Shimano Stella...Is it worth it

[gman]

Zeebass makes a great spinning reel preffered by surf casters world wide. but for big game fishing ...

I will respectfully disagree they dont even compare for big game fish. The Stella has over 55 pounds of drag, holding over 400 yards of 80 pound braid, lightweight and the smoothest drag on the market. on top of that you can get a high gear to a low gear.

The stella series has evolved over decades and is pretty streamlined down to a spool that is shaped so the line has the least amount of friction during casting.

The biggest difference IMHO is the handle and grip, the stella handle and grip is made for torque and leverage and is very very comfortable. This is a huge factor when fighting big fish the last thing I want is a small hard handle that is uncomfortable.

There is a reason the reel is preffered for casting internationally, not that Zbass, Twin spins or Diawas are bad just not my choice

[ballywho27]

Has anybody had a chance to compare the old one with the new SW series.

[gman]

Has anybody had a chance to compare the old one with the new SW series.

Here are some observations.

1) Weight - the biggest sized reel is 115g lighter than the old one

2) The new drag disks are now sealed and fix, therefore better protection over water incursion as well as ease in changing spool (no need to align disks)

3) The shaft that holds the handle knobs are now longer so old stella handle s will not fit the new ones. Also, no more silly brass screws that secure the handle to the shaft.

4) Drag clicker on the new stellas are sweeettttt!! distinctive clinking sound.

5) The weight of the old and new stella body (no handle assemble and spool) is 550g vs 540g, a mere 10g diff.

6) The old handle assembly will fit on the new stellas so owners of SOM custom handles can still use them.

7) Only one oiling port on the side instead of 2.

8) The new handle knobs comes with very impressive ball bearings, I don't know what kind by they look expensive! There is also a shield to prevent water incursion into the screws and bearings

9) Very pretty reel bag, no need to squeeze them like the old ones anymore!

10. Totally new spool and bail design so you get better line lay off an don reel therefore increasing casting distance

[ballywho27]

I am kinda leaning toward the SW 18000 vs. 20000. I know the 20000 has a little more line capacity but i like the faster retrieve of the 18000. Wouldn't the faster retrieve be better for jigging.

[paul708]

Wouldn't the faster retrieve be better for jigging.

not usually. the lower gear for power is good for jigging.

[ballywho27]

I thought the high speed reels were better for jigging b/c they give the jig a little more action.

[Jiggin Junkie]

I used to jig with a Torium which has a 6:1 to 1 ratio and i jig with a Spheros 14000 which only has a 4:8 to 1 ratio and I haven't noticed any difference in bit ratio. I do however know that the higher the retrieve the less the torque or cranking power, the slower the retrieve the more the cranking power. So for bigger fish you are better off with the raw cranking power over speed of jig.

[paul708]

I thought the high speed reels were better for jigging b/c they give the jig a little more action.

if your jigging style is ripping a jig high speed thru the water.. then a high gear would be prefered.

[gman]

DO NOT use a 18000 for jigging. It is made for casting the higher gears will make you work 3x as hard. the 20000 is teh perfect jigging reel. Trust me i have both

[nilebrim]

if you have the money take the plunge and get the stella 20k you will not be sorry. i had 3 of the old ones and i am getting ready to buy 2 of the new ones next week, no way around it they are the goods!