My Ultralite Shimano 500 Sahara pooped out on me last night while crappie fishing. I guess it got tired of reeling in all those monster crappie (oxymoron).
So I figured it was time to upgrade her to a new 500 series reel to hold 4-6 lb test.
Got any suggestions for a smooth reliable replacement?
Quantum Kinetic PTi in a size 5 or 10 are pretty stout reels. I’m using the next step up – Catalyst size 10 for all my ice fishing & lite steelhead/walleye rods.
The bread and butter reel for your style of fishing would definitely be the Shimano Stradic Ci4 in the 1000 series size. Honestly, an amazing reel but you will pay for it as it retails for $199.99.
I like the 500 series Shimano Sedonas, Saharas and the 1000 series Saros 
I agree about the carbon stradic- however for a crappie reel that is alot of money. I am running the sedona 500 on my ultralights and really like them. I run the carbon stradic 1000 on my light action jigging rod for walleyes, personally for crappies and panfish I strongly feel that you can’t go wrong with any of the shimano 500 class reels. It all comes down to almighty dollar…! I also have a cheaper Mitchell Avocet reel that was given to me as a gift… and it works just fine also.
I always use this rule of thumb when buying any of my equipment, if possible jump up one grade or step from what you like and its more like an investment. You usually get what you pay for. When it comes to fishing muskies, I spend the big money and get quality reels, because otherwise I will be buying another one in a year or two.
Just another opinion.
Good luck fishin’
If you don’t want to spend a ton of money the gander mountain guide series reals seem to be good, I have had one for over 6 years now and it still runs strong caught a lot of fish with it just another option
I used a Sahara 500 for summer and winter panfish fishing. I feel it is a great reel. Anyways, I had one start to wear out on me – caught lots of fish. I ended up getting a Pflueger President to replace it and I love it! My wife has a Gander Mountain branded ultralight reel I purchased for her last year. It is nice, but feels a little sloppy in the build characteristics. I will probably be replacing that with a President when that fails. I will also probably replace my walleye Shimano reel with a president when that fails. I guess I am saying that I now prefer the Pfleuger over the Shimano reels – which I have used all my life.
Just was looking for something similar. I looked at the Sedona, but actually ended up with a Diawa Legalis because I liked how it felt a little better. Time will tell if I made the right choice.
I would look at the Pflueger President 6920 model. Durable and smooth little reel and it’s only about $49.
Go to a store like Gander or similar in your area and try several. Up until a few years ago the answer was always Shimano but now I have a few “others” that I like as well.
Two reels come to mind…besides whats been posted
Quantum Accurist PTi 10…all the good stuff and ceramic stack drag…$84.95…excellent reel
Lews SS 100…$49.00…Several of the “Yooper Crew” bought these the past couple seasons for Walleye in the 200 size and are very pleased with them. I also have a 100 on a St Croix 7′ L panfish rod and it is smooth and sweet. 
How bout Sahara 1000 eighty bucks and everything that a stratic fj does minus a lil smoother line wrap, the 500s are fun but the 1000 throws better and it’s quicker on the retrieve, the Sahara seems to be pretty bulletproof I use em for wade fishing and run into a ton of big channel cats got a 35 incher and a 50in ski last summer on that lil turd and it never skipped a beat, couple that with everyday soakings/ dropped in the sand, and zero maintenance and its a wonder its still alive
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My Ultralite Shimano 500 Sahara pooped out on me last night while crappie fishing. I guess it got tired of reeling in all those monster crappie (oxymoron).
So I figured it was time to upgrade her to a new 500 series reel to hold 4-6 lb test.
Got any suggestions for a smooth reliable replacement?
If you liked it, replace it with the same reel. No need to change unless you didnt like it. The sahara 500 is a decent reel.
Personally I like the pfluegers for panfish, no real reason to chose one over a shimano.. I just like them. The trion is my standard panfish reel.
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