My opinion and input. I’ve just gotten through with a search for a better than average 500 series reel. Weight was a factor as well as shallow spool and gear ratio and bearing count. My first choice was the vanford 500s but looking everywhere I haven’t found one in stock yet. The Soare XR has many good reports and I was on board with one of those. I then found a Regal 1000s which are also hard to find under $240 for over $100 less than that and I couldn’t say no. That still doesn’t solve my good 500s search but to end this I’ll say that the Vanford is still my first choice and I wouldn’t turn my nose up at a Soare XR, both near $200 or a little better. I’ve handled the Sahara and find them very heavy and not as smooth as I was looking for. That’s by feel and not specs. Using that info and checking other specs I didn’t find any others to compare. With Abu Garcia’s newer reels getting so much good press I’d be into handling one to see how well they are if they have any offerings in the 500 class. Good luck in your search and I’m watching to see the outcome of it.