[Nicky L]

Hi Guys,
I wanted to get some feedback on two Shimano spinning reels that I'm undecided on - the Sustain vs the Saragosa. I plan to use it mostly in the surf... for tossing plugs, metal, bucktails and the like. I love how smoothe the Sustain is... like butter... but I think the Saragosa has a stronger drag which could definitely come in handy in the surf. So, if anyone out there has any experience with either of these reels, please pass along your thoughts. Thanks! Stay Safe

 

[Guatemala Dave]

You get what you pay for...

and for both reels you are paying a lot. The differences are very techincal and you should go to the Shimano site if you want details. The sizes are almost matches. I don't think there is very much difference in the drag systems. Go for what you can afford and enjoy a great reel.

 

[brew]

I have one Sustain 5000 reel and love it. Super smooth. I don't have any experience with the Saragosa.

 

[zar2754]

sargosa is a great reel (from a tuna jigging point of view) its well balanced and smooth, i have no experience using it in the surf.

 

[jlrotary]

i have a sustain 5000 and love it. i have never used a saragosa and dont know how it would compare, but i dont think you can go wrong with either one.

 

[pwcrab]

the spool design and ratio of the gosa is for vertical jigging, i would pick the sustain btwn the two for surf reel but for the money i would just buy a stradic i use a stadic 5000 in the surf and love it, feels just like a sustain and i saved 100 bucks. good luck they are all excelent reels

 

[LBI-Waterman]

the spool design and ratio of the gosa is for vertical jigging, i would pick the sustain btwn the two for surf reel but for the money i would just buy a stradic i use a stadic 5000 in the surf and love it, feels just like a sustain and i saved 100 bucks. good luck they are all excelent reels

Exactly you hit the nail on the head:thumbsup:

 

[TheBayStalker]

Exactly you hit the nail on the head:thumbsup:

I agree with the above...I have all three and the Stradic is great for the $.

My sustain is being sent back for repairs right now so....

I also have the Gosa 5000 & 4000 and love them both. Especially the 5000 which has that power handle like the Stella, for you that may make it more comfortable for surf fishing...so +1 Vote for Gosa based on comfort!

 

[Nicky L]

Stradic for Overall Value without sac Quality

Fellas, thanks alot for the feedback on the reels. PCrab, I have to agree with you... I've had two stradic 4000's and they're excellent reels but I was thinking about upgrading to the sustain. Now that I think about it, I would probably choose a new stradic 5000 for overall value but I do like the Gosa' if I can get a good deal on one. One key factor that I have been taught is that if you're in the market for a new reel or a new rod to match up to something you already have, its a good idea to bring along the rod or reel and match em' up to see how it feels... check the balance and the comfort in your hand. You figure if you're like me, you might cast artificials about 100 to 200 times on a tough day. Thanks again & Stay Safe!
Nicky L

 

[spooled up]

Just a thought, but if you are going to be getting them hit with spray or dunking them occasionally I am not sure I would go with the sustain. I do not know much about the saragosa, but the sustains are precision reels. I feel like they would easily be damaged in the surf. Sure they would keep ticking, but not at the high level that your payed for them. IMO, I would look more towards reels that were designed for the surf. However, if you are just throwing off the rocks and what not, the sustain will be great.

 

[Nicky L]

Spooled Up,
Thanks for your input. I agree with you. The Sustain is probably not the best reel for the surf. I don't care what anyone says... surf fishing will eat your gear up... you definitely have to give it a good cleaning after each trip. Most of the fishing I do... I'm at least knee deep in the water and your rod n' reel will get saltwater on it no matter. Now here's the kicker... the reels they make "exclusively" for the surf such as the Van Staal and the Stella are way too expensive for most recreational fishermen. So, I guess we have to pick something with durability, quality, and value. I would say the Stradic is a great pick. Thanks

 

[hungryfisher]

Hey Nicky, what stick do you plan to put it on?

 

[barrell]

Consider adding the new Dawaia Saltist to the shopping list.

 

[Shore Catch]

the other reel to look at is the Shimano sheros - we use it in the surf all the time and it is bullet proof.

 

[Jersey Jerry]

the other reel to look at is the Shimano sheros - we use it in the surf all the time and it is bullet proof.

Capt.,

Can it take a dunking?

 

[Nicky L]

Hey Nicky, what stick do you plan to put it on?

Right now I think I'll be using a 8' Star Stellar Lite surf rod. I've used them before and love the action and the easy casting they provide. As for the Daiwa's, I've been checking out some of their reels but I've never used Daiwa's so I don't know what to expect. The Saltist spinning reel looks like a nice one as well as the Emblem. Any suggestions from you Daiwa fans? Shore Catch, I've heard good things about the Shimano Spheros. It seems like Shimano puts out alot of spinning reels all in the same ballpark... the Stradic, Saragosa, Sustain, Spheros, Soccorro, Baitrunner... its not an easy choice. When they list the specs for each reel, I wish they would find a way to describe the reel by comparing it to other similar reels and how they may differ. Seems there's only one good way to find out if you like a reel and that's to buy it and try it! Stay Safe
Nicky

 

[IgotWORMS]

I second taking a look at the spheros. I have the 3000 FA (they are on the FB series now) but have to agree that it is bullet proof. I do alot of bridge fishing and have been using this reel for about a year. Sometimes I'll even winch fish up the bridge with it (not exactly the recommended use for the reel lol). For $119 I don't think there is a better reel on the market JMHO. Had the reel for a year, don't wash it off after I use it, haven't oiled or greased it, and its still as smooth as the day I got it. Also, they had 22 lbs. of drag! (check shimanos website, I didn't believe it either) Comes in all different sizes too.

 

[IgotWORMS]

Haha once in a while. I know I can't wait I just keep looking at my rods and dreaming of March 1st. I just bought the 4000 Spheros for my other Clarus. Sickest bridge fishing combo ever lol. Ill see you out there if it ever stops snowing...

 

[Shore Catch]

Jerry - They can take a dunking here and there. I have never done any of the wetsuit fishing that guys are doing now - so I cannot anwer if they can handle severe dunks like that. Our guys fish the surf pretty hard and have never had any major issues with them.

 

[Wahoo-26]

Capt.,

Can it take a dunking?

The Spheros is probably the best of the bunch for the surf. They are reasonably well sealed and smooth. They are cheap enough that if you trash it its not going to hurt.

In my opinion forget the Sustain and Stradic. They are great reels but wont last long in the suds. Mu Stradics only saw boat use and thet started getting tight and corroded and I was them with soap and water after every trip. I also lubricate them regularly. Granted the Stradics I have are about 5 years old but they dissapointed me in terms of durability. I am sure the newer ones are better.

Brett