Heavy duty spinning reel is the lineups of bigger and heavier gear, labelled SW from SHIMANO – like Stella SW, Twin Power SW and so on.
Now cost effective heavy duty reel is renewed in 2020 – SHIMANO 20 Stradic SW is out.
Enhanced Toughness and Strength
The biggest feature of this new 20 Stradic SW is this – Infinity Drive.
This is the structure of pinion gear and main shaft to reduce 30% of friction, which holds pinion gear by 2 bearings, and this gains reeling power and smoother reeling.
This feature is at moment, only featured to Stella SW.
Secondary, X-Protect is installed to line roller and stopper bearing, which gains water resistance, especially for bigger size, it is worth IPX8 water resistance, that is the standard of water resistance by ISO and IPX8 proves of water resistance from constantly sinking into water.
And this is in fact, the point I really like though, all the models have round type handle knob, thought especially for jigging and casting game use.
Different Concept by Size Difference
This is actually interesting point of this new 20 Stradic SW – size difference is concept difference.
#4000 is actually out in September 2020 already, but this does not include Infinity Drive.
But why?
It is actually told that #4000 body is designed based on 20 Twin Power, not from other SW reels, but enhanced durability and toughness for SW and that is why that size is out earlier without Infinity Drive but instead, Silent Drive and G-Free Body.
Therefore it is quite lighter than other size.
#5000 – #10000 are based on SW models, therefore heavier than #4000 and Silent Drive and G-Free Body but has Infinity Drive.
Comparison to Saragosa SWA – Australia Model
Now SHIMANO has released new 20 Saragosa SWA in Australia, which looks very close to this 20 Stradic SW.
So what’s the differences?
Those 2 models are very close. Spool designs are very close, and HAGANE Gear, HAGANE Body, X-Ship, Infinity Drive and X-Protect are the same, as well.
First difference is the body size, 20 Stradic SW has #4000 – #10000 and 20 Saragosa SWA has #5000 – #25000, so Saragosa SWA range is basically bigger than 20 Stradic SW.
Ball bearings are a bit different as well. 20 Stradic SW has 6 ball bearings and 20 Saragosa SWA has 5, for #5000 to #14000. #18000 or bigger have 6 ball bearings though.
And the handle knob is different, 20 Saragosa’s knobs are more like previous Stradic SW or Biomaster SW, egg shape knobs but 20 Stradic SW has round knobs.
And weight of 20 Saragosa SWA is a little heavier than 20 Stradic SW.
Feature-wise, 20 Stradic SW has X-Shield and 20 Saragosa SWA does not.
* Feb 9th 2021 Added: as SHIMANO Australia official website announces X-Shield is not on the feature list at 20 Saragosa SWA, but USA website does, so we talked to SHIMANO Australia and they said 20 Saragosa SWA also has X-Shield. We are sorry for this mistake.
We also checked and compared both of schematic charts, and found out the differences in between 20 Stradic SW and 20 Saragosa SWA are only 2 points, the ball bearing in the handle knob and the handle knob material.
20 Stradic SW has 1 S A-RB ball bearing inside the handle knob and 20 Saragosa SWA does not. And 20 Stradic SW has Ci4+ carbon handle knob, which is lighter but stronger than normal carbon / resin material, and 20 Saragosa SWA has old type egg shape knob.
Although the spec sheet says larger 20 Saragosa SWA contains 6 ball bearings, schematic chart did not contain extra ball bearing anywhere.
So, differences in between those 2 reels are literally around the handle knob and lineup sizes. 20 Stradic SW is for middle – heavy use with lighter and smoother round handle knob, and 20 Saragosa SWA is also from middle – heavy but has larger size with different shape knob.
For size-wize, if you are looking for bigger size of #14000 or more, then 20 Saragosa SWA is only your choise.
But if you are looking for medium size, from #5000 – #10000, then you may have both as choice, so ball bearings, gear ratio variety, weight and the handle knob type could be comparable to be selected.
For example, if you like round knob like me, 20 Stradic SW can be your better choice. Or if 20 Saragosa SWA does not have the gear ratio with the size you wanted, 20 Stradic SW would be yours.
This is actually one of the reasons why we buy reels from Japan – they normally have more variety of models than overseas.
At least from schematic chart, they are very similar, especially the body could be exactly the same like brother and sister.
Specs and Release Date
This new 20 Stradic SW lineups are very similar to previous Biomaster SW, with lots of more additional models – from #4000 to #10000 – than previous Stradic SW series, which makes me think this 20 Stradic SW could actually be the renewal model of previous Biomaster SW as price range is very close.
4000HG / 4000XG are already on sale now, and the rest of models 5000PG / 5000XG / 6000PG / 6000HG / 6000XG / 8000PG / 8000HG / 10000HG will be on sale in this November 2020.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Drag Power (kg) | Weight (g) | Spool Size Dia./Stroke(mm) | Capacity Mono (lb-m) Braid (lb-m) | Retrieve Range (cm) | Handle Length (mm) | Ball Bearings | Price (yen) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000HG | 5.8 | 6.0/11.0 | 300 | 52/19 | 3.5-170 4-150 5-125 #1-490 #1.5-320 #2-240 | 95 | 57 | 6/1 | 32,000 |
| 4000XG | 6.2 | 6.0/11.0 | 300 | 52/19 | 3.5-170 4-150 5-125 #1-490 #1.5-320 #2-240 | 101 | 57 | 6/1 | 32,000 |
| 5000PG | 4.6 | 6.0/12.0 | 430 | 54/19 | 4-200 5-150 6-130 #2-350 #3-240 #4-170 | 78 | 60 | 6/1 | 32,500 |
| 5000XG | 6.2 | 6.0/12.0 | 430 | 54/19 | 4-200 5-150 6-130 #2-350 #3-240 #4-170 | 105 | 65 | 6/1 | 32,500 |
| 6000PG | 4.6 | 7.0/12.0 | 440 | 57.5/19 | 4-240 5-190 6-160 #2-440 #3-300 #4-210 | 83 | 60 | 6/1 | 32,500 |
| 6000HG | 5.7 | 7.0/12.0 | 440 | 57.5/19 | 4-240 5-190 6-160 #2-440 #3-300 #4-210 | 103 | 60 | 6/1 | 32,500 |
| 6000XG | 6.2 | 7.0/12.0 | 440 | 57.5/19 | 4-240 5-190 6-160 #2-440 #3-300 #4-210 | 112 | 65 | 6/1 | 32,500 |
| 8000PG | 4.9 | 9.0/13.0 | 650 | 61/22 | #3-410 #4-300 #5-250 | 94 | 75 | 6/1 | 37,900 |
| 8000HG | 5.6 | 9.0/13.0 | 645 | 61/22 | #3-410 #4-300 #5-250 | 107 | 75 | 6/1 | 37,900 |
| 10000HG | 5.6 | 9.0/13.0 | 660 | 66/22 | 6-300 8-210 10-160 #4-400 #5-300 #6-250 | 116 | 75 | 6/1 | 37,900 |
* Braided line capacity is based on Japanese size “Gou”. Please refer to Gou and Diameter table to see diameters of each Gou.
* All product information and images are basically from SHIMANO official website.
You forgot to mention the heat sink plate on the Saragosa under the spool. The Stradic SW doesn’t have this?
Hi Stephen, thank you for your comment.
Unfortunately Saragosa SWA does not have heat sink plate, the black plate underneath the spool is extra drag washers as written in the parts list.
So the biggest difference of Saragosa SWA and Stradic SW is the drag system, from Schimatec Saragosa SWA has less drag washer at the size of 5000 / 6000, one less ball bearing at the handle knob.
At 8000 of size or more the top side drag washer amount looks the same for both but Saragosa SWA has a little bigger carbon washers. Not sure about the underneath washers but it might be the one that makes stronger drag capacity for Saragosa.
Stradic SW has ‘silent drive’ which according to Shimano means that “intricate parts of the drive train have been carefully reviewed, and the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances….. In my experience the new Saragosa is unrefined and as one youtube reviewer accurately stated, has an “agricultural” feel to it. While the new Stradic SW reels are a little better, no reel is the same. With a view to purchasing I’ve checked out multiple SW 5000XG and SW 6000XG Stradics. A couple had a distinct wobble coming from somewhere internally when winding the handle, one had a harsh, grainy feel when winding, one made a rather noticeable clunking noise at the start of each wind and none could be described as particularly smooth or silent. I checked multiple reels at three separate retailers. So this notion of engineering to high tolerances is untrue. Perhaps high-end Shimano reels manufactured in Japan are better but the new Stradic SW and Saragosa SW are clearly manufactured on the cheap.
Dear Peter, thank you for your comment.
Firstly, Silent Drive is only featured to #4000 body as that size is based on small spinning reel but not for bigger. Other sizes does not have one but has Infinite Drive instead.
Saragosa SW-A and Stradic SW are both made in Malaysia, which is the same from the previous Saragosa, Stradic SW or Biomaster.
Of course they are built on cheaper manufacturing factories to stay them in cheaper price and therefore each parts would not be perfect like made-in-Japan reels such as Stella SW, TwinPower SW, however at least they have clearly been refined, clearance is better and more durable than previous models.
And if you think what you get from these price range, and think about fish-ability, these reels are much nicer than ever.
If you compare them to made-in-japan reels, I personally think theres no point of it because of price gap. Just ignore those cheaper reels, and go buy high-end.
Important detail, the Stradic SW 4000 is a whole different reel from the other sizes. It is essentially a Stradic, it does not have all the internal seals. Now from sizes 5000 and up it is essentially the same reel as the Saragosa…
Hi Chris, thank you for your information.
As you mentioned yes SW4000 “structure” is based on light small spinning reels, however the the materials inside the body are different as well, main shaft / gear / etc. Also the body thickness is slightly thicker than normal 19 Stradic. So similar, but I am afraid you can’t say that’s the same reel.
Comparing to Saragosa, honestly, if you love Gosa then should go with Gosa, no need to buy Stradic SW. Featurewise they are the same, structure is the same, but the body shape, detail designs are slightly different as Saragosa SW body size is slightly bigger than Stradic, and the drag system is different.
Personally, Gossa is more for bigger and tougher fishing so you don’t need light weight and/or smooth drag. Meaning, Stradic SW is slightly smaller body with slightly lighter weight and the drag is not as strong as Gossa (only at #8000 size or above) but slightly smoother to start, and smoother to keep releasing lines.
When using, I am quite happy with Stradic SW #6000 as it has good enough strenght of power and rigid body that can fight against 10kg kingfish.