Shimano Stella worth the coin?

[Bob9863]

I thought I might put an update in, I could write about how much I like the stella, but I think this says it all. 

Since buying the 4000 and the 1000, I've added a 2500, 5000 and now an 8000 to my line up. 

Pretty much have the reel for any job now. 

[Huxstang]

Investment in quality, not a bad thing to do.  

I bought a new model Shimano Bantam and with some fine tuning of the brake it’s an absolute weapon.  Scary how well it casts even on a stout Loomis 665 Barra rod.

 

[Bob9863]

I was thinking about adding a Shimano Calcutta Conquest to my line-up. 

The only problem is I want to get out of baitcasters altogether. 

The only overhead I want will be my two overhead game rods. 

[Rebel]

My two cents worth. Had problems with Shimano's.

Changed to Penn's

I have a Slammer 4 4500hs, Clash5000, Battle 2 5000, Spin fisher V 6000, Conflict 2 5000.

Never had a problem with any of them.

One reel I really like is the Fin-Nor LT100. Had it for years.

Cheers.

 

[Bob9863]

I havent had a problem with any of the Stella's, I have with cheaper shimano's but the flagship range has been flawless IME. 

All the fish parks I go to run Stella's for their lure rods and bait runners for their bait rods and they definitely take a pounding. 

Time will tell how these hold up to some big arapima but I should find out by the end of the year fingers crossed. 

[Old Scaley]

37 minutes ago, Bob9863 said:

I havent had a problem with any of the Stella's, I have with cheaper shimano's but the flagship range has been flawless IME. 

All the fish parks I go to run Stella's for their lure rods and bait runners for their bait rods and they definitely take a pounding. 

Time will tell how these hold up to some big arapima but I should find out by the end of the year fingers crossed. 

@Bob9863, if you ever decide to switch brands, I can help you dispose of all those Stellas...............

[Junky]

1 hour ago, Old Scaley said:

@Bob9863, if you ever decide to switch brands, I can help you dispose of all those Stellas...............

That'll be a pretty heavy box to lift Stevo. I'll have to come and give you a hand. 

[Bob9863]

1 hour ago, Old Scaley said:

@Bob9863, if you ever decide to switch brands, I can help you dispose of all those Stellas...............

I wouldn't hold my breath.

[Huxstang]

21 hours ago, Bob9863 said:

I was thinking about adding a Shimano Calcutta Conquest to my line-up. 

The only problem is I want to get out of baitcasters altogether. 

The only overhead I want will be my two overhead game rods. 

I love baitcasters, I love lures, I don’t use them enough LOL.

I am with you the Conquest 200 would be a lovely, and I would love an Ocea Conquest 300 for light jigging but it just wouldn’t get enough use at this point

[Bob9863]

My view is buy 1st to force you to use it. 

What's the saying, if you build it they will come.

[Tuna are fish]

On 03/04/2023 at 12:01 PM, Rebel said:

One reel I really like is the Fin-Nor LT100. Had it for years

Got one of those when i lived in Arlie Beach to stop GTs, they are an absolute weapon for the price and its still going after 5 - 6 years.

[Sylvathorn]

What can I say that hasn't already been said?
You can't go wrong with top end quality gear.
Back in 81 or 82 I bought an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5000 Thumb Bar release, which I added a ratchet to, and a Abu Cardinal 52. Both were Made in Sweden models.
I've caught lots of fish with them over the years and they're still going strong 40 years later. 

[Bob9863]

I've still got Abu Garcia Ambassadeur c4 that I have had for 15-16 years now, it's had a few upgrades since then but only because it's been such a reliable reel. 

I've caught everything from little redfin to some decent 2m and bigger sharks on it and an absolute ton of Barra. 

They are a very underrated reel, I've given a lot of thought into getting one or two left hand ones. 

[Old Scaley]

2 hours ago, Sylvathorn said:

What can I say that hasn't already been said?
You can't go wrong with top end quality gear.
Back in 81 or 82 I bought an Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 5000 Thumb Bar release, which I added a ratchet to, and a Abu Cardinal 52. Both were Made in Sweden models.
I've caught lots of fish with them over the years and they're still going strong 40 years later. 

I had a few of those Abu reels made in Sweden. My favourite was the Cardinal 57 with rear drag. Smooth as silk and lasted well over 30 years without a service. In the end the spindle for the winding handle wore out. I still have the Ambassadeur 7000 and it is like brand new after 40 odd years but doesn’t get a lot of use these days. I would still like a Stella.

[Sylvathorn]

8 hours ago, Old Scaley said:

I had a few of those Abu reels made in Sweden. My favourite was the Cardinal 57 with rear drag. Smooth as silk and lasted well over 30 years without a service. In the end the spindle for the winding handle wore out. I still have the Ambassadeur 7000 and it is like brand new after 40 odd years but doesn’t get a lot of use these days. I would still like a Stella.

yep, parts can wear, can't stop it, and I so love my 7000 too
Ambassadeur made some seriously good gear!