Shimano Introduces New Vanquish and Expands Stella SW Lineup for 2026

Introduction: Just days into the new year and Shimano is opening 2026 with updates at both ends of its spinning reel spectrum, unveiling the lightest MagnumLite reel it has ever produced in the new Vanquish, while simultaneously pushing further into big-game territory with the introduction of the Stella 25000 SW D. Though aimed at very different anglers and applications, both reels reflect Shimano’s continued focus on refinement through engineering and drawing on their portfolio of technologies rather than completely redesigning.

Finally Shimano's ultra light Vanquish is officially coming to the US

Vanquish: Positioned at the top end of Shimano’s MagnumLite family, the new Vanquish is engineered for anglers who prioritize agility, sensitivity, and immediate response. Shimano describes it as the lightest MagnumLite spinning reel ever built, and from a design standpoint, the emphasis is clearly on minimizing rotational inertia while maintaining structural integrity.

The Vanquish is a MGL class reel and features an asymmetrical rotor design optimized for light and refined starts and stops

Central to Vanquish’s performance is Shimano’s INFINITY Technology suite. InfinityXross expands gear tooth engagement for improved durability, while InfinityDrive is designed to maintain smooth rotation under load. InfinityLoop, Shimano’s ultra-slow oscillation system, focuses on improved line lay and increased casting distance, an especially relevant feature for finesse anglers relying on light braid tipped with fluorocarbon leaders for long casts and finesse presentations.

The Vanquish is so light becuase it is constructed from CI4+. The 2500 size weighs in at only 5.8 ounces

Like Shimano’s other MGL reels the Vanquish’s asymmetrical MGL Rotor further reduces startup inertia, contributing to the quick start-stop behavior that finesse techniques demand. Shimano has also incorporated an updated Duracross Drag and Anti-Twist Fin, addressing line management and drag consistency.

The 2500S spool is very shallow and is optimized for light line work

The Vanquish will be offered in sizes from 2500S through 4000, with the 2500S featuring a shallow spool specifically designed for ultra-thin braided line. This configuration should appeal to anglers fishing light leaders and delicate presentations where control and efficiency outweigh raw power.

U.S. anglers have long eyed the Vanquish from afar, and the reel once reserved for the JDM market is finally headed stateside. It won’t come cheap, however, with pricing set at $529 when it begins reaching retailers in late February.

On the other end of the Spectrum is Shimano's ultimate spinning reel for big game, the Stella SW D

Stella SW D: At the opposite extreme, Shimano is expanding its flagship saltwater lineup with the new Stella 25000 SW D, a reel aimed at anglers targeting the largest and most demanding pelagic species. While Stella has long been focused on refinement and reliability, this new SW D iteration emphasizes additional strength, heat management, and size range versatility. The Stella SW D platform integrates several advanced Shimano technologies, beginning with InfinityXross gearing for improved load distribution and sustained durability. InfinityDrive reduces rotational resistance under pressure, while SilentDrive tightens internal tolerances to reduce vibration and enhance smoothness, an often overlooked but critical factor during prolonged battles with hard running saltwater fish.

The Stella is a Coresolid reel, designed for maximum rigidity and power under load for winching in big fish

For Stella reels sized 14000 and above, Shimano now combines XXTOUGH Drag with Heatsink Drag, a system designed to reduce spool surface temperature by as much as 30 percent during extended runs. This focus on thermal management should translate into more consistent drag pressure when fighting powerful fish such as tuna or giant trevally.

The reel features a symmetrical rotor and a very streamlined frame

The new reel is built for battle and protection from the elements remains a priority, with X Protect and X Shield providing multiple layers of defense against saltwater intrusion. In terms of lineup expansion, Shimano adds an XG gear ratio option to the 6000 size and introduces the new 25000 size, offering maximum line capacity, drag output, and cranking power for anglers fishing the heaviest tackle and largest fish.

At the top of the lineup, the new 25000 size is the most formidable Stella to date, and with a $1,199 price point, it is clearly aimed at saltwater anglers who place absolute performance above all else.

A large power knob is fitted to the larger Stella SW reels and there are a complete range of sizes all the way up the giant 25000 size

Our Quick Take: Looked at side by side, the new Vanquish and Stella SW D neatly illustrate Shimano’s two-pronged spinning reel philosophy: shave every possible gram and sharpen finesse performance at one extreme, while doubling down on brute strength, endurance, and reliability at the other. Vanquish should resonate strongly with finesse-minded freshwater and light inshore anglers, while the Stella 25000 SW D looks to further Shimano’s well-earned reputation in the big-game spinning arena. That said, our excitement is squarely aimed at the Vanquish 2500S, which looks purpose-built for precision finesse work like scoping and roping - because sometimes the real challenge isn’t fighting the fish, it’s convincing your line and bait to behave in the first place.

The Vanquish is available now for pre-order from Tackle Warehouse