-Shimano Saros 2500F Review-
Price around $100
The first thing that came to mind when I picked up the new Shimano Saros reel was how solid and smooth it felt in my hands. I have been using this reel along with the new Shimano Sustain reel this year for winter steelhead and it has performed perfectly. When comparing it to the Sustain it is very hard to tell the two apart as they are almost the same size and are similar in weight one just cost over $100 more. You can click the name above the images to see a larger image.
This reel utilizes the new propulsion line management system along with a new spool lip design. With these new additions to the mid level reel I’m able to make longer and easier cast with less effort. You can see in the pictures how the spool lip angles away from the line; this creates less friction on the line compared to regular spools. This is probably where I have noticed the most difference when comparing older style Shimano spinning reels; these new reels for 2008 are so far ahead in the casting department. I have not experienced any backlash or wind knots from the reel and I have been using 20lb braid along with ten pound mono.
One of the great features that Shimano added to this reel along with the other higher end reels in the lineup is the direct drive gear. The drive gear is directly attached to the handle, which means power is transmitted more efficiently and there is absolutely no play in the handle anymore making the reel feel solid. This feature used to be available only on the very high end Shimano Stella ($500+) and now it has made its way down to the new Shimano Saros. I have been using the Saros 2500F reel and it’s the perfect size for most steelhead applications as the line capacity is good holding around 200yds of 6lb test. I was able to get 140yds of 20lb super braid on one spool and around 175yds of p-line cxx 6lb on the other spool. With a 6.0:1 high speed gear ratio you can catch up to steelhead that make a run at you as soon as they're hooked. This also helps gain line when fighting a bigger fish when you only get a few seconds to reel before the fish runs again. Weighing in at only 9.9 ounces this reel is lighter than a lot of reels out there in the same category and adds to the overall feel of the reel.
The drag on the Shimano Saros is more than enough for fighting most winter and summer steelhead and it is rated at eleven pounds. The water proof drag is a good feature to have especially if you are fishing for winter steelhead where more often than not you are out in the rain all day. This will keep most moisture out of where the drag is housed and keep it going strong throughout the day. I still suggest you open it up and clean it out from time to time. If you are going to be fishing for very large winter steelhead then I would suggest moving up to the Saros 3000F which holds around 230yds of 6lb test and drag is rated at 15lbs. I will be doing a separate review later on about the new Shimano Sustain 3000FE which is the other reel that I have been using this winter.
The One-Piece Bail Wire has a seamless design that reduces friction and eliminates the chance of tangles or cuts to the bail arm. This is another feature that used to be available only on the Stella and just makes for a better rounded reel. This also helps with wind knots and backlash according to Shimano and I have no doubt that all of the features that they have added to this reel make it almost impervious to most problems spinning reels encounter.
The only downside that I found with the reels is when I first opened up the bail wire and spun the reel to snap it back down into place it had a hard time closing. I found out what was causing the problem by taking off the spool and rotor and found a blue or white (depending on model) round piece underneath. I did not see what the small part did to help the reel but after removing it the bail wire snaps closed very easy and I would say that this reel now has one of the best feeling clicks when it opens and closes. To see a video on how to remove the white piece go HERE. I also had to do this modification to my new Shimano Sustain 3000FE and I think that it’s a part of the reels that just rubs to close to the rotor and if not perfectly aligned it will cause problems with the bail clicking closed. I have not seen any problems with doing this modification and there have been no signs of water or contaminants getting in under the rotor.
Overall this is a very solid reel and for around $100 I think it would be hard to find a reel that can beat this. Comparing this reel with the Sustain 3000Fe ($225+) you are getting all of the features minus a few ball bearings and a different oscillation system. When spinning both of them one after the other it is hard to tell the difference. I would recommend this reel to anyone who wants a very good reel at the $100 mark. Most of the time when steelhead fishing you will be banging into trees and getting your rods and reels thrown around when trying to land big fish. I believe having a slightly cheaper reel that will do all of the work that the expensive ones will do kind of makes sense. This is a great reel at a great price! Here is a link to the Saros page on the Shimano website for more information.
Thanks for reading this review and check back soon as I will be reviewing the Drennan Steelhead Floats.
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