You can never go wrong with Shimano products and especially their reels. Most anglers prefer them for their longevity and incredible performance. Saros, Stradic, and Nasci reels are some of the best reels of this brand. Despite the three being products of the same brand, they are made differently with varying technological advancements.
Differentiating them can be tricky if you have not used them before. In this article, we will be reviewing the three for easier understanding and to help you pick the reel that works best for you.
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More About Shimano Saros
Shimano Saros reels stand out for their sturdy construction. They feature the newest technology of XGTZ graphite construction that is 200 times stronger than the previous models.
These reels offer a powerful and smooth drag with the Rapid fire drag that offers a maximum drag of 7 to 15 lbs.
Their gear ratios range from 5.8:1 to 6.0:1, so; you can always be assured of smooth and quick retrieves.
Additionally, Shimano Saros reels feature an X ship technology that provides solid cranking power and a quality aluminum spool.
The propulsion line management system included in these reels provides longer casts while preventing backlash. They also contain five shielded AR-B bearings that help increase the reel’s speed. The frame, side plates, rotor, spool and handle are all made of aluminum, and the handle comes with Septon grips providing maximum comfort and a better grip.
Pros
- Aluminum handle with Septon grips
- Smooth and powerful Rapid-fire drag system
- X ship technology
- Shielded ARB bearings
- XGTZ graphite construction
- The reel is light
- Durable Paladin gear
Cons
- This reel is expensive
More About Shimano Stradic Fishing Reel
Shimano Stradic reels are an improvement of Shimano reels made with an angler’s need in mind. They feature a HAGANE body that is durable, stiff and rigid. This body effectively gets rid of body flexing and improves efficiency.
For improved gear durability and proper alignment of gears, these reels come with an X-ship technology. Therefore, you can be assured that the pinion gear is supported on both ends with bearings.
They also offer SA-RB 7 bearings that are shielded on both ends, preventing salt and sand entry.
The reels are powered with a powerful cross carbon drag that provides a wide range of drag settings while providing the smoothest drag possible. Additionally, these reels have high gear ratios ranging from 6.0:1 to 6.4:1 providing smooth and quick retrieves. The G-Free body technology in these reels shifts their center of gravity close to the rod, reducing fatigue.
Pros
- G-Free body technology for reduces fatigue
- 6+1 shielded ball bearings
- Rigid and durable HAGANE body
- X-ship technology
- The gears operate smoothly
- Powerful cross carbon drag
- Ergonomic handle
Cons
- These reels are expensive
- Some parts are plastic
More About Shimano Nasci
Shimano Nasci reels offer maximum performance for light freshwater to medium saltwater applications. These reels feature an improved X-ship technology that ensures top-of-the-line durability. The upgraded HAGANE gear provides smooth casts and unparalleled quality.
These reels also come with a smooth and powerful cross-carbon drag system that gives you enough power to fight any fish species. Their gear ratios range from 5.0:1 to 5.6:1, and they ensure smooth retrieves. In addition to this, they come with 3+1 or 4+1 ball bearings that ensure smooth casts while getting rid of backlash.
Additionally, these reels come with waterproof core protection that protects the inner components of the reel. These rods come with a G-free body that shifts the reel’s centre of gravity closer to the rod for reduced fatigue. In addition to these technologies, there is also a propulsion line management that provides long and accurate casts.
Pros
- Reduced Fatigue
- Upgraded X Ship technology
- Waterproof core protect
- Durable and quality HAGANE gear
- Powerful Cross Carbon drag system
Cons
- There is no reel reverse switch
- Drag click mechanism may need adjusting
Shimano Saros vs Stradic vs Nasci : What’s the Difference
Shimano reels stand out in their performance and durability. However, to suit every angler’s needs, Shimano keeps on coming up with new reels with improved technology. Therefore differentiating Shimano Saros, Stradic and Nasci reels should not be very difficult even if they are of the same brand. Below are some of their differences.
Gear Ratios
These reels vary in terms of their gear ratios. So, the performance of the three will slightly differ. Shimano Saros’s reel gear ratio ranges from 5.8:1 to 6.0:1, Shimano Stradic, on the other hand, ranges from 6.0:1 to 6.4:1 and Shimano Nasci’s gear ratio ranges from 5.0:1 to 5.6:1.
Drag
The maximum drag of these reels varies slightly. Shimano Saros comes with a Rapid-fire Drag system with a maximum drag of 7 to 15lbs. Shimano Stradic and Nasci come with cross carbon drags with a maximum drag of 7-24lbs.
Weight
Shimano Saros reels are the heaviest of the three reels. They have a weight range of 7.1-11.5oz. Stradic and Nasci reels are lighter, with weights ranging from 6.5-10.4oz and 6.2-10.60z, respectively.
Ball bearings
The ball bearings of these reels vary greatly. Shimano Saros has five shielded AR-B bearings, Shimano Stradic comes with 6+1 ball bearings, and Shimano Nasci reels come with 3+1 and 4+1 ball bearings for their different models.
Shimano Saros vs Stradic vs Nasci : Head to Head Comparison Table
Final Impression
Getting Shimano reels is the best decision you can make as an angler. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran in this game, you can be sure that Shimano reels never disappoint. Differentiating between Shimano Saros, Stradic and Nasci can be challenging. The three are closely related in terms of performance and price. I would recommend Shimano Stradic reel for its construction, high gear ratio, a higher number of ball bearings and weight.
These features make it smoother compared to its counterparts. Nasci is similar to Strasdic in weight, maximum drag, and technological advancement, but the ball bearings are less. On the other hand, Shimano Saros have a less powerful drag and are quite heavy, making it my least preferred reel.
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