The Sahara 750FB, a quality pint sized spinning reel for
under 60 dollars
Date: |
2/01/06 |
Tackle type: |
Reels |
Manufacturer: |
Shimano |
Reviewer: |
Zander |
Total Score: 8.41
Introduction:
Looking for a quality
ultralight reel? Not willing to pay over 80 dollars but still want a quality
product? Shimano might just have your answer with the new Sahara 750FB spinning
reel. The Sahara is an undersized reel with an aggressive price point. The
question is whether or not the Sahara is worth the money, or if it is a better
idea to spend a bit more and move up to the Symetre.
Shimano
Sahara
(SH750FB)
Specifications |
Line
Capacity (lb/yds) |
2/240, 4/120. 6/95 |
Gear
Ratio |
4.7:1 |
Line
retrieve per crank |
22
inches |
Weight |
6.9
oz |
Bearings |
3BB,
1RB |
Additional Features |
Graphite Frame (Aluminum
on all other sized Sahara reels), S-Concept, Fluidrive II, A-RB bearings,
Super Stopper II, Ported handle shank, Dyna-Balance, Power Roller II,
Floating Shaft |
MSRP |
$59.99 |
The smallest Shimano Sahara, the
750FB
Impressions:
Most anglers are split on
how much they should spend on an ultralight reel. Some anglers argue that when
fishing ultralight outfits you should use premium gear because you are fishing
ultra light lines and have an advantage when tossing ultralight lures. Other
anglers say that you should use the cheapest outfit you can because you don’t
often get into fish that challenge your tackle, and because you are hiking along
the backcountry your gear is subjected to more abuse.
The rest of the Saharas may have an aluminum
frame but the small 750FB is graphite like the comparably sized Sedona and Symetre
My preference rests somewhere in the middle of the spectrum. I prefer a reel
with enough refinement that during the retrieve the reel will feel fluid
regardless of what weight lure is in tow. Another requirement is that the reel
should be affordable enough that should it be damaged by an untimely slip on the
shore of the river that your trip isn’t ruined by dwelling on your 200+ dollar
reel’s battle scars.
Casting distance was surprisingly
good for a reel of this size
The Sahara falls
closer to the utilitarian train of thought in price, but you can hardly tell
when you look at the clean well thought out design. New for this year is the
very small SH750FB ultralight. The Sahara is sandwiched in between the Sedona
and Symetre, and the differences are becoming less and less with every season.
In fact, only ten to twenty dollars separates each series now.
Very clean line lay thanks to extra slow
oscillation
There is some porting on the frame for weight
reduction
Retrieve tests displayed a
reasonably smooth feel
Real World Test: To test the Sahara 750FB
we head straight for the Eastern Sierras to fish for Rainbows, Browns, and
Brooks. We spooled up 4lb Trilene XL for the job and spent the bulk of our time
tossing Kastmasters and Panther Martin Spinners. For all of our tests we paired
the Sahara up with a Rogue Ultralight rod.
Next Section: So how
well does it cast?
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