Talk to just about any hardcore saltwater angler around the world regarding their dream big game spinning reel and likely one name that’s likely to come out time and time again is Stella. It’s a reliable workhorse reel with a name that’s backed up the claims for over 30 years, renowned globally for its superior performance and deliberately engineered for anglers who demand unparalleled strength, reliability, and sophistication.
The SW (saltwater) variation of the Stella line was first developed in 2008 and is built to handle medium-sized inshore saltwater species with models that will take the abuse from beats all the way to the largest pelagic pursuits like giant bluefin tuna. Nearly two decades and several evolutions of the Stella have formed since then, consistently pushing the limits every time to provide anglers with a tool to dominate the water.
Being Shimano’s flagship saltwater spinning reel, the Stella SW is the pinnacle of all the latest saltwater reel technology, engineering and performance that the company has to offer. Other spinning reels in the Shimano product line feature trickled down technology of the Stella in varying forms, with Shimano engineers finding ways to preserve the core performance benefits of innovation while adapting materials, manufacturing methods, and finishing processes to create products at different price points.
One of the largest upgrades for the big game angler is that with reel sizes 10000 and larger, Shimano has incorporated their Heatsink Drag along with their newly designed XX Tough Drag technology. Both technologies combined are extremely synergistic, with the goal of mitigating heat generation within the drag system. Heat will naturally decrease drag force, along with reducing the lifespan of the drag washers themselves. With the well proven Heat Sink technology, a panel is attached at the base of the spool that sends heat outward to the exterior of the spool. So when that heavyweight yellowfin make a run for the horizon, heat buildup will not be a concern.
Shimano’s XX Tough Drag further refines the spool structure, incorporating large washers from the bottom of the spool and now also at the top, creating a sandwich-like effect. This combination significantly boosts stability of the drag and improves durability by up to 30% from the previous generation of Stella. With drags boasting 55 to 66 pounds of force from models 10000 to 30000, these reels are ready to tame the most energetic pelagic species out there!
At the heart of the reel Shimano also improved gear tooth surface design with their incorporation of INFINITYDRIVE and newly formed INFINITYROSS technologies. Infinity Drive applies a proprietary surface treatment to the main shaft and basically reinvented how it’s supported. Originally supported by the pinion gear, a special low friction bushing is added to mitigate rotational resistance. Both elements work together so every bit of energy an angler puts into turning the handle transmits directly to cranking power, even when that yellowfin decides to dive deep, putting intense pressure on the reel, dogging you to the depths. Infinity Ross improves the surface contact of the drive and pinion gear to prevent damage caused by concentrated stress and improves durability for the long run. The tooth width of each gear is increased in by nearly 1.3 times over the previous model, allowing for smoother gearing even under heavier loads during winding.
With models ranging from the 4000 to 30000, there’s a perfect size from tautog and stripers all the way to your hefty yellowfin and giant bluefin tuna. There are also new models introduced to the U.S. market of the Stella with this new generation including a 6000XG, a high-speed option for those furious striped bass bites along with a 25000PG for that angler that demands line capacity, maximum drag, and ultimate cranking authority.
Retailing from $1,049.99 to $1,549.99, you can find these at your local Shimano dealer.
