The New 2025 Shimano Stella SW D
The metallic ringing of a Shimano Stella SW’s drag paying out line to a running bluefin has been the national anthem of the Northeast Tuna Grounds every summer since this these high-performance spinning reels became the standard by which all offshore spinners were measured some 15 years ago.
Every few years, Shimano rolls out an updated model of the Stella with new technology and improvements over the previous generation. Among the major upgrades to the last Stella over its predecessor was the “Heat Sink Drag,” a feature that dissipated the heat generated by a big fish running against a heavy drag. This prevented spools from getting hot enough to fry an egg on, or, melt your line on. I didn’t believe this was something that actually happened, until it happened to me while fishing with Captain Kevin Gould and a “TFB” (like a BFT but bigger) took my RonZ for a ride. The line melted and broke and I seared the palm of my hand on the spool when racking the rod to grab another.
For 2025, Shimano has released the Stella SW D, the fourth iteration of this reel, in the 10000 and 14000 sizes, the latter, the favorite size of run-and-gun anglers chasing school tunas. This model further improves the drag system by introducing the “XX Tough Drag” built with a larger washer for increased durability and smoothness while dishing out 55 pounds of pressure. The “InfinityLoop Technology” uses an asymmetrical worm gear to create even line lay as the spool oscillates, extending an angler’s casting distance and improving the reel’s performance.
The guts of the Stella SW D revolve around the cold-forged Hagane gear, and its “InfinityXross” technology, which distributes load more evenly across the gear teeth for enhanced durability over time.
The difference in line capacity between the models is minimal (the 10000 holds 290 yards of 65-pound test while the 14000 holds 315), but the primary difference between the two is the retrieve speed. The SW14000XGD has a 6.2:1 gear ratio capable of retrieving 53 inches per turn of the reel handle. Tuna fishermen appreciate this speed when retrieving a topwater to cast to breaking fish, or picking up slack when a hooked fish bolts toward the boat. The SW10000 has a 4.8:1 gear ratio and brings in 39 inches of line per turn, giving the reel less speed but greater cranking power.
The Shimano Stella SW D is available now for pre-order at tackle retailers throughout the Northeast.
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Source: https://onthewater.com/the-new-2025-shimano-stella-sw-d
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