SHIMANO 25 STELLA SW D
The new STELLA SW is Shimano's flagship spinning reel platform for extreme saltwater fishing. For the new generation, Shimano focused on what matters most when fighting powerful fish: drag durability, gear strength, winding power, line management and long-term saltwater protection.
The major upgrades are XX TOUGH DRAG, INFINITYXROSS, INFINITYLOOP and ANTI-TWIST FIN. The gear system distributes load over a larger contact area, the new oscillation system improves line lay and line release, while the redesigned drag system provides greater stability and heat resistance under sustained pressure.
The large sizes from 18000 upward receive particularly extensive reinforcement. Shimano states that body strength has been increased by approximately 25%, while drag durability in its testing exceeded the previous generation by more than ten times. Maximum drag reaches 30 kg, with the 30000 rated at 27 kg.
Key improvements
XX TOUGH DRAG
A redesigned drag system using large metal and carbon washers positioned above and below the spool. Shimano has increased the effective washer area to approximately four times that of the previous design. On 10000-size and larger models, it works together with HEATSINK DRAG.
HEATSINK DRAG
A dedicated heat-dissipation structure transfers drag heat away from the spool, reducing heat-related drag performance loss. Shimano states approximately 30% less drag-force reduction caused by heat compared with the previous generation.
INFINITYXROSS
A redesigned gear-tooth profile increases the contact area between the drive and pinion gears, spreading load over a larger surface and improving durability. Shimano states that tooth width has increased by approximately 1.3 times compared with the previous design.
INFINITYDRIVE
A low-friction main-shaft support and special shaft surface treatment reduce rotational resistance and improve winding power under heavy load. Shimano claims up to a 26% increase in winding torque.
INFINITYLOOP
The dedicated oscillation system produces a highly precise line lay, improving casting performance and line release under drag. The SW-specific two-speed oscillation also helps reduce line digging under high tension.
ANTI-TWIST FIN
An elastic fin positioned close to the line roller reduces line slack and helps prevent line from dropping below the spool skirt.
X PROTECT + X SHIELD
Multiple sealing systems protect the reel against saltwater intrusion. Shimano specifies IPX8-equivalent water resistance for selected internal areas, including the stopper bearing section. The handle knob also receives an additional waterproof seal.
Larger drag knob
The drag knob diameter has been increased by approximately 25% on sizes 8000 and larger, improving grip and control during fast drag adjustments.
Dedicated 8000 rotor
The 8000 features a dedicated X-Rigid Rotor that is approximately 5 mm smaller than the 10000 rotor. Together with the spool, this reduces weight by approximately 50 g and lowers rotational inertia, making the 8000 particularly well suited to PE3–4 jigging and casting.
Technical Specifications
| Model | Gear Ratio | Max Drag | Weight | PE Capacity | Retrieve/Turn | Handle | BB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000HG | 5.7:1 | 11 kg | 360 g | PE1-490m / 1.5-320m / 2-240m | 93 cm | 65 mm | 11+1 |
| 4000XG | 6.2:1 | 11 kg | 360 g | PE1-490m / 1.5-320m / 2-240m | 101 cm | 65 mm | 11+1 |
| 5000HG | 5.7:1 | 13 kg | 425 g | PE2-350m / 2.5-280m / 3-240m | 97 cm | 65 mm | 12+1 |
| 5000XG | 6.2:1 | 13 kg | 425 g | PE2-350m / 2.5-280m / 3-240m | 105 cm | 65 mm | 12+1 |
| 6000PG | 4.7:1 | 13 kg | 440 g | PE2-440m / 3-300m / 4-210m | 86 cm | 70 mm | 12+1 |
| 6000HG | 5.7:1 | 13 kg | 440 g | PE2-440m / 3-300m / 4-210m | 104 cm | 70 mm | 12+1 |
| 6000XG | 6.2:1 | 13 kg | 435 g | PE2-440m / 3-300m / 4-210m | 113 cm | 70 mm | 12+1 |
| 8000PG | 4.8:1 | 25 kg | 635 g | PE3-410m / 4-300m / 5-250m | 92 cm | 75 mm | 12+1 |
| 8000HG | 5.6:1 | 25 kg | 630 g | PE3-410m / 4-300m / 5-250m | 107 cm | 75 mm | 12+1 |
| 8000XG | 6.2:1 | 25 kg | 635 g | PE3-410m / 4-300m / 5-250m | 119 cm | 80 mm | 12+1 |
| 10000PG | 4.8:1 | 25 kg | 680 g | PE4-400m / 5-300m / 6-250m | 99 cm | 80 mm | 12+1 |
| 10000HG | 5.6:1 | 25 kg | 680 g | PE4-400m / 5-300m / 6-250m | 116 cm | 80 mm | 12+1 |
| 14000XG | 6.2:1 | 25 kg | 685 g | PE5-360m / 6-300m / 8-220m | 134 cm | 80 mm | 12+1 |
| 18000HG | 5.7:1 | 30 kg | 900 g | PE5-500m / 6-400m / 8-300m | 128 cm | 85 mm | 13+1 |
| 20000PG | 4.4:1 | 30 kg | 915 g | PE6-500m / 8-370m / 10-300m | 104 cm | 85 mm | 13+1 |
| 25000PG | 4.4:1 | 30 kg | 920 g | PE6-600m / 8-450m / 10-350m | 110 cm | 85 mm | 13+1 |
| 30000PG | 4.4:1 | 27 kg | 995 g | PE8-620m / 10-500m / 12-420m | 130 cm | 85 mm | 13+1 |
Spool diameter/stroke ranges from 52/19 mm on the 4000 to 94/28 mm on the 30000. Shimano specifies the 8000 models for PE line only.
