Shimano -- Sedona, Sahara, Symetre

[eric1978]

So I've decided to try a cheaper reel this time instead of paying extra for a Stradic or Sustain. I've been looking at the Sedonas ($60), Saharas ($80) and Symetres ($100). I did find a new Symetre on ebay for $80. I was actually leaning toward the Sedona because it's the cheapest and it's got a 6.2 GR compared to 5.6 on the other two (why?). Other than that I can't find a dime's worth of difference between them, except for the ball bearing BS which I think isn't nearly as important as they act like it is.

Any of you guys have any experiences with these reels?

And yes, I will be buying Shimano, so don't bother convincing me to get another brand. I can't explain it, but I always have to buy Shimano reels. I know, I know....

[fishinwrench]

Given the choices I'd go with the Sahara.

Because it more closely matches a....

ABU GARCIA ALB

[eric1978]

Poo on the Abu.

Me rikey Shimano onry.

[Dutch]

I have all three of them as well as Stradics. I rarely use the Saharas and Sedonas. For my money the Symmetry is the way to go. It is very close to the Stradic.

[eric1978]

I have all three of them as well as Stradics. I rarely use the Saharas and Sedonas. For my money the Symmetry is the way to go. It is very close to the Stradic.

What do you find wrong with the Sahara and Sedona?

[Dutch]

Nothing wrong with them. They work just fine. The symmetry is a bit smoother. In fact, in the dark I can't tell a symmetry from a stradic. I like the symmetrys so much I have 8 to 10 of them while only having 2 sedonas, 2 saharas, and 4 stradics.

[eric1978]

Nothing wrong with them. They work just fine. The symmetry is a bit smoother. In fact, in the dark I can't tell a symmetry from a stradic. I like the symmetrys so much I have 8 to 10 of them while only having 2 sedonas, 2 saharas, and 4 stradics.

Okay, cool. I found a Symetre for $80 so I might go ahead with that one since it's only $20 more.

Do you notice the gear ratio difference on the Sedona, or is it so insignificant you can't really even tell?

Thanks for the tips.

[Zach Beach]

I have the Sedona and the Symmetry and are both good reels. If I had to pick one I would go with the Symmetry. The bail and the housing on the sedona after a few years became a little loose. Other than that it still works great. I don't know if it is the ball bearing amounts or what but the symmetry is a little smoother IMO. I also have some pflueger reels that are similar to the symmetry but don't have the fluid drive. I have noticed that if you don't keep up on lubing the pflueger every once in a while it won't reel as smooth. With the symmetry you don't have that problem since the gear are inclosed in the gear lube.

I think that the symmetry is just a little better constructed than the sedona, and other brands reels. It's no stella but honestly who has that kind of money to spend on a reel. I'm not Al Lindner.

[Wayne SW/MO]

One of them locks up, or did, when it got wet. That's not a good thing in canoes and kayaks.

[ColdWaterFshr]

I've had a Sedona 500 for a few years now and its been great. Its my main spinning rod and I can't recall ever having a problem with it. Its rated for 2-4-6 lb line and I mainly use 6 lb mono on it. Probably should've bought the next size up, but I like the lightweight of it.