The soare xr 500 spg weighs 135 grams which makes it the lightest JDM reel, however, the handle is a bit short and when cranking fast, it tends to catch a bit. The vanford 500 weighs at 140 grams but the handle is longer and does not catch. The 500 ci4 series does not have the mag rotor, hagane gears, or the body protector but the benefits if the UL reel outweighs those xtras and I haven't noticed a difference.