Welcome to the new Shimano Saragosa 2021 review. The Shimano Saragosa is widely accepted as a favourite saltwater reel offering great affordability, reliability, and durability. A high performing saltwater reel without the expensive price point. It’s hard to believe that it’s been 7 years since the last release of the Shimano Saragosa. However, the new 2020 models are here packed with new inclusions to take the reel to another level.
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I have been using the Saragosa range extensively since its release in late 2020 and have been really impressed with the performance, that amazing drag sound and the durability which has built a strong reputation for many years. It’s stylish, strong and reliable and a great reel for heavy inshore fishing and offshore fishing targeting a whole heap of saltwater species.
Watch my detailed review of the Shimano Saragosa and the Stradic SW including in action
Saragosa spin reel 20 features
- IPX8 Water-resistant line roller
- Infinity drive for increased power and smoothness
- Waterproof cross carbon drag
- Hagane gear assembly
- The improved compact body design
- 8 sizes from 5000 TO 25000
The team at Shimano have been busy adding improvements to this reel series. These changes wouldn’t be classified as groundbreaking but more subtle changes that just make sense. Many will immediately notice the body shape is different. It’s smaller, more compact and lighter just like many of the other Shimano 2020 reels releases. Basically, the Saragosa has become lighter which is really aligned to Shimano’s new 2020 rods which are also lighter allowing them to balance properly with weight distribution between paired 2020 reel and rod. The XT7 graphite allows the reel to be durable but more compact and slightly lighter than previous models.
The Saragosa now incorporate some technologies from the high-end reels such as the flagship Stella reel family. Starting by adding the AR-C spool design system. This allows the line to peel away from the reel with less friction due to an angled lip which will result in longer casting and fewer wind knots. That’s not the only feature it takes on from the Stella range its also now has the Infiniti drive system which adds support to the pinion gear and Hagane gears for overall smoother performance when winding. They have also increased waterproofing capability with IPX8 certified X-Protect Labyrinth sealing system to make the reel even more durable, particularly around the bail arm. This was rarely a problem in the older reels series but this is just another minor improvement worth noting.
There hasn’t been too much change to the drag system but these reels already pack a punch and the tech specs of each size can be seen in the table below. They continue to use cross carbon drag washers to provide great performance at an affordable price point. There is a noticeable increase in the sound of the drag when the line is being peeled from a big fish which is a nice addition.
Shimano Saragosa 20 sizes
There are now 8 sizes in the Saragosa family from 5000 all the way through to 25000. This has included the additions of a 14000 and 18000 size reels which would be suitable for surface lures and poppers for species such as Giant Trevally.
Many sizes to choose from to cover a whole range of saltwater applications from snapper, mulloway, kingfish, mackerel, trevally, tuna and much more.
Shimano Saragosa 2020 specifications
| DESCRIPTION | BEARINGS | MAX DRAG (KG) | GEAR RATIO | RETRIEVE PER CRANK | BRAID (LB/YDS) | WEIGHT (G) | RRP |
| SARAGOSA SW 10000 | 5+1 | 15 | 4.9:1 | 102 | 50/360 | 690 | $429.00 |
| SARAGOSA SW 14000 | 5+1 | 15 | 6.2:1 | 134 | 50/400 | 700 | $439.00 |
| SARAGOSA SW 18000 | 6+1 | 22 | 5.7:1 | 129 | 50/600 | 915 | $529.00 |
| SARAGOSA SW 20000 | 6+1 | 22 | 4.4:1 | 104 | 65/490 | 935 | $529.00 |
| SARAGOSA SW 25000 | 6+1 | 20 | 4.4:1 | 113 | 65/630 | 960 | $549.00 |
| SARAGOSA SW 5000 | 5+1 | 10 | 6.2:1 | 105 | 20/245 | 450 | $399.00 |
| SARAGOSA SW 6000 | 5+1 | 10 | 5.7:1 | 103 | 30/295 | 455 | $409.00 |
| SARAGOSA SW 8000 | 5+1 | 16 | 5.6:1 | 107 | 40/340 | 675 | $419.00 |
Additions or corrections
Thanks for reading this new Shimano Saragosa 2021 review. You can see more about these saltwater reels on Shimano’s website. These are great reels and you can purchase these reels at all good fishing tackle stores. You can also see many fishing videos around Melbourne and Victoria. If you have any questions, corrections or additions then please direct them to enquiries@fishingmad.com.au and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
