For over 30 years, the Stella name has set the benchmark for premium saltwater spinning reels. Each generation builds on that reputation with advanced engineering, precision manufacturing and a remarkably smooth retrieve. From offshore adventures to casting from the shore, the Stella SW is designed to deliver uncompromising performance every time you fish.
At its core are Shimano's latest technologies, including HAGANE Gear, InfinityXross, InfinityDrive, Heat Sink Drag and the upgraded XX-Tough Drag system with larger drag washers for increased stopping power and durability. Exceptional sealing also helps protect the internal components from saltwater, ensuring lasting reliability in demanding environments.
Whether you're offshore spinning for hard-fighting pelagic species, vertical jigging over deep water or shore jigging for powerful coastal predators, the Stella SW provides the strength, smoothness and control needed when every fish counts.
The Stella SW represents a serious investment, but for dedicated anglers seeking one of the finest saltwater spinning reels ever produced, it offers performance, durability and confidence that are second to none.
Shimano Stella Reel Features
- X-Ship: provides improved gear durability. By supporting the pinion gear on both ends with bearings, the pinion gear maintains precise alignment with the drive gear. This increased support allows the gears to stay in the same position under the heaviest loads. X-Ship technology also eliminates the friction between the spool shaft and gear to further benefit anglers with enhanced casting performance and casting distance of lighter lures.
- Hagane Drive Gear: produced by Shimano’s coldforging technology, without the need for additional machining. This delivers a longlasting smoothness, strength, lightness and power at the very heart of the reel. Traditional diecast, machined gears are less durable under heavy loads.
- One Piece Bail: allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. The seamless design reduces friction and decreases the chance of tangles or the line catching on the bail arm.
- X-Rigid Gear: Ultimate toughness was sought for the main gear to withstand the maximum drag needed when tackling offshore pursuits. The difference is obvious; the new main gear is thicker and stronger. With its additional special surface coating, a maximum of 38% greater durability is achieved over past STELLA reels. This is a super tough gear suitable for the heart of the new STELLA SW, designed for perfection in the most extreme situations.
- X-Tough Drag: Each washer is made of only metal and carbon to support the spool from both the top and bottom. Smooth and stable drag performance has been refined by improving heat resistance and durability.
- X-Shield: The body is water-resistant equivalent to IPX8 by water-resistant seals on the body, side covers, and other parts of the body.
- X-Protect: Large reels for saltwater, a contact-type water-resistant structure is used for large spinning reels that require higher water-resistant performance. By physically cutting off the entry path of seawater with a low-sliding seal member, high water-resistant performance is achieved while suppressing rotational resistance. The stopper bearing and line roller parts are adopted, and the stopper bearing part in particular achieves a water-resistant rating equivalent to IPX8.
- S A-RB bearings: put through the same process as Shimano’s A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings. These shields reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the rotation of the bearing.
- Infinitydrive: technology is an advanced structure that produces lower friction and lighter winding. Pinion gear is supported by the spool shaft instead of the pinion gear bearing on the spool side. Rotational resistance of the gear section has been reduced without compromising gear strength.
- Infinityloop: technology minimizes resistance during line release from the spool, significantly enhancing casting performance. However, the benefits extend beyond just improved casting. When the drag is engaged, the frequency of vertical line movement is minimized, allowing for a smoother line release, preventing unexpected line trouble. Additionally, the SW model incorporates a two-speed oscillation system, optimized through rigorous testing to ensure lines are wound at wide intervals on top of a tightly layered base. This effectively reduces the risk of line digging under high drag conditions.
- Anti-Twist Fin: Elastic fins are installed in close proximity to the line roller section. By suppressing line slack, the fins reduce the phenomenon of line dropping out of the lower part of the spool and line wrapping around the spool while the line is still twisted.
