[Guest]

Does anyone have any experience with this reel??? From what I see on Shimano's website, it weighs about the same as the stella, and handles over 40lbs of drag. Seeing as it's around $200 at FTU - seems to be a better purchase, but am I missing something?

http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/group_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302059305&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1202262032162

 

[gman]

I believe its new for 2008

 

[Bellyups]

The reel looks very temtping and I need a spinner. However, for my main focus of surface tuna, I am leaning to an old or new model stella. I may pick up a Saragosa 8000 for dorado and such.

 

[SkeeterRonnie]

wierd..the 18000 wieghs less than the 14000 with more line capacity.

I will be getting one instead of a stella for now.

they still havent learned that using carbon fiber instead of dartanium is better in a wet enviroment! I will replace the washers before ever mounting it ona rod!

 

[Guest]

The reel looks very temtping and I need a spinner. However, for my main focus of surface tuna, I am leaning to an old or new model stella. I may pick up a Saragosa 8000 for dorado and such.
if i decide to get another big spinning reel i'll try this barring any horrible reports. i'm sure there are differences - but not ones that are several hundred dollars worth

 

[ember]

It looks to me that the arbor of the spool on the 18000 is considerably thinner than the 14000.Less weight,more capacity.

 

[A.whitman]

bret it looks like a factory upgraded spheros. extral bearing, handle and upgraded drag. cant be beat in my book.

 

[DeepBlueGulf]

I don't think they are shipping yet, but definitely a good budget reel with a quality name behind it.

dbg

 

[Guest]

I don't think they are shipping yet, but definitely a good budget reel with a quality name behind it.

dbg

held the 18k today

 

[fishr1989]

it's so tempting....

 

[rtran]

held the 18k today

How was it? Weight, quality etc? I am looking to pick up a spinning reel to match with an OTI rod.

RT

 

[Guest]

Obviously I didn't cast it or anything, but it felt good. I wish this was out when I bought my Penn 950. For those not wanting to spend a ton, but still have a very strong spinning reel this seems like a perfect fit. In terms of weight - you can see online that the difference is minor.

Now who knows, maybe the insides are made from tissue paper, but even for myself this is a tempting reel.

 

[day0ne]

bret it looks like a factory upgraded spheros. extral bearing, handle and upgraded drag. cant be beat in my book.

The new FB Spheros has been upgraded too. Same 44lbs drag as Saragosa on the 14000 and a new 18000 has been added Price went up a little to $179.99. See this thread for some details:

2CoolFishing - New Saltwater Spinning reels and accessory kit

 

[SpecialK]

held the 18k today
Where did they have them in stock already? I am thinking of ordering one.


I am trying to decide between the 14000 and the 18000. It seems the 14000 might be enough reel but i don't know...

 

[Guest]

I saw the 18k at FTU - not sure if they had other models

 

[SkeeterRonnie]

Kurtis- my reel was the spheros 14000... like you and I discussed- the handle isnt big enough... thats the only concern I have with them- other than upgrading the drags(felt washers suck!)

 

[Guest]

this handle was the big ball type handle. it could've been bigger, but wasn't bad.

 

[SkeeterRonnie]

the spheros has a little rectangle sized doohicke for a handle. it was a pain at times..

 

[fishr1989]

if i get one, I'm definitely going for the bailless kit to match with it

 

[Guest]

how about you just get it and test it....so then I can decide wheter I will get one or not ;-)