualità, uno shimano economico che da professionalità e affidabilità.
Consiglio a chi fa pesca alla trota e a bolognese!

DiZ : Synchronicity and balance

Been fishing Shimano since I first loved their bicycle gears 30 years+ ago. This is my 6th and fav, so far. Action is so smooth that gravity actually pulls it back to zero! Loved rear drags all my life and this is one of the smoothest ever at this price point. So impressed. My beloved old Mitchell full drag has finally met a fair match in ultralight. Put this on a Shimano Scimitar and it will balance on one finger. Stops on a dime, anti reverse, etc. Until I catch em up with my bare teeth and paws, this is all you could want in a lightweight. I have already ordered the 2500 and 4000 to up my spin game for Steelies and Salmon on Oregon rivers.

kewalo surfer : I love the Shimano Sahara!

keith gutierrez : Great reel

Great reel!!! I bought two of them

Seib Razib : Good reel, smooth, no extra spool.

Good reel, nice and smooth. Bummer about only one spool for the US market and the European version comes with 2... oh well. It casts very well and handles big fish with light line, the first day I caught a 30+lbs freshwater drum on 6lb mono line. Fun! The drag was easy to use brought in the fish with ease. Only giving 4 stars because of the no extra spool. When I purchased the 2500-r a couple of years ago (lost it in a fire with all my fishing equipment) it came with and extra one, but not this reel. Just FYI.

Wen : Nice reel but line kept tangling up inside case.

Nice light reel but had problem with line tangling up inside case .

DiZ : Synchronicity and balance

Shlong 69 : WORST REEL EVER

Been salmon fishing for over 30 years and i can honestly say these are the worst reels i have ever had the misfortune of laying my hands on.I bought the 3000 and the 4000 version and within 3 weeks both started to seize up and grind and continued to get worse to the point where they became unusable and also the rear drag function totally failed on both , both reels got very little use and were never abused..Stay clear they are cheap nasty rubbish and am very dissapointed and surprised at Shimano.My local fishing tackle shop stopped selling them a while back for the very same reason failure after failure..

P J R H : Excellent Reel

I bought this reel (2,500) for trout fishing and have just returned from an extended fishing trip where I caught plenty of trout in the 2-3lb range and this reel handled the task brilliantly. Apart from the usual high shimano build quality there are two features I especially like about the reel:
Firstly the twin rear drag adjustment which I find far preferable to front drag - especially with the additional second fine control adjustment.
Secondly the simplicity with which the spool can be changed. Just one click and it comes straight off. So much easier than the penn battle 11 (3,000) reel I also have where you have to completely unwind the front drag retaining piece.
I would thoroughly recommend this reel

Meloni Marco : Mulinello 1000 shimano

Perfetto, mulinello 1000 Shimano nient'altro da aggiungere .

scott : Read ad carefully

Misleading advertising.........i was looking for the reel with the double handle and chose that, but got single handle.......
However, the reel is phenomenally great!!!

D.B. : Smooth as Silk

I matched this up with a St. Croix rod (6'6"), and Sufix Braid line. What a great combination! Terrific bass rig. Got some nice Georgia Striped Bass on the first outing on Texas rigs. I know that some will say that the front drag is the best. For my money, the convenience of the rear drag is more important. Who wants to be messing with the front of the reel when your fish is running and pulling out line? Excellent price for a reel that is so satisfying to use. Can't go wrong.

Jeep Daddy : Nice quality, but heavier than expected.

I ordered the 1000 and found it to be larger and heavier than I expected. Good quality but not a good ultra light reel. Better for a light action rod.

Mimi : Top

Wie zu erwarten,schnurrt wie ein Kätzchen.

kesha : Love the reel!

Boyfriend loves the reel!

Amazon Customer : Good service

Great product and good price

Cliente Amazon : Perfetto!!

Ottimi è veramente belli!!

Amazon Kunde : Schöne Rolle

Tolle rolle für Kleines Geld, nutze sie zum Aal angeln und zum Feedern. Hier kann man nichts falsch machen. Top ware, schnelle Lieferung keine Mängel.

timothy scott goodson : Great reel

Great reels, I use them fishing from my kayak.

Eric B. : Run forest run

The reel completely fell apart after a day of fishing the drag is cheap and doesn’t run smooth , cheesy reel if you catch goldfish in a pond and don’t need a smooth drag than this is for you

Amazon Customer : Fast Shipping and Great Product

Looks and feels great

Russell Weller : Delivery

Lightning delivery speed
Awesome product...as you would expect from Shimano

Bass23 : Ottimo shimano!!!

Prodotto di qualità, uno shimano economico che da professionalità e affidabilità.
Consiglio a chi fa pesca alla trota e a bolognese!

John Neary Anker : The only one with a 'wah wah' bar for variable drag on the fly

Oh boy!. Can't figure out how they can make such a fine piece of equipment for this price. The killer app is the rear operated drag knob with a separate 'wah-wah' bar to ease or tighten drag on the fly while fighting the fish.

Amazon Customer : We have more then two!

My husband loves this reel! We have two!

Don : Lightweight and ergonomic

Great reel smooth not expensive. Great price very happy. Love the extra spool .

joe porter : Great reel for t he money.

Great little reel very well finished reel looks a lot more expensive, great value highly recommended.

Jeep Daddy : Nice quality, but heavier than expected.

I ordered the 1000 and found it to be larger and heavier than I expected. Good quality but not a good ultra light reel. Better for a light action rod.

Amazon Customer : Big disappointment after owning a symetre for over 10 years

Product stopped working after 2 months. The reel binds when retrieving. After doing some research, I found out I'm not the only one having this issue with shimano reels. Big disappointment after owning a symetre for over 10 years.

Geppetto : Wish I would’ve gotten the right reel

Wish I would’ve gotten the right reel

Olred : Spare spool for European market, not U.S.

Just received so I haven’t used it yet. Very smooth and good feel. Be aware that US market doesn’t come with a spare spool. Not a deal breaker but would have been nice if it were made more apparent in the write up.

CHARLES F. LOUCKS 111 : Fast arrival.Love that.

Great product,smooth and nice . Works just great.

CHARLES F. LOUCKS 111 : Fast arrival.Love that.

Great product,smooth and nice . Works just great.

Don : Lightweight and ergonomic

Great reel smooth not expensive. Great price very happy. Love the extra spool .

Amazon Kunde : Schöne Rolle

Tolle rolle für Kleines Geld, nutze sie zum Aal angeln und zum Feedern. Hier kann man nichts falsch machen. Top ware, schnelle Lieferung keine Mängel.

david n. : great little reel

great reel i like the controls with the rear adjustable drag it's quick and easy to use

massimo : ottimo

Non sarà il top di gamma ma non si discute la qualità.

Anthony : Already my favorite reel.

Already became my favorite reel. Looks pretty, and easy to set the drag.

Gregory A. Werner : High Quality

Super slick, quiet - matches well with the Trout Magnet rod.

Cajun Transplant : Great Reel

Bought as a gift. Recipient loves it.

CHARLES F. LOUCKS 111 : Fast arrival.Love that.

Great product,smooth and nice . Works just great.

Alicja Pilarska : Super

It is good

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