shimano 500 series

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timinmo
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shimano 500 series

Post by timinmo » Fri Oct 05, 2018 3:19 pm

We had talked in the past about Shimano seemingly turning their back on 500 series reels. The tackle store I work part-time at has recently received not only 500 Siennas but I believe Sedonas. I am not really sure about the other models, I was absolutely positive I would remember, but like so many things I did not remember. In any case if you want 500 series reels Shimano seems to have more options than we thought. Check with your local tackle store.

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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by earthworm77 » Wed Oct 24, 2018 7:19 am

They might have Sahara 500's as well. I picked up a JDM Sahara 500 recently because I won't drop the coin on the Soare.

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slipperybob
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by slipperybob » Fri Nov 02, 2018 5:41 pm

Looks like a new 500 Sahara is on the way at my local tackle store.
slip bobbing is the laziest way to fish

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mhood
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by mhood » Fri Nov 02, 2018 6:01 pm

Anyone have a Soare 500? What do you think of it?
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by ultralight » Sat Nov 03, 2018 11:29 am

Got one coming. I do not at all intend to keep it or even spool line on it so you can watch for it on the buy/sell thread as a new unused unit - but at a slightly better cost than purchasing directly from Japan. It is worth loosing a few bucks to just get to examine a 4.9 oz reel. I want to see how it feels spinning, and measure the spool dimensions. I'm pretty sure that the Daiwa 1000 sized spools are as small as I want to go. But yes, have a Soare 500 CL4+ coming. It is crazy light - with a 1 oz rod, you can do a sub 6 oz outfit! A bit crazy.

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mhood
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by mhood » Sat Nov 03, 2018 5:38 pm

I'm looking forward to hearing your reactions. Thanks!
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by ultralight » Sat Nov 03, 2018 10:55 pm

U got it.

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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by ulbc2 » Sun Nov 04, 2018 12:24 pm

I frecuently use one of those Soare CI4 500. Perfect for trout fishing in little creeks. Very smooth, zero problems with line management. Unlike my Stella 1000PGSFI I can feel the drag of the tyniest spinners like 00 size Mepps. Only thing that I dislike is that the rotor has a little bit of movement/slack and seems to go increasing prematurely.

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mhood
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by mhood » Sun Nov 04, 2018 1:50 pm

ulbc2 wrote:and seems to go increasing prematurely.
What do you mean by this? And thanks for the feedback.
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by ulbc2 » Sun Nov 04, 2018 2:21 pm

I'm sorry because my English is very bad :oops: . I suspect that the reel will need maintenance or some tightening very soon. Sooner than expected because was bought last year and it has few hours of use yet.

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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by ultralight » Tue Nov 06, 2018 3:32 pm

Mhood.

Just picked up the Soare CL4+ 500S earlier today.

My summary below after giving it a spin and making measurements without mounting the reel or putting any line on it.

1. This is a proper 500 sized reel. I thought perhaps they would make it more 750 but is a 500 sized reel. For me, I think it would be a fantastic reel for UL braids such as nanofil - plenty of capacity and no memory issues. I do have friends who fish 2 lbs on 500 reels all day but for me, I have always just used size 1000 reels for mono or fluor. I am probably too cautious...:)

2. One thing I appreciate about JDM is that their specs are accurate. 140 grams turn out to be 139.6 grams per my digital scale. I read (via translation) a Japanese review somewhere where they though it contributed to sensitivity being so light. I'm not sure if I quite believe it will make that much difference but it is nice to find a reel of this quality breaking the 5 oz barrier. (4.9 oz).

3. Smooth and tight - a touch tighter than the Luvias 1003 reels that I run with when those are new out of the box. I can feel the grease in the body I think. Taking the drag knob off, it is also well greased. The knob on the handle definitely is tighter than the Daiwa Luvias series. That's what I noticed most. I've had a bunch of Daiwa 1003s including Presso, and also the TD Fuego 1000a. All of their knobs have a bit of play that this 500S does not have.

4. Drag - smoooth and gives easily. Adjusts linearly too it feels. Clicker sound when I turn the spool against drag is crisp but not quite what I am used to with the Daiwa 1003. The Daiwa is more bell like sounding which I have gotten used to. (I've never actuall ever owned a Shimano reel - this is a first one.)

In short, befitting a JDM reel though not as nice as a Daiwa Exist that I had a spin of recently. Of course the Exist is more than double the $$$

If I was willing to go with a 500 sized spool, in my mind, this is what I would use.

UL

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Craigthor
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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by Craigthor » Tue Nov 06, 2018 4:05 pm

Size wise how does it compare to your 1000 series Daiwas?

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Re: shimano 500 series

Post by ultralight » Tue Nov 06, 2018 5:35 pm

Smaller.

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