Shimano Sedona

Shimano Sahara

The Shimano Sahara is a very similar bit of gearing to the Shimano Sedona FI reels in both budget and its features set.

The main differences are that the Sahara is a little lighter and is designed more for inshore saltwater use than freshwater.

Difference in Features

The only difference in their features is that the Sahara includes X-Ship gearing which ensures the HAGANE gear keeps it’s alignment to provide 100% efficiency with every crank, this comes in useful when fighting stubborn saltwater fish where every wind counts. 

If you’re looking for a spinning reel that’s purely for inshore saltwater use, the Sahara is worth considering as an alternative to the Shimano Sedona FI.

Here’s a summary of the differences.

The Shimano Sedona FI Review

Shimano Sedona FI

The Shimano Sedona FI spinning reel combines top-quality specs and incredible design with a price that would make your wallet smile.

It’s light, fast, casts beautifully, and is built to last long.

It truly might be the best ultralight spinning reel you can rely on. 

New Feature

The newly improved Shimano Sedona FI reel now includes Shimano’s; G-Free Body system for better casting, their cold forged HAGANE gear technology for increased gear efficiency, an upgraded Magnumlite rotor which provides a lighter startup inertia, plus an excellent management of the line to reduce tangles and backlashes. With all those features, this unit doesn’t come with an anti reverse feature.

The Sedona FI reel is available in 8 different sizes ranging from the Sedona SE500F1 to the Sedona SE8000F1.

The larger the number, the stronger the drag and the larger the room for line.

There is a model to suit pretty much any fishing situation, from light freshwater fishing to medium offshore.

Pros 

• Great value for the quality 
• Cold forged HAGANE gear provides awesome versatility for various fishing situations
• Performs brilliantly day after day 
• Excellent Propulsion Line Management System 
• There is a model for almost every target species/environment
• Oval Oscillation Gear system for efficiency and improved even line-lay on to the spool
• A good number of ball bearings 

Cons 

• The reel comes without anti reverse or reverse direction switch
• The bail arm on the reel is a little stiff for some fishermen and can close mid-cast when you really go for it

What’s So Good?

Being an avid fisherman, I’ve always found it tricky to balance price with quality when it comes to fishing reels.

There are hundreds on the market, some with extremely low prices but I’m never quite convinced about how long they might last. 

The Shimano Sedona FI reels took away all my worries…

Finally here is a reel that has combined quality with affordability.

But is this the best Shimano spinning reel for you?

Have a look through the Shimano Sedona review and you’ll see that the new Sedona FI fishing reels are high quality reels you can trust to last and catch fish with, day after day, and it won’t break the bank either. 

Conclusion

Similar to the Shimano Casitas, the Shimano Sedona FI does an amazing job of balancing affordability with great quality.

They truly have made an amazing reel that gives you great performance day after day that isn’t going to hurt your wallet. 

The Shimano Sedona FI reel casts brilliantly, all thanks to the G-Free Body system. Has the drag power and size to match almost all target species and is made to such high specifications that ensure that it’ll last for many years.

If you have the right rod, then the Shimano Sedona FI is the last piece of gear you need. 

If you’re looking for a top-quality new reel with a low price which is full of features that can take your fishing to the next level, I recommend that you go check the Sedona FI now.

Pflueger President

The Pflueger President is again quite similar to the Shimano Sedona FI reels in terms of purpose.

The range in sizes is enough to provide you a reel that’s great for light fresh water or light inshore fishing, but it doesn’t have the size range or max drag to take you into anything bigger like the Sedona FI.

It’s quite a basic reel, but still a very well made piece of gear and a pleasure to fish with but it doesn’t have the ‘tech hype’ of the Sedona.

Features

The things that set it apart are that the drag is sealed for protection in saltwater use and that it comes with anti reverse.

Also, their smallest model is a tad smaller than the Shimano Sedona FI, so if you’re looking to use a super-light line, like 2lbs mono, the Pflueger President is what I’ll recommend. It’s possibly a better choice as it has the right spool for it.

You do miss out on all the Shimano extras though.

If you’re truly a light weight line enthusiast or wanting to reduce your budget a bit for a solid freshwater/light inshore reel, then the Pflueger President is worth a shot.

Alternatives

Shimano Sienna

Designed purely for light fresh water use and comes with a lot fewer features than the Shimano Sedona FI reel.

Check Latest Price

Shimano Sienna

There are of course a few other reels on the market to look at, one of which is the Shimano Sienna reel.

This affordable spinning reel is designed purely for light freshwater use and comes with a lot fewer features than the Shimano Sedona FI reel.

Difference in Features

It does, however, include the Propulsion Line Management System like the Shimano Sedona FI to help prevent backlashes and wind knots.

Overall, it’s a more affordable option but if you’re looking for a reel to use in saltwater or for large species, this probably isn’t the best fit for you. 

If you’re looking for something more affordable than the Shimano Sedona FI for light fresh water fishing, the Sienna is worth checking out. 

Here’s a summary of the differences.

The Sienna spinning reels are;

• More affordable reel
• Made for light freshwater use only
• The reel comes with the propulsion line management system to help prevent backlashes and wind knots

Cons

Is lacking extra features like G-free body, cold forged HAGANE drive gear system, and more

Check Latest Price

Shimano Sahara

A spinning reel that’s purely for inshore saltwater fishing use, the Sahara is worth considering as an alternative to the Shimano Sedona FI.

Check Latest Price

Shimano Sahara

The Shimano Sahara is a very similar bit of gearing to the Shimano Sedona FI reels in both budget and its features set.

The main differences are that the Sahara is a little lighter and is designed more for inshore saltwater use than freshwater.

Difference in Features

The only difference in their features is that the Sahara includes X-Ship gearing which ensures the HAGANE gear keeps it’s alignment to provide 100% efficiency with every crank, this comes in useful when fighting stubborn saltwater fish where every wind counts. 

If you’re looking for a spinning reel that’s purely for inshore saltwater use, the Sahara is worth considering as an alternative to the Shimano Sedona FI.

Here’s a summary of the differences.

The Sahara reels are; 

• In the same budget
• Designed more for inshore saltwater fishing
• Come with X-Ship gearing plus all the features of the Sedona FI

Cons

Come in fewer sizes

Check Latest Price

Pflueger President

It’s quite a basic reel, but still very well made piece of gear and a pleasure to fish with

Check Latest Price

Pflueger President

The Pflueger President is again quite similar to the Shimano Sedona FI reels in terms of purpose.

The range in sizes is enough to provide you a reel that’s great for light fresh water or light inshore fishing, but it doesn’t have the size range or max drag to take you into anything bigger like the Sedona FI.

It’s quite a basic reel, but still a very well made piece of gear and a pleasure to fish with but it doesn’t have the ‘tech hype’ of the Sedona.

Features

The things that set it apart are that the drag is sealed for protection in saltwater use and that it comes with anti reverse.

Also, their smallest model is a tad smaller than the Shimano Sedona FI, so if you’re looking to use a super-light line, like 2lbs mono, the Pflueger President is what I’ll recommend. It’s possibly a better choice as it has the right spool for it.

You do miss out on all the Shimano extras though.

If you’re truly a light weight line enthusiast or wanting to reduce your budget a bit for a solid freshwater/light inshore reel, then the Pflueger President is worth a shot.

The Pflueger President;

Cons

• Has fewer models to choose from, and lacks in the bigger species department
• Doesn’t come with the Shimano extra features such as G-free body, HAGANE gearing system, and more

Check Latest Price

Conclusion

Similar to the Shimano Casitas, the Shimano Sedona FI does an amazing job of balancing affordability with great quality.

They truly have made an amazing reel that gives you great performance day after day that isn’t going to hurt your wallet. 

The Shimano Sedona FI reel casts brilliantly, all thanks to the G-Free Body system. Has the drag power and size to match almost all target species and is made to such high specifications that ensure that it’ll last for many years.

If you have the right rod, then the Shimano Sedona FI is the last piece of gear you need. 

If you’re looking for a top-quality new reel with a low price which is full of features that can take your fishing to the next level, I recommend that you go check the Sedona FI now.

From the Author

Thanks for reading my Shimano Sedona Review and feel free to share this with your fishing friends who are looking for a superb reel.

And also, don’t forget to check out my other fishing articles like the best reels for crappie or the Penn Pursuit 3 review. We got all the info you need. Feel free to dig in.

Shimano Sienna

There are of course a few other reels on the market to look at, one of which is the Shimano Sienna reel.

This affordable spinning reel is designed purely for light freshwater use and comes with a lot fewer features than the Shimano Sedona FI reel.

Difference in Features

It does, however, include the Propulsion Line Management System like the Shimano Sedona FI to help prevent backlashes and wind knots.

Overall, it’s a more affordable option but if you’re looking for a reel to use in saltwater or for large species, this probably isn’t the best fit for you. 

If you’re looking for something more affordable than the Shimano Sedona FI for light fresh water fishing, the Sienna is worth checking out. 

Here’s a summary of the differences.

Things to consider before buying a Fishing Reel

First things first…

Your reel should be something you love to use and in order to make sure it is just that, there are quite a few factors to think about before you get it.

Below, I’ve outlined everything you need to know about reels in order to find a high quality fishing reel that’s perfect for you.

What Are You Fishing For?

Fishing at the Coast

This is an important question, as your reel needs to be able to handle both your target species and the environments they live in.

Here are the points to consider.

What species are you planning on catching?

Do the line capacity and the max drag match their strength?

The last thing you want is to be undergunned while fighting the catch of your dreams.

For example, if you want to focus on trout, consider getting a trout spinning reel.

Ensuring you have enough line and stopping power is the only way to make sure you succeed. 

Where are you planning on fishing, saltwater, freshwater, or both?

The environment plays a big impact on which reel you should choose.

Some are designed purely for freshwater and others can handle both.

Be sure to get a good reel that can handle where you plan on fishing.

Using a freshwater reel in saltwater is a no go area as the salt will damage it considerably. 

Matching Your Existing Gear

Fishing Gear Placed on Top of a Net

Unless you’re planning on buying a whole new setup, you’ll want your reel to match the existing gear you’re using not only to save a few bucks but also to get the most out of your tackle. 

• Do the weight and size match your preferred rod?
• All rods are weighted to manage a particular reel size to ensure the whole outfit balances.
• A fully balanced setup will let you cast further, more accurately, and remove extra strain from the rod.
• Is it braid compatible? If you love using braid, and most do these days, you’ll need a reel with a braid compatible spool.

This allows you to fill the spool with braid without it slipping which will stop any tangles or backlashes. 

Does It Match Your Personal Preferences? 

If you’re making an investment into a new piece of fishing gear, you’ll want it to match your style and expectations. This means getting into the details. 

How heavy is the reel?

This plays a large part when you’re casting all day as any extra weight will wear you down and make your casting arm tired.

This often leads to lethargic fishing, even if you’re overly obsessed like me, which can make you miss that late evening bite. 

Corrosion-resistance and durability, will it last?

If it’s made from the right materials such as graphite, brass, aluminum, or stainless steel that are all corrosion-resistant, you have found yourself a durable reel that will last for years.

The addition of a sealed or intrusion protection system is also an added bonus, as this will stop any dirt, salt, or water from getting into the inner workings. 

Is the drag smooth and reliable?

A smooth and reliable reel drag is not only key to catching big specimens but also for the longevity of the reel.

The best systems utilize a multi-disc system of either carbon fiber or felt. 

Is the retrieve smooth and fast enough? 

A quick retrieval rate is based on a high gear ratio.

It’s ideal for certain techniques like crank-baiting or popping when you need to gather slackline quickly.

This is all about getting the right bang for your buck and finding a reliable high quality reel that’ll last for years while not having to spend too much.