Shimano Saragosa SW Review- Is The Reel Waterproof?

Shimano Saragosa SW saltwater spinning reel is part of Shimano’s offshore spinning reel lineup dedicated to the Blue Water anglers. The Shimano Saragosa SW reels come in a wide range of sizes from 5000 up to a massive 25000 to suit the demands of all saltwater game anglers.

Packed with the best Shimano features, including XShip for efficient power transmission plus HD gear and shielded ARB bearings, the Shimano Saragosa SW also features an XShield waterproof body and drag to protect it from the harsh saltwater environment. Now you can tackle the toughest species and conditions with elegance and power.

Shimano Saragosa SW Model Technical Specifications Chart

Model Gear Ratio Bearings Max Drag (lb) Line Retrieve Per Crank (in) Weight (oz) Mono Line Capacity (lb/yds) Braid Line Capacity (lb/yds)
Saragosa SW 5000 5.7:1 5+1 22 38 16.0 10/240, 12/195, 14/165 20/245, 30/225, 40/175
Saragosa SW 6000 5.7:1 5+1 22 38 16.4 12/265, 16/170, 20/120 30/290, 50/195, 65/140
Saragosa SW 8000 5.6:1 5+1 27 37 24.3 14/345, 16/250, 20/185 40/340, 50/265, 65/215
Saragosa SW 10000 4.9:1 5+1 33 40 24.7 12/500, 16/320, 20/220 50/360, 65/290, 80/215
Saragosa SW 20000 4.4:1 5+1 44 41 33.3 20/460, 25/380, 30/320 65/490, 80/400, 100/340
Saragosa SW 25000 4.4:1 5+1 44 45 34.2 20/570, 25/490, 30/360 80/570, 100/490, 120/395

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Key Features at a Glance:

  • X-Tough Drag: Cross carbon, waterproof, twin drag
  • X-Ship: X-Ship technology for improved gear durability
  • Hagane body and gear for enhanced strength and durability
  • X-Tough Drag for smooth and consistent drag performance
  • X-Shield and X-Protect for increased corrosion resistance
  • AR-C spool with Power Roller for improved line management
  • One-Piece Bail for reduced friction and smoother line flow
  • Waterproof drag
  • Dartainium II drag washers
  • Water resistant with X-Shield and X-Protect
  • S A-RB Shielded ball bearings and graphite Rotor
  • Aluminum frame, Aluminum spool
  • Ergonomic handle grips
  • Septon handle grips
  • Anti-Reverse (Super Stopper II) and power roller III line roller
  • Fluidrive II
  • Approved for saltwater Fishing

What are the pros of the Shimano Saragosa SW reel?

From an angling perspective, every individual who has owned and enjoyed using Shimano tackle has a reason to thank a Japanese visionary named Shozaburo Shimano, who in 1921 declared, “I aim to make Shimano’s products the best in Kansai, then the best in Japan, and finally the best in the world.” For over 80 years, Shimano has concentrated on precision engineering, one step at a time. Creating the most innovative products and processes you can hold in your hand today.

Customer Reviews of Shimano Saragosa SW Saltwater Reel

  • Tackle the toughest species and conditions with elegance and power using the Shimano Saragosa SW saltwater spinning reel.
  • It is equipped with a Propulsion Line Management System that provides longer casting distances while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.
  • X-Ship Technology provides improved gear durability and eliminates friction between the spool shaft and gear, enhancing the casting performance and allowing for longer casts.
  • Shielded roller bearings on both sides reduce the possibility of salt or sand obstructing the bearing’s rotation, while the waterproof drag uses rubber gaskets to protect against intrusion of the elements.

New Shimano Saragosa SW spinning reel review in 2024

Shimano Saragosa SW is the gutsy and durable saltwater spinning reel family that has many substantial features, many of which are also found on the flagship Shimano Stella SW series. So let’s check the key features with full details.

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Lightweight XT7 graphite body

Featuring an X-Ship encased in a hybrid aluminum and XT7 graphite body with an XGT7 rotor, the Shimano Saragosa SW delivers remarkable cranking power with less effort and a smoother feel. X-Shield and X-Protect keep saltwater out of key areas, while the Cross Carbon Drag is also waterproof.

It features a Hagane Body made of XGT7 material for heavy-duty saltwater spinning reels in a wide range of sizes. The reel also has excellent casting properties thanks to Varispeed line laying and ARC coil design. The smaller sizes are perfect for casting, spinning, and jigging. And the larger 20000 and 25000 sizes, with their rigid support cross carbon drags, are perfect for large bluewater game fish like tuna.

Waterproof drag and body

Encased in a hybrid aluminum and XT7 graphite body with an XGT7 rotor, Shimano’s legendary X-Ship bearing supported pinion gear, and larger drive gear delivers remarkable cranking power with less effort and a smoother feel. X-Shield and X-Protect keep saltwater out of key areas, while the Cross Carbon drag is also waterproof. In fact, it is capable of dialing up anywhere from 10 to 20 kilos of hurt on your quarry, depending on the reel model.

CAM oscillation system

The Shimano Saragosa SW Spinning reels are saltwater spinning reels made to be durable with a new “Cam” oscillation system. These reels are water-resistant and provide a comfortable drag. The reels are dedicated to the Blue Water angler and are perfect for tackling the toughest species and conditions with elegance and power. These reels offer up to 44 pounds of drag to stop even the meanest offshore fish.

A one-piece bail arm assembly smoothly guides the line to the roller; Shimano’s Cam Oscillation system combines with the AR-C spool to ensure that a braided line like Power Pro lays neatly on the retrieve without any dips or troughs and leaves the spool with less resistance while casting or in the wake of a big fish.

Propulsion Line Management System

One of the latest additions to the Offshore Spinning lineup dedicated to the Blue Water angler. Shimano Saragosa SW features Propulsion Line Management System, Paladin Gearing, Waterproof drag, and Shielded A-RB Bearing. Tackle the toughest species and conditions with elegance and power—up to 44 pounds of drag to stop even the meanest offshore fish.

 Shimano Saragosa SW Drag

Shimano Saragosa SW is dedicated to the blue water angler. Shimano Saragosa SW features Propulsion Line Management System, HAGANE Gearing, waterproof drag, and shielded A-RB bearings. Tackle the toughest species and conditions with elegance and power with up to 44 pounds of drag to stop even the meanest offshore fish.

Cross Carbon waterproof Drag

This drag material provides a wider range of drag settings to the Shimano Saragosa SW, along with the smoothest Shimano drag performance ever. With the use of rubber gaskets, the drag on the Shimano Saragosa SW is sealed against intrusion of the elements such as water and dust.

Hagane Body and Gear

The HAGANE Body is a metal reel body with high rigidity. The body stiffness and impact resistance virtually eliminate body flexing. The result transforms the angler’s actions directly into cranking power. It’s efficiency through strength.

With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of the Shimano Saragosa SW. Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives you the long-lasting smoothness and pleasure that you feel when you first use a reel, over and over again.

No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear. Instead, the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by a special 3D design and then formed by Shimano’s cold forging technology. The result is assured resilience. It’s the fruit of Shimano’s inexhaustible pursuit of durability; the strength and power of forged metal continue to represent the fundamental concept of Shimano reels.

Spool lip design

The most obvious component of the Propulsion Line Management System is the new Propulsion spool lip design. Through tens of thousands of casting tests and computer simulations, it has been determined that this new spool lip design provides longer casting distances than a standard spool lip design while preventing backlashes and wind knots from forming.

Other Common Features:

One-Piece Bail- One-Piece Bail allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller on the Shimano Saragosa SW. Its seamless design reduces friction and the change of tangles or cuts to the bail arm.

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S A-RB- These bearings have been through the same process as our A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings that reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the bearing’s rotation.

X-Protect- By combining our water repellent coating and our specially designed water channeling labyrinth construction, X-Protect provides high-level water resistance without sacrificing light gear and rotor rotation.

X-Shield – By providing dependable sealing structures and gaskets at 12 critical locations throughout the reel body, we are able to create a water-resistant structure that is highly reliable and durable. Ensuring that the Shimano Saragosa SW can hold up when used in extreme saltwater conditions.

X-Ship – X-Ship provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This means the gears will stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. The added benefit is that friction between the spool shaft and gear is eliminated. This will enhance the casting performance of the Shimano Saragosa SW with lighter lures and allow for longer casts.

X-Tough Drag – X-Tough Drag, with its dramatically enhanced smoothness, control, and toughness, anticipates the vigorous speed of Blue-Fin Tuna and Giant Tuna.

ARC Spool – Shimano Saragosa SW is using the famous Shimano ARC Spool, which is a patented spool design with an angled spool lip. This design enables the line to leave the spool with less friction and in smaller coils resulting in longer, more accurate casts. ARC spools are proven to reduce backlash and wind knots when using braid.

More Feature Details and Models Are Here


Shimano Saragosa SW model specifications:

Model Number:
Bearings: Gear Ratio: Line Per Handle Turn: Weight oz: Mono Line Capacity: Braid Line Capacity: Max Drag:
5+1 4.9:1 40 24.3 12/500, 16/320, 20/220 50/360, 65/260, 80/215 33
6+1 4.4:1 41 33.3 20/460, 25/380, 30/320 65/490, 80/400, 100/340 44

SRG25000SW

6+1 4.4:1 45 34.2 20/570, 25/490, 30/360 65/630, 80/520, 100/440 44
5+1 5.7:1 38 16 10/240, 12/195, 14/165 20/245, 30/225, 40/175 22

SRG6000SW

5+1 5.7:1 40 16.4 12/265, 16/170, 20/120 30/290, 50/195, 65/140 22

SRG8000SW

5+1 5.6:1 42 24.3 14/345, 16/250, 20/185 40/340, 50/265, 65/215 27
Shimano Saragosa SW Video:
Shimano Saragosa SW Spinning Reel (TOP SELLER)
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My Fishing Experience With Shimano Saragosa SW Reel

Finally! A waterproof reel that can be used in the surf and has a lot of the bells and whistles that the higher-priced models boast and won’t break the bank. Shimano really thought this one out.

Really Waterproof

I tested out its claim to be waterproof by submerging the reel in a 5-gallon bucket of water overnight, and when I took it apart the next morning to check for water intrusion, the internals was completely dry! It really is waterproof. I would not recommend going swimming in the surf with this bad boy for extended periods but dunking it here and there shouldn’t be a problem. That’s what Van Stalls and Zeebass are for anyway.

Outstanding Reel

This reel, as previously mentioned, lives up to the Shimano aspect in every sense; well under a 1000 and even under 500 – The drag system takes a beating and keeps on giving. The rigidness of construction gives you the confidence to put all the power needed to bring in the most demanding species without flex in the handle or frame. With every little attention to detail, maintenance is simple – sealed construction means less time spent lubricating and internal cleaning due to ambient conditions and saltwater. Using a high-strength, small-diameter Japanese line, I do wish the line capacity was a little bit more. Those feisty yellowfin in the 100lb class will pull a lot of line on the initial run. I have had my reel stripped to 7/8 on several occasions.

Different sizes

I have recently switched 90% of my reels to all Saragosa SW with the exception of a Stradic fj and a Saragosa 4000f. The reels are smooth, durable, pretty lightweight, and can take a beating. I’ve got the 5000 and a couple of 6000. I will be adding 10k and 20k for a heavy jigging spoon.

Powerful and smooth

It feels solid, casts excellent, and has great drag. Versatile reel, Strong, smooth drag. I have used it for jigging, trolling, live bait, and bottom fishing. With all the species I have gone after with this reel, a solid performing reel is important. Handles Gags, sails, Dolphin, and Kings well.Saragosa SW Handle

This has been my go-to reel this season, and it has been very good to me. I have taken a good number of keeper-sized Stripers, including one to 48″, and it has performed great. It is very similar to the Spheros I have, and the only difference I can tell from using is the Saragosa is a little smoother and faster.

Shimano Saragosa SW 10000

The small and strong reel I got was the 20000 for tuna fishing, but it was overkill for red snapper and jacks. I got a lot more fun pulling red snapper and jacks with this combined with my Shimano Tipej rod, and it is perfect.

Power with a lockdown drag!!

Great offshore reel

Great reel for the price!

I have a 6000 paired up with a 10′ rod for the surf that I have been using for the past 4 seasons. This reel has been dunked numerous times while deep wading and still shows no water intrusion. The line lay is perfect, drag is smooth, and I have had no issues controlling stripers up to 45lbs with it. I fish a lot of boulder fields where getting control of big fish is crucial, and the Saragosa 6000 has no problems putting the brakes on them. I highly recommend this reel!

Great replacement!

5.0 rating like all Shimano reels, this reel is compatible with a 10,000 size spool which eats a ton of line. When spooled up with a 40lbs slick 8 power pro, it’s more than enough to get long casts and adequate line capacity when fishing for smaller tunas without having to worry about getting emptied. Super stiff body and super smooth. Great backup to a Shimano Stella or Shimano Twin Power.

SRG6000SW Combo

I have this reel paired with a St. Croix VIS80HF Avid Inshore and love the combo. It is a super lightweight combo that can catch big fish, but it’s light enough for me to throw lures all day. I have been historically a Penn guy, so I was not used to the manual bail, but after using it a few times and not getting broken off from the bail slamming shut, I fell in love. Super smooth drag.

Saragosa SRG6000SW Fabulous Reel

Saragosa 10.000 drag pressure problems

Great for all inshore

Powerhouse

All-Purpose Reel

Shimano Products Are Great

Awesome experience

I got this reel a few weeks ago but haven’t experienced any catch yet. Perfectly match with the Okuma nomad or the Lamiglas insane10 footer rod. Mainly use it for strippers or some sturgeons and will be traveling for the future catch, hopefully. I was debating about getting the van Staal 150. they weigh about the same the van stall is slightly smaller, but luckily my buddy wanted it too, and this was on sale for 269 if you buy 2 reels, plus it came with a mustard 6in filet knives. It was a just better deal than the Shimano SW.

I dropped it in the surf, as nothing happened!

Butter is smooth, well built, and casts far. I also dropped it in the surf by error, got water and sand, just rinsed it afterward, and kept working as if nothing had happened. It is worth the investment!

8000 Shimano Saragosa

The Saragosa is one of my favorite offshore spinners for general offshore use. It is as smooth and capable as Shimano’s higher-end line and has proven to be just as durable in all my applications. Before purchasing, you should know that the bail is 100% manual and requires you to flip it back over after you cast. I don’t see this as a negative, but if you are used to an auto bail engagement, it will take some time to get used to it.

Saragosa 10,000 for FL snapper fishing

Bought 2 10,000 for the FL red snapper season. Did the job and put the brakes on decent bottom fish. Handled 25lbers with live baits at 125 ft of water and 15lbers on the jig. Had both on Penn Carnage jig rods.

Outstanding performance

The drag on this reel is smooth. The gears look great. What else do you want from a reel this thing can’t provide? I have the 8000, and it puts the works on them stripers, smaller tunas, sharks, and anything that’s not a behemoth, lol!

I’ve caught large striped bass to 9′ sharks on this reel & it performs very well. Not obnoxious in size or weight but feels built like a tank—great smooth drag and is very versatile.

Setbacks: Super disappointed in the quality of workmanship

Bought this reel with high expectations. Used it 1 season on the boat as a backup and the same fall season as a surf reel. It performed ok, nothing special, but the finish started to delaminate in a couple of spots. Never dropped or abused, I take very good care of my gear. When sent f9r clean and grease at the d of the season, it was brought to the attention of Shimano rep was basic Ly told “its paint on a fishing reel; that’s what happens” WHAT??

Final Overview

I’m really impressed with this reel. I ordered the Saragosa SW8000 model. Very smooth. I love it. The only surprise is that it is a little heavier than I thought it would be. I originally thought I would put it on an older St. Croix Mojo inshore rod, but now planning on putting it on a 7 ft Terez. Shipping was prompt and arrived without delay.

I have a few of these reels and really like them. I believe the design is an improvement over the previous model with this name for overall spinning needs inshore and offshore. Smooth drag, good line capacity, even better when used with braid. If you need more drag and have the funding, the twin power will fit the bill.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What size would you recommend for surf fishing big striper?

The 8000 size reel would be a good choice, and it also depends on the rod you’re pairing with it.

Are extra spools available for these Saragosa reels?

Extra spools can be purchased through Shimano.

Is the handle reversible for reeling with your right hand?

Yes, the handle can be switched.

How much 30 and 40lbs braid can I put on a 6000 and 8000 Saragosa?

The Saragosa 6000 would fit 30/290. The Saragosa 8000 would fit 40/340.

Where are Shimano Saragosa SW Spinning Reels made?

The Shimano Saragossa spinning reels are made in Malaysia.

What size Saragosa would you recommend for surf fishing for Blacktip tuna?

I would recommend using the 10000 sizes Saragosa depending on the rod you will be pairing it with.

Can the Shimano Saragosa SW handle tuna fishing?

Yes, I would recommend using the Shimano Saragosa SW 10000 size up to the Shimano Saragosa SW 25000 size.

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