Overview
Combining classic rear-drag styling with Shimano’s unbeatable quality, the Shimano Sahara FI Rear Drag Spinning Reels allow anglers to fine-tune their drag on the fly for the perfect amount of power. Built with Shimano’s Fightin’ Drag lever at the rear of the reel, the Shimano FI Rear Drag Spinning Reels allow anglers to get back to the original drag setting by utilizing the striking point on the Fightin’ Drag level. When performance counts the most, the Shimano Sahara FI Rear Drag Spinning Reel steps-up and delivers with advanced drag control that ensures your fish makes it into the net.
Specifications
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Customer Reviews
Rear dragHave used these reels for a number of years always liked the rear drag. Good quality decent performance.
First trip outThis reel was recommended to me by a friend who fishes with it. It’s very smooth and comfortable to hold during drop shot style fishing techniques. I will buy another one for safe keeping and I too recommend it. Thanks for your service Tackle Warehouse
VibratingI like the reel but there is a continuous vibration when retrieving. Can't figure it out. Thought about returning for a new one.
Very nice reel!I really like the rear drag control on this reel. If you have ever fumbled with the drag while fighting a nice large mouth then you might know what I mean. The rear drag control on this reel makes it so easy to get the drag right on the fly!
Silky SmoothNice reel. Loved the feel.
Nice reelI use it for steelhead and coho. It is perfect.
Sahara Rear DragI’ve used Shimano for over 40 years now and I have 4 of the Sahara 2500 with rear drag, and I’ve also given 2 more away as gifts to friends. I’ve never had any issues with the Sahara’s rear drags Ever and I use them for all types of techniques and I love how easy it is to adjust the drag while fighting a fish, and I have had mine for over 8 years.
I also have Stradic FL, and Ci4’s 2500’s and 3000’s (4) and I have Vanfords (4) in 2500 & 3000 …… for the money the Sahara’s are an incredible value and have lasted me for years in fun fishing and in club tournaments.
Previous Feedback
Comments: I purchased this rod because of the Fighting Drag/Rear Drag system. I believe that rear drags are superior when actually fighting large fish on light line. With one movement I can reduce or increase the drag setting. If a big fish is close to the boat, I loosen the drag and when that big fish inevitably takes a run, the line doesn't break. When the run is done, I tighten the drag so I can real the fish in. This reel does NOT have instant anti-reverse. The reel will back wind to the point where the Quick Fire Trigger is aligned with the top of the reel. Keep that in mind. It also only comes in 5.0:1 ratio. I wish Shimano would add Fighting Drags to more of their reels but maybe ditch the Quick Fire and have instant anti-reverse. And offer higher speed reels with the Fighting Drag.
From: Joe: Scottsdale 9/17/23
Comments: I rarely write reviews, but I've had this reel for two years, catch everything from gills to big smallies on it with no problem, that's why I'm here to buy another, don't listen to any negativity, it's a great reel.
From: Josh: OHIO 11/8/22
Comments: I bought two of the 4000Rs for my wife to use largemouth bass fishing here in Florida. She has only been fishing the local ponds for two years and has caught hundreds of bass. She often fishes the heaviest of cover and needs to react quickly to get them out. She is not good with mechanics so the rear drag makes the difference. I set the main drag and have the lever set to the lightest. This enables a good hook set and she came fully tighten down quickly to pull them out. She loves them. Set-up is 4000R, 7 ft. medium heavy rod and 30# braid. Texas rigged, bobber stop, 1/4 oz worm weight, 3/0 extra heavy EWG and Berkley's Lunchworm lands some big ones.
From: Unknown: 1/19/21
Comments: Smooth reel but it is somewhat hard to get the bail to flip over.
From: Unknown 11/11/20
Comments:I have had 2 shimano spinning reels go bad this past year, neither reel lasted a season! They both had the same failure; they got a tight spot on the retrieve? Assuming bearen failure? I have one of the old gold colored sedonas(rear drag) ive used for the past 10 to 12 years with no issues! But apparently the quality has tanked at shimano! Which is sad because they're the only manufacture to offer rear drag, Sad.
From: Keith: Mountain City, TN 3/16/20
Comments:This reel didn't last half a season before becoming defective. Sent it in for repair. Shimano had terrible customer service and it took them 6 weeks just to end up sending me a new reel. And then THAT reel didn't last the rest of the season. I wont recommend Shimano to anyone.
From: Trever - Michigan 12/27/