For many anglers, owning a STELLA was always the dream—now, that dream is closer than ever.
SHIMANO’s flagship spinning reel, the STELLA SW, has been fully revamped, and the first model, the 14000XG, is now available!
Let’s dive into what makes the 2025 STELLA SW stand out, including its surprising features like the dense winding system and much more.
Stronger Than Ever: The XX Tough Drag System
SHIMANO has improved its X Tough Drag System with an upgrade called the XX Tough Drag System.
By sandwiching larger carbon drag washers, this system provides even more durability. The Heatsink Drag works in conjunction to reduce drag power loss due to heat by about 30%.
However, this enhancement is available only on the larger models.
The 8000 size, which is slightly more compact, won’t include this upgrade.
Infinity Loop Brings Dense Winding to Large Reels
One of the most surprising updates to the STELLA SW is the addition of the Infinity Loop system, previously used on smaller STELLA reels.
SHIMANO has replaced the traditional cross-wrap method with this ultra-dense winding system, reducing line release resistance.
In the new STELLA SW, the spool oscillates at two speeds—a slow speed when the spool moves downward, optimized for the SW model, and a faster speed when the spool rises, which is closer to the traditional cross-wrap speed.
This two-speed oscillation helps prevent the line from digging into itself under heavy load and maintains a more stable drag performance.
Although the Infinity Loop system has had mixed reviews in the past, it’s intriguing to see how it performs on the larger STELLA SW reels.
Features Inherited from the 2022 STELLA
Many of the features that made the 2022 STELLA so great have also been carried over to the STELLA SW.
- Anti-Twist Fin: This fin, positioned below the line roller, adds tension to the line between the spool and roller, preventing line slack and ensuring the line stays tight.
- Infinity Xross Gears: This upgrade increases the gear’s surface area, improving durability, especially when battling large fish.
New AR-C Spool Design
The AR-C Spool is one of SHIMANO’s signature designs, praised for its smooth casting and reduced line tangling.
The 2025 STELLA SW features a revised version of the AR-C Spool, which further improves its shape to minimize line snags and reduce friction during casting.
Having used the Infinity Loop system with the new AR-C spool, it’s clear that line troubles are significantly reduced.
Top-Tier Waterproofing: X Protect and X Shield
SHIMANO’s waterproofing technologies—X Protect and X Shield—are crucial for durability, especially in saltwater conditions.
These features are integrated into the STELLA SW, protecting key areas like the drive gear, body and spool joints, drag knob, and line roller.
Though it’s unclear which of these technologies are used where, the protection of the bearings from saltwater intrusion is an excellent update for long-lasting performance.
Larger Drag Knob for Easier Adjustments
One common complaint when comparing SHIMANO and DAIWA’s large spinning reels was the size of the drag knob.
While DAIWA’s knobs were often praised for being large and easy to adjust, SHIMANO’s knobs were considered a bit small.
The new STELLA SW addresses this by increasing the size of the drag knob, making it easier to fine-tune the drag, especially during a fight with a big fish.
The Highly Anticipated 8000 Size Finally Released!
The 8000 size has long been a favorite among anglers, especially for shore and offshore fishing, thanks to its versatility.
SHIMANO has now unveiled this highly sought-after size in the STELLA SW lineup.
The 8000 is designed for ease of use, featuring a smaller rotor and spool, making it a lighter and stronger option for the SW series.
However, this size will not have the same X Tough Drag System as the larger models, and there’s no spool compatibility with other sizes.
This trade-off was made to meet the specific requirements of the 8000 size.
New Design Philosophy: Infinity Connect
Alongside the release of the STELLA SW, SHIMANO introduced a new fishing gear concept called Infinity Connect.
This system, which includes the new OCEA Plugger Limited rods and OCEA 17+ PE braided line, is designed to elevate offshore casting games when paired with the Infinity Loop STELLA SW.
By enhancing casting feel, casting distance, and line strength retention, Infinity Connect promises to improve performance across multiple aspects.
However, this setup doesn’t come cheap. A full Infinity Connect package will set you back about US$2,000 (as of early June 2025)—a hefty price tag for the serious angler.
Handle Knob: A Personal Touch
Another interesting feature is the handle knob.
While DAIWA’s models in the 2025 Saltiga series are mostly equipped with rubber knobs, the STELLA SW models (except for the 14000 size) come with Ci4+ carbon round knobs.
These knobs are designed to be light, strong, and ergonomic.
However, some anglers may find them slightly slippery, particularly after catching a fish, so extra caution may be needed during use.
Specifications & Release Dates
The 2025 STELLA SW was first showcased at the 2025 Fishing Show, where only the 10000 and 14000 sizes were revealed.
The 8000 size will be available in June, with the 8000XG introduced as a higher-speed version.
This gear ratio is particularly appealing for anglers who want a versatile reel for both shore and offshore fishing—perfect for species like Kingfish that prefer fast action.
Initially, STELLA SW models were expected to release in May, but the release has since been updated to late May/early June for the 14000XG, and June for the 10000 size.
The 8000HG will be released in July, with the 8000XG/PG models arriving in August. Other sizes, including 6000 and 18000, have yet to be announced.
| Model | Gear Ratio | Drag Power (kg) | Weight (g) | Spool Dia./Str. (mm) | Capacity Mono (Gou-m) | Capacity Braid (Gou-m) | MAX Line Retrieve (cm) | Handle Length (mm) | Bearings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8000PG | 4.8 | 25 | 635 | 61/22 | – | 3-410, 4-300, 5-250 | 92 | 75 | 12/1 |
| 8000HG | 5.6 | 25 | 630 | 61/22 | – | 3-410, 4-300, 5-250 | 107 | 75 | 12/1 |
| 8000XG | 6.2 | 25 | 635 | 61/22 | – | 3-410, 4-300, 5-250 | 119 | 80 | 12/1 |
| 10000PG | 4.8 | 25 | 680 | 66/22 | 6-300, 8-210, 10-160 | 4-400, 5-300, 6-250 | 99 | 80 | 12/1 |
| 10000HG | 5.6 | 25 | 680 | 66/22 | 6-300, 8-210, 10-160 | 4-400, 5-300, 6-250 | 116 | 80 | 12/1 |
| 14000XG | 6.2 | 25 | 685 | 68.6/22 | 10-195, 12-155, 14-140 | 5-360, 6-300, 8-220 | 134 | 80 | 12/1 |
* Braided line capacity is based on Japanese size “Gou”. Please refer to Gou and Diameter table to see diameters of each Gou.
We’re currently gearing up for a YouTube review of the 10000 size, so stay tuned for our in-depth analysis once it arrives!
