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The Makeup of a Flag Bearer:
A look back at the Shimano Stella SR 2000s
| Date: |
5/15/07 |
| Tackle type: |
Reels |
| Manufacturer: |
Shimano Japan |
| Reviewer: |
Cal |
Total Score: 8.83
Introduction: It's no secret that I am a nut for top-end gear. It goes part and parcel with the title of "Enthusiast Tackle Editor". But there comes a time, place, and piece of equipment where even I have to think twice, or three times before committing to a purchase. This bit of hesitation, reluctance, trepidation, has never been more apparent than when the subject of Shimano's top-end spinning reel came up. Why would I ever need to spend the extra bit of cash on the Stella when I was perfectly satisfied with my Daiwa Certate? Well, as any good Enthusiast would do, when presented with such a question in mind, I tossed aside these reservations and decided to find out for myself.
Here's a look back at what I
discovered about this reel,
as we prepare for the
impending arrival of the
next generation Stella.
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Shimano Stella SR 2000s Specifications
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| Line Capacity (lbs / yds) |
3/125 : 4/100 : 5/75 |
| Gear Ratio (actual retrieve) |
5.2:1 (~27 inches per turn) |
| Measured Weight |
8.1 ounces / 230 grams |
| Measured Max. Drag |
7lbs |
| Bearings |
12 + 1 roller |
| Features |
Magnesium Body Construction, ARB's, One-Piece Bail, Water-Proof Single Disc Drag, SR Engineering |
| MSRP |
$530 (Approx. Import Price) |
Some of you may be asking, "didn't TackleTour already complete a review on the Stella?" Yes, we did, but we ran into some mechanical difficulties with the previous article, and so, it was sent back to the shop for a take down and relube. After some reformatting, resizing, and re-testing, we present to you, again, our findings on this flagship product from Shimano Japan.
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Introducing the Shimano Japan Stella SR 2000s (Shallow Spool)
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Impressions: Shimano's Stella SR (FB in the US Market) may very well be the single most attractive spinning reel on the market today. With its gunmetal-like finish, and attention grabbing spool design, there is no denying the "badness" factor in this reel. Holding it in hand as opposed to viewing it in pictures only proves more devastating, and of course, once in hand, the Stella SR is hard to put down.
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The Stella SR sports an attractive machined handle with a bearing supported knob
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Our 2000s ("s" for shallow spool) came to us tucked neatly into a protective neoprene case that includes a slot in the back for the reel's attractive, machined handle. I took the pieces out immediately, installed the handle, and turned it to reveal the signature silky smooth Shimano gearing. This bit of euphoria was interrupted, however, when I discovered a bit of play at the point where the handle attaches to the body. On our 2000s, I discovered a bit of movement when holding the base of the handle and moving it in a direction perpendicular to the body of the reel. While nothing catastrophic, this bit of play was a bit of disappointment for me on such a high dollar reel.
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The Stella SR comes with its very own neoprene carrying case
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Our Stella SR spooled and ready to go aboard our Megabass F4ST-69RSDti
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The Field Tests: Casting that bit of disappointment aside, the next decision was what line to spool this reel with. With such a shallow spool, the primary purpose of this reel, obviously, is finesse applications. My favorite line to this day, when fishing finesse applications, is the
Original P-line: an early copolymer noted for its very thin diameter and properly rated breaking strength (i.e. 6lbs breaks at about 6lbs, etc.).
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Shimano Stella SR 2000s Complete Field Test Setup
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Reel
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Rod
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Line
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Shimano Stella SR 2000s
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Megabass F4ST-69RSDti Orochi Evoluzion
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6 lb P-Line Original (80yds - .0009" dia)
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Choosing a rod worthy of this reel was not a difficult task considering I had an equally high-dollar stick in my review rack for 2006, the Megabass F4ST-69RSDti Orochi Evolution.
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Note the gold colored ridge along the back of the reel - this serves as a guard protecting the reel from accidental abrasions
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A view of the top of the reel's spool
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Casting: I'll be the first to admit that it is very difficult for me to ascertain the true casting benefit I experience from different spool designs and tapers on spinning reels. I experienced this same difficulty with the Stella 2000s. It is touted as being multi-line type capable and while I only fished it with an old school copolymer, I saw no reason to doubt this claim. Line management was very good and I experienced minimal line twist using a line that is very prone to this phenomenon. The spool is within easy reach for feathering during a cast and bail operation was solid and smooth. Really no
complaints in this area whatsoever.
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The Stella SR's spool is eye-catching at any angle
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The Stella SR sports a maintenance port just below the rotating head
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Another look at the Stella's maintenance port
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Next Section: Retrieve and Ratings
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