TackleTour

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.

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.

Looks like a new 500 Sahara is on the way at my local tackle store.

Anyone have a Soare 500? What do you think of it?

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.

I'm looking forward to hearing your reactions. Thanks!

U got it.

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.

ulbc2 wrote:and seems to go increasing prematurely.

What do you mean by this? And thanks for the feedback.

I'm sorry because my English is very bad . 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.

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

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

Smaller.