'08 Stellas are here!!

[fishr1989]

Japan Tackle has the new '08 Stellas in stock, Japan Version

20000 - $1142

they are NOT cheap, a big jump from the older model

Shimano Stella

[fishr1989]

they also no longer come with a spare spool

[Bill Fisher]

It retails for $850 USD in Japan and about $1200 when available in Australia.

Shimano Stella Sw 20000pg Spinning Reel(sell offer) - Indonesia

[Grescobia]

What improvements were made to increase the price?

[fishr1989]

there's a post elsewhere on the site i can't find that tells most of the new improvements

mr. bill posted pictures of the new reel in it a few weeks ago

[ichibahn]

I got this info from other forum:

STELLA SW10000PG - Gear Ratio 4.9 - Drag 20Kg - Weight 610g
STELLA SW10000XG - Gear Ratio 5.8 - Drag 20Kg - Weight 610g
STELLA SW18000HG - Gear Ratio 5.7 - Drag 25Kg - Weight 850g
STELLA SW20000PG - Gear Ratio 4.4 - Drag 25Kg - Weight 850g

[Ragman]

The biggest improvement that I've read so far, is the weight reduction of the 10K.

I think Kil posted about a 10 oz (from 32 to 22) difference?

EDIT: I had posted the 20K and meant the 10K

[gman]

Im a tackle whore but I cant see spending another 1,000 plus dollars for a 10 ounce reduction and they arent giving you the extra spool anymore

[BretABaker]

Originally Posted by Ragman

The biggest improvement that I've read so far, is the weight reduction of the 20K.

I think Kil posted about a 10 oz (from 32 to 22) difference?

If Ichiban is correct - the new 20k weighs 29.92oz (.85kg x 2.2lb/kg x 16oz/lb)

[hatidua]

That link above to a retailer in Kuta (Bali) has a minimum order of 10pcs on any reel they sell according to their site. And, as much as I like Indonesia (I have lived there from time to time and have otherwise spent a LOT of time there), that would NOT be where I would buy tackle from. I don't help transfer millions for deposed Nigerian heads of state either

The new reels seem to be lighter and have a lower max drag output. I suspect with Accurate and others coming out with uppity spinning reels, it was seen as a necessity to come out with an "all new" Stella in spite of the "old" Stella doing a pretty outstanding job of accomplishing anything asked of it.

From the specs that I've seen on the new model, I see no reason whatsoever to replace all (or any) of my Stella FA reels with a version that costs significantly more, put out less drag, and look really tacky with that gold handle arm.