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NY, NJ, CT, RI Edition
November 03, 2009
Volume 20 � Number 10
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Nor'east Saltwater Online Magazine powered by:
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Selecting Major Weapons of Mass Destruction
by Bob Banfelder
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By Bob Banfelder
Why in the world would anyone spend between $730 and $830 for medium/medium-heavy action saltwater spinning reels? Do such high prices necessarily warrant their worth? The retail price range, in reel size order, reflects the first four of Shimano’s six high-end Stella SW (Salt Water) series; $950 targets the last and larger two heavy-duty models in that particular line. With regard to worth, addressing my first two questions certainly deserves no less than direct and honest answers; that is, no salesmanship rhetoric, just the facts. The Stella SW series delivers stellar performance. Succinctly stated, Stella SW models are outstanding, as are the standard Stella series. They are star performers. The fact is that you can pay out big bucks for other top-end spinning reels and receive fewer first-rate features as those found in the Stella SW family. However, that would be unnecessary and even foolish.
You may wish to explore fine high-end spinning reels such as Daiwa, Penn, Okuma, and Van Staal, the latter of which manufactures a manual pickup bail system but will nevertheless run you beaucoup bucks. This design is not for Donna or me. The idea behind the VS design is to eliminate the bail spring (which would automatically trip the bail upon turning the handle) thus avoiding a part susceptible to a harsh marine environment. Once again, to pay top dollar for what Donna and I consider an important feature that is lacking, and that we depend on, is unnecessary. Of course, this all boils down to a matter of personal preference. Yet, it is interesting to note that Van Staal has most recently come out with two new models that incorporate a full bail wire, whereas standard issue remains a short section of wire in which you manually place the line on the pickup arm. Still, the new models have to be manually operated in closing the bail. So, why bother? Shimano offers bail-less kits in other models.
Van Staal’s famous sealed waterproof drag system and gear casing renders the reel serviceable by Van Staal, although self-service kits are available (with a caveat) for $90. Instead, I love Shimano’s sensible approach to the issue through their maintenance port feature. Too, our Shimano SW spinning reels came with a one year Platinum Service Plan: one free cleaning and service.
In order to deal with a severe saltwater environment, Stella SW series does not have an anti-reverse switch as does the Stella FD series (covered in Part I of this two-part piece). The SW series is engaged in a permanent anti-reverse mode, which means that the handle cannot be turned rearward. This prevents saltwater intrusion at the would-be switch and is the reason why Donna and I selected the STL 5000 SW and the STL 8000 SW models, respectively, for the surf. Surfcasting in the suds from a shoreline, jetty or such, where the wind and saltwater spray could play havoc upon these reels, made good sense to choose from the Stella SW (Salt Water series). Also, they will perform double-duty, covering offshore applications as well.
With an imposing group of fine high-end spinning reels to choose from, what makes Shimano so special? Let’s immediately hone in and examine the first two gems in the lineup of Stella’s SW top-of-the-line spinning reels, star by scintillating star, in order to learn exactly what you are getting for your dollars in the Stella lineup.
Stella SW Series–STL 5000 SW & STL 8000 SW Saltwater Spinning Reels
*Stella’s SW ~ stop-a-sinking-ship from descending ~ waterproof drag system is built upon superior technology. Their smaller sized 5000 SW exerts a maximum of 29 pounds of pressure. The next step up in a series, the 8000 SW, exercises a maximum drag of 55 pounds. That’s some serious stopping power.
The 8000 SW middleweight champion applies the brakes while weighing in at 23.7 ounces. The 5000 SW does its duty in a lightweight package of only 14.3 ounces. These superior drags are positively waterproof, sealed with rubber gaskets to preclude saltwater intrusion.
Maximizing strength and durability are what set Shimano’s direct drive and pinion gears apart from the crowd. An amalgamation of metals (aluminum, brass, stainless steel), through time-tested technology, is the magic that led to the Paladin Cold-Forging Process. Die-cast components found in more affordable reels are prevalent because they are cheaper to manufacture, but they are neither strong nor as lasting as with Shimano’s cold-forging method, which yields a smoother, lightweight product for prominent performance.
Without getting too technical, Shimano’s SR-3D & Fluidrive II Gear System is a large-bore aluminum drive gear melded with proprietary coatings combined with specially shaped teeth that mesh with a hardened stainless steel pinion gear for optimal performance. These elements translate into strength, durability, smoothness, speed, leverage and power.
Shimano’s Propulsion Line Management System virtually eliminates the problems that plague spin casters; that is, line twist ~ often resulting in backlashes, wind knots, and very tangible tangles. The issue is virtually eliminated with their newly created spool lip design, which allows for longer casts. This is not hype, attested to by Donna in a single exclamation: “Wow!” she blurted out excitedly, effortlessly sending her lure sailing above the suds, flawlessly, time and time again. The spool is cold forged aluminum with a ceramic coating for ultimate corrosion protection and scratch resistance. Its lip is ultra-hard stainless steel with a proprietary coating that reduces friction.
Part and parcel to this propulsion system are insightful and innovative assists that thwart line twists: a stainless steel one-piece bail wire that reduces friction and makes quick work of aiding line to the roller; an oversized power roller with an overflange that circumvents line memory; a redesigned bail trip mechanism working in conjunction with an S-Arm cam component to keep line in contact with the roller ~ a Godsend in slack line situations whereby the line would invariably fall from the roller, back onto the bail wire. Too, the line roller features a Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) coating, harder than titanium for overall smoothness.
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Shimano med-heavy/medium high-end reels matched with Shakespeare Ugly
Stik Rods: Stella 8000 SW, Stella 5000 SW, Sustain 5000 FE, Stradic 5000 FI.
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Aero Wrap II is a worm-gear system specifically designed to oscillate at optimal speed in relationship to its Line Management/Spool Lip Propulsion System, offering the ultimate in uniformity with regard to line lay and winding shape.
Salt Water Assist Stopper (not available on the SW 5000 model) is a back-up ratchet and pawl system that prevents high-speed damage to the one-way roller bearing that could result from water intrusion. However, all Stella SW models feature Super Stopper II, meaning that the roller has been beefed up to increase strength and durability. As all six Stella SW models feature the Super Stopper design in lieu of an anti-reverse switch, the likelihood of saltwater intrusion is virtually eliminated. Again, it is the reason why Donna and I selected the 5000 SW and 8000 SW for the surf.
Even the lightweight ergonomically designed egg-shaped non-slippery grip is well-thought-out, offering increased torque with tireless turns of the handle. You can truly feel the difference. Comfort and control are its distinguishing characteristics.
Fourteen shielded stainless steel ball bearings (plus one roller bearing) for categorical corrosion and contaminant protection are but another hallmark of Stella’s SW series of excellence. The ball bearings are protected by Shimano’s A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) process, a procedure which makes them ten times more resistant to corrosion.
Additionally, I relish Shimano’s maintenance port feature that allows you to oil the interior mechanisms without having to disassemble the reel.
These are but a few of the many fine features found in these fabulous reels. You’re definitely getting what you are paying for. For Donna’s and my needs, the 5000 SW and 8000 SW, respectively, are two pieces of artillery that will handle a variety of situations, including surfcasting applications. Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik spinning rods, paired with those exceptional reels, are what Donna and I feel offer well-balanced outfits.
Matching these and other fine Shimano spinning reels to Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik rods are listed below. But first let’s examine two other spinning reels in our arsenal that come in just beneath our medium/med-heavy weapons of mass destruction; that is, medium action models.
The prices drop considerably, but not the quality or value. That is why I am keeping you within the higher-end arena.
Think Stella SW, Sustain, Stradic, and you’ll be thinking clearly.
Sustain FE & Stradic FI Series
The Sustain SH 5000 FE and Stradic ST 5000 FI are two exceptional, mid-sized spinning reel models that fit our mid-range, medium-action mode. We do not leave home without them.
At a MSRP of $270 and $180 respectively, they cannot be beat for the simple reason that they offer virtually all the fine features of the Stella SWs, only in a smaller package.
The Sustain and Stradic series even come with an extra spool, which the Stella series does not offer; my one complaint.
All told, there are seven models in each Sustain FE and Stradic FI series from which to choose.
Those Sustain and Stradic models do not feature 14 ball bearings as on the Stella SW series. However, the Sustain series contains 7 shielded stainless steel bearings that have been put through the same A-RB process as the Stella series. The Stradic models contain 5 shielded stainless steel ball bearings employing the same process, utilizing either rubber or stainless steel shields determined by bearing size. All told, Sustain and Stradic series’ are very fine spinning reels.
Matching Beefier Shimano Spinning Reels to Shakespeare’s Ugly Stik Rods
Stella STL 8000 SW BWS 1100 12’ 0” Action: Heavy (12-40 lb. test line) 1 piece; foam grip
Stella STL 5000 SW BWS 1100 8’ 0” Action: Medium (10-25 lb. test line) 2 piece; foam grip
Sustain SH 5000 FE SP 1101 7’ 0” Action: Medium-Heavy (8-20 lb. test line) 1piece; foam grip
Stradic ST 5000 FI SP 1101 6’6” Action: Medium-Heavy (8-20 lb. test line) 1 piece; foam grip
Here you have four matched spinning outfits that will take you from bay to surf fishing and beyond. In Part One, I covered light to light/medium action matched spinning outfits for both fresh and saltwater applications. This Part II piece will, indeed, cover a myriad of medium to medium-heavy situations. My suggestion is to put your money into high-end, state-of-the-art spinning equipment such as Shimano’s top-of-the-line Stella, Sustain, and Stradic series for unbeatable quality and value. The company’s 240-page, 2009 catalog will cover many of their fine products, including conventional and low profile baitcasting reels and rods for both inshore and offshore operations. Again, as explained in Part One of this two-part article, you can save a good deal of money without shortchanging yourself either in terms of quality or value by matching those Shimano spinning reels with comparable Shakespeare Ugly Stiks. You will be the saltiest and wisest guy or gal on the water today.
Editor’s note: Bob Banfelder is an award-winning novelist whose psychological thrillers include No Stranger Than I, The Teacher, and The Author. Bob weaves his love of the great outdoors through his fiction and, of course, his nonfiction. You can view his works at www.robertbanfelder.com.
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