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Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL Saltwater Fishing Reel

94,99 $

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Last updated on: 13/02/2025 9:37 PM
Mono Line Capacity160 yd / 12 lb (converted 130 m / 0.35 mm)
Gear Ratio6.2:1
Number of Ball Bearings5
Type of BrakeFront Brake
Drag Force24 lbs (10.9 kg)
Weight295 g
MaterialXT-7
Saltwater Resistant
Baitrunner

Overall Rating

89.2%

"Good"

Overall Rating
89.2%

Reviews: Key Opinions on the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL Saltwater Fishing Reel

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is a highly praised reel known for its smoothness, reliability, and versatility. Anglers appreciate its lightweight design, strong drag, and smooth operation, making it ideal for active fishing styles with frequent casting.

While its line capacity is on the lower side, it excels in handling moderately sized fish and offers excellent performance for its price.

It’s a great choice for anglers who prioritize a lightweight and smooth reel with a powerful drag, but those needing a larger line capacity might want to consider alternatives.

Delve into our comprehensive review of the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL saltwater fishing reel, where we condense user opinions and offer a thorough examination of its strengths and weaknesses.

Editorial Review: Our Opinion on the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL Saltwater Fishing Reel

 

Product Type / Mono Line Capacity / Gear Ratio

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is a saltwater fishing reel with a line capacity of 130 m / 0.35 mm and a gear ratio of 6.2:1. This puts it in the upper-mid range for gear ratio and on the lower end for line capacity among the reels we’ve discussed.

A higher gear ratio facilitates faster line retrieval, which is particularly useful for techniques like spinning and float fishing. The saltwater fishing reels we’ve reviewed have gear ratios that range from 4.6:1 to 7.0:1. If you need the fastest retrieval, the Penn Battle IV 4000 HS offers a 7.0:1 gear ratio.

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL has a line capacity of 130 m / 0.35 mm, placing it on the lower end of our comparison.

While this capacity is suitable for some saltwater fishing applications, anglers targeting larger species or needing more line may prefer a reel with higher capacity, such as the Penn Battle IV 4000 HS with its 206 m / 0.35 mm capacity.

To ensure accurate comparisons, we’ve used a line calculator to convert line capacities that weren’t originally specified for the 0.35 mm line size.

 

Number of Ball Bearings / Type of Brake / Drag Force

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is equipped with 5 ball bearings, a front drag system, and a maximum drag force of 24 lbs (10.9 kg).

The saltwater fishing reels in our comparison feature anywhere from 4 to 8 ball bearings. A higher number of ball bearings typically contributes to smoother reel operation.

With 5 ball bearings, the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL sits in the mid-range of our comparison in terms of bearing count.

If exceptionally smooth operation is a priority, consider alternatives with a higher ball bearing count, such as the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF (8 ball bearings) or the Daiwa BG 4000 (7 ball bearings).

A robust drag system is crucial when fighting strong saltwater fish to prevent line breakage and ensure a successful catch. Front drag systems are generally recommended as they offer larger brake discs at the front of the spool, resulting in increased drag power.

The drag force of the reels in our comparison ranges from 6 to 11 kg. With a drag force of 24 lbs (10.9 kg), the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL sits at the top end of the drag force spectrum in our comparison.

This drag force provides ample power for handling a wide variety of saltwater species, even larger and more powerful ones.

 

Weight / Material

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is constructed from Shimano’s XT-7 graphite and weighs 295 g.

While reel weight might be less critical for bottom fishing, it becomes more significant for active fishing styles like spinning where the rod is held for extended periods.

The weights of the saltwater fishing reels we evaluated range from 220 g to 405 g. At 295 g, the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is one of the lighter reels in our comparison.

If a lightweight reel is a priority, the Shimano Vanford VFC5000XGF, weighing only 220 g, is worth considering. Shimano utilizes their proprietary XT-7 graphite in the construction of the Sahara 4000 XG FL. XT-7 offers a balance of durability and lighter weight compared to full metal construction.

 

Saltwater Resistance / Baitrunner

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is specifically designed for saltwater fishing and does not include a baitrunner function.

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is built with saltwater resistance in mind. According to Shimano, it is also suitable for fishing on the coast, but there is no information on whether it is sealed. Therefore, it should be rinsed with fresh water after each use.

Like most saltwater fishing reels, the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL does not have a baitrunner function. This is because saltwater fish tend to be more aggressive biters, making a baitrunner less necessary.

However, if you’re an angler who prefers a baitrunner function for specific saltwater fishing techniques or species, we recommend the Okuma Avenger ABF 6000 Baitrunner Reel, which offers this feature along with saltwater resistance.

You can explore more saltwater-resistant reels equipped with a baitrunner function in our dedicated baitrunner reel comparison.

 

Customer Reviews: Summary of Feedback from Product Owners

The Shimano Sahara XG FL is a hit with anglers, garnering an impressive 4.6-star rating on Amazon from over 660 reviews.

Let’s take a look at what users have to say about this well-loved reel:

  • I put this on a 3 pc 5 ft ugly stick travel rod and loved the feel of it. Used it for a couple of hours and then forgot it on top of the car. It fell off on a 30 mph turn. A couple weeks later, fished with it continuosly on a 1 week trip. It was smooth as butter.
  • Feels so smooth when reeling it in. Would definitely buy it again.
  • A great reel for saltwater surf fishing. I have several and have used them for many years. They have proven time and again to be rugged, reliable and tough enough to handle larger fish than expected. Although I wash them with fresh water after every use, they have proven to be axceptionally corrosion resistant, saving me a lot of replacement money.
  • It’s a great spinning reel. Shimano’s quality is top-notch. Buy it.
  • Why choose another reel? It’s probably the smoothest reel I’ve ever touched. I used the 3000 for bass fishing and coldn’t have been happier. Don’t see myself owning a different one ever.
  • Amazing reel with great quality. Would buy again!
  • Very good quality and dependable. Very good for large light weight applications and continuous casting and proved to be a great reel for larger game fishing.
  • This reel changed the game for me. I can cast artificial lures all day or use a light set Carolina rig to use live bait or live line bait. I have caught 3.5 ft shark off with this thing and it handled it like a champ.

Reviews from other countries

  • Super look, pleasant to use.
  • A gift that pleased! Very nice reel delivered ahead of schedule and consistent with the description.

 

Users consistently praise the Shimano Sahara XG FL for its exceptional smoothness and reliability. Many highlight its performance in various fishing scenarios, from surf fishing to targeting larger game fish, even sharks. Anglers appreciate its versatility, using it for both artificial lures and live bait presentations.

The reel’s durability and corrosion resistance are also frequently mentioned, with users noting its ability to withstand years of use and harsh saltwater conditions. Overall, the Shimano Sahara XG FL appears to be a high-quality reel that delivers a smooth and reliable performance across a range of fishing applications.

The Shimano Sahara XG FL boasts a modern, sleek design with a black body accented with silver and gold. This color scheme and dynamic shape give it a sporty yet elegant appearance, making it visually appealing as well as functional.

The special features of the Shimano Sahara XG FL are its light weight, its very smooth operation and its very high drag power.

Due to its features, it is ideally suited for active fishing methods that involve a lot of casting. Its drag is strong enough to subdue even small sharks, but the line capacity limits casting distance to medium ranges.

This reel is ideal for anglers who favor active fishing styles with frequent casting, such as spinning or lure fishing, and who target moderately sized fish in saltwater environments.

It’s a good choice for those who prioritize a lightweight reel with a smooth retrieve and strong drag, but don’t require a large line capacity for long-distance casting.

 

Pros and Cons of the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL Saltwater Fishing Reel

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is a well-rated and lightweight reel with a powerful drag and smooth operation. It’s a good value, but has a smaller line capacity, making it ideal for anglers who prioritize those features over long casting distances.

 

Pros

  • Reviewed by over 660 customers (4.6 of 5) on Amazon
  • Third lightest reel in our comparison
  • Very high drag force
  • Very smooth
  • Good value for money

 

Cons

  • Lowest line capacity in our comparison

 

The Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is a popular reel with a very good rating on Amazon, based on over 660 customer reviews. It’s a strong contender for anglers seeking a lightweight reel with impressive performance.

It boasts a very high drag force, ensuring you can handle larger fish, and its smooth operation enhances the fishing experience. While it offers good value for money, it’s important to note that it has the lowest line capacity in our comparison.

This might be a drawback for anglers who require longer casting distances. Overall, the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL is a great choice for those who prioritize a lightweight, smooth reel with a powerful drag system, but anglers who need a larger line capacity might need to consider alternatives.

 

FAQ: The Most Frequently Asked Questions About the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL Saltwater Fishing Reel

 

Which size can I use for bass fishing in North Carolina lakes?

For this purpose, we would recommend the 2500 model.

 

Is the Shimano Sahara 4000 XG FL made in Japan?

According to Shimano, this model is manufactured in Malaysia.

 

Which model would you recommend for surf fishing?

For surf fishing, we would recommend the 5000 model as it has a higher line capacity.

 

 

Sources

94,99 $

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.Last updated on: 13/02/2025 9:37 PM