After 7 years of service, our favorite workhorse reel has finally gotten an update! The Shimano Saragosa SWA is out! Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n
On our previous in-depth review of the Shimano Saragosa SW, we blatantly said that this series of reels are one of the most highly recommended reels for heavy-duty saltwater use.<\/p>\n
Without changing much in the design, keeping everything we love about the reel, and getting some trickle-down tech from the Stella SW blueprint, we are getting a familiar but improved machine.<\/p>\n
What excites us the most is the addition of 2 reel sizes that fit the GT popping game perfectly. 14000 and 18000 sizes!<\/p>\n
Before I spill out all the information about the updates here in the intro, let\u2019s just take a more detailed look at the sweet upgrades the reel just received.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s start with the updated body of the reel.<\/p>\n
Made out of the same XT7 graphite with the previous model, we still get the very sturdy and pretty lightweight saltwater reel that we all love.<\/p>\n
Shimano aimed to reduce the weight of the reel by making the body more compact. This has been a trend with the brand overall, with all reels getting weight reduction design changes.<\/p>\n
Reduction of weight is always welcome, particularly our body weight, but I digress. Less weight results in a better-balanced outfit and allows us to fish longer without tiring out too soon.<\/p>\n
More weight reduction in this area, with 6 large aggressive-looking vertical ports, 3 per opposite sides of the spool.<\/p>\n
Apart from the obvious weight reduction advantages, these aggressive ports add to the hardcore saltwater aesthetic that anglers seem to love. Looks make a difference. A good looking reel warrants more use and makes me fish more.<\/p>\n
The spool also receives some trickle-down technology from the Stella, utilizing the AR-C spool design. The AR-C spool has an angled lip to allow the line to leave the spool with less friction and in smaller coils, meaning longer casts.<\/p>\n
This spool design is also effective in reducing wind knots. Reducing, but not totally eliminating. We still have to load our rods properly to help further reduction in wind knots when casting.<\/p>\n
The new Saragosas receive more tech from the Stella range here which is great! It gets the Infiniti Drive system which makes for a smoother winding and stronger cranking. This smoothness and stability are achieved with bearings supporting the main pinion gear.<\/p>\n
Hagane gears are also utilized and need no further proof of effectiveness. Shimano\u2019s cold forged gears deliver longer-lasting smoothness and strength without the weight.<\/p>\n
All these gears and bearings come together and follow the XSHIP design model. A streamlined connection, with the S-ARB supported pinion gear closer to the centerline of the drive gear, we get more power with less play.<\/p>\n
The overall upgrades the Saragosa received under the hood makes it incomparable in this price range.<\/p>\n