Have always been a big shimano fan and thought the sahara was a great durable reel for the price point.
I put in a lot of hours in the salt.I think shimano quality has diminished the past 10 years for their

r sub $200 reels

I think then past few years diawa has really improved their quality and design. Picked up a diawa battle and really think it is a good reel.

Have a few penns too and no complaints. For the money I would go Diawa.