The Sahara RD is a versatile reel that can be used for many freshwater angling purposes, wether it is lure fishing for pike or match fishing for bream. The Sahara RD is the mid-level rear drag model with a look and feel that underlines Shimano quality. With visually stunning metallic platinum and gold finish this reel is an eye-catcher in every anglers hands. Featuring 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing, Sahara utilises a multi-disk rear drag system for smooth progressive performance, and Fightin Drag for precise adjustable control when playing fish. Featuring a Cold Forged Aluminum Spool with AR-C line managemnet that suitable for both mono and braid, and Varispeed line lay which prevents fine mono and braid bedding in under pressuere, the Sahara RD is available in both single and double handle versions in a range of small and mid sizes from 1000 to 4000.
The Sahara RD is a versatile reel that can be used for many freshwater angling purposes, wether it is lure fishing for pike or match fishing for bream. The Sahara RD is the mid-level rear drag model with a look and feel that underlines Shimano quality. With visually stunning metallic platinum and gold finish this reel is an eye-catcher in every anglers hands. Featuring 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing, Sahara utilises a multi-disk rear drag system for smooth progressive performance, and Fightin Drag for precise adjustable control when playing fish. Featuring a Cold Forged Aluminum Spool with AR-C line managemnet that suitable for both mono and braid, and Varispeed line lay which prevents fine mono and braid bedding in under pressuere, the Sahara RD is available in both single and double handle versions in a range of small and mid sizes from 1000 to 4000.
in 2 offers
The lowest price for Shimano Sahara 4000R Rear Drag Spinning Reel right now is $202.80 at Amazon.com.au, compared across 2 retailers.
The all-time low was $86.27 on 9 Jan 2024 ā today's price is 135% above the lowest ever. It has been notably cheaper before ā worth setting a price alert.
Prices last updated 4 Sept 2026.
Shimano Sahara 4000R Rear Drag Spinning Reel
The Sahara RD is a versatile reel that can be used for many freshwater angling purposes, wether it is lure fishing for pike or match fishing for bream. The Sahara RD is the mid-level rear drag model with a look and feel that underlines Shimano quality. With visually stunning metallic platinum and gold finish this reel is an eye-catcher in every anglers hands. Featuring 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing, Sahara utilises a multi-disk rear drag system for smooth progressive performance, and Fightin Drag for precise adjustable control when playing fish. Featuring a Cold Forged Aluminum Spool with AR-C line managemnet that suitable for both mono and braid, and Varispeed line lay which prevents fine mono and braid bedding in under pressuere, the Sahara RD is available in both single and double handle versions in a range of small and mid sizes from 1000 to 4000.
The Sahara RD is a versatile reel that can be used for many freshwater angling purposes, wether it is lure fishing for pike or match fishing for bream. The Sahara RD is the mid-level rear drag model with a look and feel that underlines Shimano quality. With visually stunning metallic platinum and gold finish this reel is an eye-catcher in every anglers hands. Featuring 3 shielded stainless steel ball bearings and a roller bearing, Sahara utilises a multi-disk rear drag system for smooth progressive performance, and Fightin Drag for precise adjustable control when playing fish. Featuring a Cold Forged Aluminum Spool with AR-C line managemnet that suitable for both mono and braid, and Varispeed line lay which prevents fine mono and braid bedding in under pressuere, the Sahara RD is available in both single and double handle versions in a range of small and mid sizes from 1000 to 4000.
Last updated at 04/09/2026 19:38:01
Sahara Rear Drag
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Sahara Rear Drag
Delivery between 11ā14 Sept $29
originally posted on cabelas.com
I love this reel! I own the 2500R and I bought one for my son! The Rear drag and the fightin' Drag II system is why I bought this reel. I catch Big Rainbows and Browns (18 to 22") I set the drag for 4 - 8lb Vanish Transition and let the reel and my St Croix rod do its work. Changing spools is easy. Would love to have the Quik Fire trigger like my Spirex 2500R. I do not like front drag reels! I don't like putting my hand between my reel and a fighting fish! I also don't care for lose hardware when I want to change spools.
originally posted on cabelas.com
I bought all 3 sizes for fishing ultra lite to Steelhead and Salmon. Loved that the same angler instincts & muscle memory works for me identically on all 3.Loved even more that they are great to fish with. Even the strike lever I wasnāt sure I needed has saved me tackle by being a superb āsnagā lever!Best reel you can get at this price (for my money). Silky smooth. Setting my rear drag where I want for a baseline, I tweak the lever up instantly for add on, as needed, and can go back to baseline instantly. Casts great, looks and feels great, catches fish.
originally posted on cabelas.com
The first one that was sent out was defective as the drag fell off the first boat ride. I called customer service and had a new one at my door step a day later, very impressive.The new reel has been working excellent, very smooth. The quick set drag feature is nice.
| Sport | Fishing |
| Product dimensions | 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm; 258.55 Grams |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Fishing technique | Spinning |
| Fishing line type | Wire |
Sahara Rear Drag
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Sahara Rear Drag
Delivery between 11ā14 Sept $29
I love this reel! I own the 2500R and I bought one for my son! The Rear drag and the fightin' Drag II system is why I bought this reel. I catch Big Rainbows and Browns (18 to 22") I set the drag for 4 - 8lb Vanish Transition and let the reel and my St Croix rod do its work. Changing spools is easy. Would love to have the Quik Fire trigger like my Spirex 2500R. I do not like front drag reels! I don't like putting my hand between my reel and a fighting fish! I also don't care for lose hardware when I want to change spools.
I bought all 3 sizes for fishing ultra lite to Steelhead and Salmon. Loved that the same angler instincts & muscle memory works for me identically on all 3.Loved even more that they are great to fish with. Even the strike lever I wasnāt sure I needed has saved me tackle by being a superb āsnagā lever!Best reel you can get at this price (for my money). Silky smooth. Setting my rear drag where I want for a baseline, I tweak the lever up instantly for add on, as needed, and can go back to baseline instantly. Casts great, looks and feels great, catches fish.
The first one that was sent out was defective as the drag fell off the first boat ride. I called customer service and had a new one at my door step a day later, very impressive.The new reel has been working excellent, very smooth. The quick set drag feature is nice.
Purchased two identical reels in November. Took them fishing three times so far and on the last trip, one of the two reels jammed up. It wouldn't turn forward or reverse. Had to send it to the service center where it is right now. Don't know if I got a lemon, or if the quality of the reels have gone down. In the past I have had excellent service from my Shimano reels.
This is the third Sahara reel I have purchased and the second 4000. It is perfect for the type of carp fishing that i do and handles the fish of around 20 lbs with ease. I am sure it will handle that elusive 30 pounder I am still pursuing.Unfortunately I did get dinged with a $23 charge from customs when it arrived, something that I hadn't experienced before ith purchases from this company
I bought an SH1000R for trout/bluegills and an SH2000R for catfish/pike. Both were wonderful except I was missing the Quickfire trigger. You don't make as many casts without it. Could have been added very cheaply, so that is a disappointment.
When properly adjusted, the drag plus fighting drag control give superior ability to adjust quickly to large trout in small water. I bought this Sahara reel because it is based on the Symetre reel. It has just been lightened with newer materials. I hope a month from now to buy a second of these for a backup. Hard to find a rear drag anymore, especially a great one. Jimmy D. Chance
Itās super smooth and most of all reliable as are most upper end shimano products. I have several 1000 r and 2500r . Thatās the only brand reels I purchase. Started out over 35 years ago with the spirex 500 fighting rear drag. And starting back then shimano was the reel for me.use to use the old Mitchell 300 back in the day. Always broke a bell spring or two per season. No worries with a shimano. SHIMANO FOR LIFE !!!!
This is quick notes version.. please read below. Thx.Sorry, I rant a lot, but they took away my reverse switch, and over all quality Is garbage now. They disappointed me.This is a nice reel, if you only fish once or twice a year...I love Shimano, always have. I still have reels I bought in 1985, 1990. 2 Syncopate, and 1 Sahara, rear drag with fight drag..They are still ok, not the best, but heavily used over 30 years. I can't complain.But, any reels I've bought in the last 3,4 years, are garbage.If you want something that's gonna last, look somewhere else.It's ashamed too. I was just about to buy a few more Sahara, and try Nasci Fc..obviously, not any more.Any Shimano I've purchased in last few years, whether offAmazon, or from BPS or cabelas ...Ā MoreThis is quick notes version.. please read below. Thx.Sorry, I rant a lot, but they took away my reverse switch, and over all quality Is garbage now. They disappointed me.This is a nice reel, if you only fish once or twice a year...I love Shimano, always have. I still have reels I bought in 1985, 1990. 2 Syncopate, and 1 Sahara, rear drag with fight drag..They are still ok, not the best, but heavily used over 30 years. I can't complain.But, any reels I've bought in the last 3,4 years, are garbage.If you want something that's gonna last, look somewhere else.It's ashamed too. I was just about to buy a few more Sahara, and try Nasci Fc..obviously, not any more.Any Shimano I've purchased in last few years, whether offAmazon, or from BPS or cabelas stores., has failed.The bails broke, the gears and bearings wore out. Handle is so hard to turn, I can't hold rod still.I always take care of my stuff, they're cleaned and lubed start and end of every season. I fish more than a weekend warrior, but I'm not full time. I just love to be on a boat, or shore, chasing fish.I even had 2 places look at my reels by pros.Both said same thing.Newer reels are made cheaper. Theyre made to be disposable, like everything else now a days. And they can't be fixed. Or, it would cost twice as much to fix, as a new one.Come on Shimano. ..Don't be like this... Make the cheapest product around, and charge 3 times more. Just like everything else now.Ok, I warned you....Now, I wrote this after working 3, 16 hr days, and while I'm getting ready for my 1st fishing trip this year....So, when I got to prepping my gear, and realized I had 6, shimano reels, all purchased I'm the last 2,3 years, and all messed up, it hurt me. Aggregated me. Now, I have to spend even more money, plus, gamble that I can find a reel I like again, and that it lasts more than a few years.Ok.... thanks and gd night.Tight lines everyone.Please, Be safe out there. And respect your fellow fisherman.
I bought the Sahara 2500 to replace the Shimano Spirex I returned. I love the rear drag feature. They don't make the Spirex with the rear drag anymore, so I upgraded to the Sahara, sacrificing the quickfire feature, which I used for 30 years and loved. This reel is absolutely phenomenal, especially for the price. $20 more than the Spirex, and twice the reel. It is the best reel I have used in the last 30 years for sure. I love the rear drag as it makes taking the spool off so much easier. The only problem I can see is sometimes the bail does not flip over that well. You have to flick the switch at the bottom in order to reel backwards and take a run at it. In terms of service, I ordered it on a Monday afternoon and it arrived on Wednesday afternoon. 2 days for free ...Ā MoreI bought the Sahara 2500 to replace the Shimano Spirex I returned. I love the rear drag feature. They don't make the Spirex with the rear drag anymore, so I upgraded to the Sahara, sacrificing the quickfire feature, which I used for 30 years and loved. This reel is absolutely phenomenal, especially for the price. $20 more than the Spirex, and twice the reel. It is the best reel I have used in the last 30 years for sure. I love the rear drag as it makes taking the spool off so much easier. The only problem I can see is sometimes the bail does not flip over that well. You have to flick the switch at the bottom in order to reel backwards and take a run at it. In terms of service, I ordered it on a Monday afternoon and it arrived on Wednesday afternoon. 2 days for free delivery was also a bonus. I highly recommend this product.
| Sport | Fishing |
| Product dimensions | 2.54 x 2.54 x 2.54 cm; 258.55 Grams |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Fishing technique | Spinning |
| Fishing line type | Wire |
