X-PROTECT & X-SHIELD – Impenetrable Water-Resistant Structure

One of the greatest threats in saltwater fishing is seawater intrusion. When seawater enters the reel, it corrodes metal parts and drastically reduces initial performance.

The Stella SW combats this with X-SHIELD, which uses strategically placed seals throughout key areas of the reel, including the body, drag knob, and line roller, to block water entry paths. Notably, the body and stopper have achieved an IPX8 rating, ensuring exceptional water resistance and outstanding reliability even under the harshest SW fishing conditions.

In addition, X-PROTECT introduces a newly refined water-resistant structure that maintains high water resistance while achieving lighter rotation. This innovative design successfully combines two seemingly contradictory elements: superior water resistance and silky-smooth rotation.

The handle knob also features a water-resistant structure

Enhanced operability with a newly designed drag knob

STELLA SW, with every part refined in detail, features a newly designed drag knob that is approximately 25% larger(*) in diameter to further improve operability.

This makes it easier to grip the knob for instant adjustments and allows for finer, more precise tuning.

It provides a clear advantage when tightening or loosening the drag instantly during the fight with large fish.

*Applicable to 8000-size models and larger.

Challenge the limits. Large-size STELLA SW models

STELLA SW is engineered for serious battles with giant fish, with every detail thoroughly focused on strength.

Especially in large sizes of 18000 and above, body strength has been improved by approximately 25% compared to the previous model.

Furthermore, the newly developed XX TOUGH DRAG is adopted, delivering more than 10 times the durability while maintaining the smooth drag response that is a hallmark of STELLA SW.

During high-drag situations where the line is pulled out at high speed, heat buildup can cause a decrease in drag force.

STELLA SW features high heat dissipation performance through the synergy of XX TOUGH DRAG and HEATSINK DRAG, greatly suppressing the drop in initial drag force.

With more than 30% improvement over previous models, it achieves class-leading heat resistance.*

The completely renewed STELLA SW meets the trust of anglers who face giant fish head-on in oceans around the world.

*Based on Shimano’s internal comparison tests.

Lightweight, Compact Rotor Exclusively Designed for 8000 Size

The rotor features a high-rigidity X RIGID ROTOR, specially designed for the 8000 size. Compared to the 10000 size, the rotor is approximately 5 mm more compact, resulting in lower inertia and, together with the spool, about 50 g lighter in weight. This greatly enhances operability and comfort not only for casting but also for jigging. With its optimal size and usability, it is the perfect match for rock shore and offshore jigging and casting games, especially when using PE3–4 class lines.

Pursuing Ultimate Performance with INFINITYCONNECT

INFINITY CONNECT is a design philosophy that creates even greater synergy by developing reels, rods, and gear as integrated systems.

The new STELLA SW delivers further benefits to anglers when paired with rods such as OCEA PLUGGER LIMITED, COLTSNIPER XTUNE, and OCEA PLUGGER BG, as well as the OCEA 17+ PE line.

Infinity Connect: Offshore Casting Concept [Our goal was ultimate casting performance]

Impression

The drag and casting performance have been refined to an extent that exceeds expectations. I think it's one step closer to perfection.

Shimano Pro Field Staff Kenzaburo Fukui

My impression after using it is that it's an incredible reel. To be frank, in my opinion, the previous model was already at a near-perfect level, so this feels like it's come even closer to perfection. In that sense, it's no different from the previous Stella SW. Rather than saying that something has changed, it's improved overall. But what I can say for sure is that the drag has evolved. With the XX Tough Drag, it's held in place by large washers from above and below, so the drag performance has improved dramatically. The drag knob is also bigger and easier to grip and operate. In addition, the infinity loop has been added, improving casting performance. The winding pitch is denser than before, and it's a system that winds in a dense winding, criss-cross winding, dense winding pattern alternately, so there are no problems and the lure flies smoothly. As I said earlier, I haven't tested it to its limits yet, but within the range of testing, it's better than expected. It's only natural since it's an improved version of the already perfect Stella SW, but it's harder to find anything that's not good about it.

Equipped with XX Tough Drag, durability is improved. You can feel even more confident when battling large fish.

Shimano Pro Field Staff Hitoshi Suzuki

There are three key features to note about the Stella SW. First is the XX Tough Drag. Previous SW models only had a large washer on the bottom, but now there's one on the top as well, creating a sandwich-like effect. As a result, the drag's durability has increased more than ever before. This gives you greater confidence when fighting large fish. During testing, there were many instances where the drag was pulled out, but I felt that the performance, including durability, was clearly improved compared to previous models. You'll really feel the difference when targeting large fish, especially in fishing where the drag is pulled out. During testing, I used the 14000 size and caught a yellowfin tuna in the 50kg class, and I'm confident that I'll be able to experience its true value even more by catching even bigger fish in tougher conditions in the future. Second is the Infinity Loop. With this feature, the line is wound more precisely, resulting in longer casting distances and significantly reduced flapping during casting. Not only is the actual casting distance impressive, but the line releases smoothly without snagging, so you can feel the distance just from the casting feel. While tightly wound line carries the risk of the line digging in more easily when a large fish hits, the Stella SW uses a 2-speed oscillating system that sets the pitch to an exquisite level rather than being perfectly parallel. In short, this allows for smooth line release during casting and smooth drag operation. It operates smoothly from the very beginning without any snagging. In fact, when incorporating the Infinity Loop into the SW, we tried many different line winding pitches to find the optimal solution, and in testing, even on the next cast after landing a 30-40kg yellowfin tuna, there was absolutely no digging in. Then there's the anti-twist fin. This part prevents the line from getting tangled in the spool skirt, and by attaching this fin, the wound line settles securely into the spool. For people like me who use long leaders and wind the leader onto the spool, line drop was a frequent problem, but this fin has completely solved that problem.

This model is ideal for large bluefin tuna. It boasts high body strength, a powerful drag system, and the ability to cast long distances even with thick lines.

We've been testing the large 25000 model with bluefin tuna. We caught tuna weighing 150kg, 130kg, 180kg, and 80kg, and finally managed to catch a personal best of 250kg, so it was a good test. When you let a tuna run long distances, the fight becomes longer and puts a lot of strain on the angler, so you need to make the most of the drag power and reel power during the fight. With this model, the drag power has been increased, so you can put high pressure on the tuna, and by using a stronger line, I feel that I can now firmly control large tuna.

Furthermore, its durability has been dramatically improved, and it is highly resistant to heat degradation. With previous models, if you tightened the drag haphazardly during a fight, there was a feeling of slippage, but with this model, the drag force increases the more you tighten it. Moreover, the drag force does not change even when it heats up during a fight. It is physically demanding for the angler during the fight, but by carefully judging and operating the drag, you can put a strong load on the fish, and as a result, you can stop and land the tuna more quickly.

Furthermore, the rotor strength has been increased compared to the previous model. The previous model felt like it would bend slightly inward when subjected to extremely high line tension, but the new model has significantly less deflection. This is very noticeable in situations where you have to rely solely on the reel's performance during a straight-line fight. I think you'll be able to fight large tuna with greater confidence.

Furthermore, the Infinity Loop system, which meticulously winds the line onto the spool, ensures smooth drag release even at high drag settings. Additionally, while using thick lines with large reels inevitably reduces casting distance, the Infinity Loop allows for smoother line release from the spool, extending casting distance. In this 25000-size test targeting tuna, we used the new Ocea Plugger BG Bluefin Tuna S72XXXH-G. In addition to the performance of the Stella SW's Infinity Loop, the combination of this model's Shimano original extra-large diameter X-guides improved line release through the guides, resulting in greater casting distance and reduced line damage. Infinity Connect, which develops and proposes combinations of reels, rods, and lines, makes it possible to enjoy a more comfortable and successful tuna game. With the arrival of the Stella SW and these other products, I feel that tuna fishing has entered a new era.

The lightness and power of the winding mechanism have been revolutionized.

Shimano Pro Field Staff Seiichiro Tashiro

During field testing, I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to fight large yellowtail amberjacks, allowing me to check various details. The first thing I noticed was the Stella's traditional lightness and power in winding. This is quite outstanding. I mainly tested the 14000XG, but the winding feel was so light that it didn't feel like an XG at all, and it felt closer to an HG. I think the improved rigidity of the gears is what contributes to the lightness of the winding. This is true when winding normally, of course, but you feel it most when you're pumping the rod after hooking a fish. It's a reel that is very delicately and meticulously made, yet it has the strength and reassuring feeling that it won't back down even when a large fish is hooked. This sense of reliability is what makes it a Stella SW. I was also surprised by how much the parallel winding has improved with the addition of the Infinity Loop. Because it is wound neatly with a narrow pitch, the line release is very smooth. You can tell that the line is flying out beautifully just by listening to the sound, even without looking at the reel. Furthermore, to prevent the line from getting caught when a high drag load is applied, it employs a two-speed oscillation system that winds the line with a finer pitch when the spool is lowering and a coarser pitch when it is raising. This is a revolutionary evolution in winding. I was impressed that they managed to do something that most people wouldn't even think of: handling both line release during casting and drag countermeasures under high load. In this test, I was using PE #8 line with a drag of about 13kg, and I think the load was probably even higher during the fight, but the line never got caught even once. On a smaller note, the ease of gripping the drag knob has also been improved. I often adjust the drag during a fight, and I felt that the operability had definitely improved even then. Even so, I'm always surprised that there is still so much room for improvement in a reel that I thought couldn't evolve any further, and that the improvements are at a level that can be felt.

Equipped with a dedicated rotor, it's incredibly stable! This is the quintessential offshore jigging model, where you can feel the evolution in every detail.

Shimano Pro Field Staff Hiroto Yamamoto

The Stella SW 8000 is right in the heart of offshore jigging. I use this reel for all kinds of jigging for bluefin tuna, both in shallow and deep waters. What I find particularly amazing is the rotor, which is specifically designed for the 8000 size. It's great. Just like with the 19 Stella SW, the rotor is more compact and lighter, so it doesn't wobble at all. A larger rotor increases centrifugal force, causing your hand to shake while reeling, but the benefit of eliminating that is tremendous. The reeling becomes more stable, and you can jerk the lure firmly at the same time, making reeling simply easier. Also, because less force is needed to move the rotor, you can hold the handle lighter, and because less unnecessary force is applied, the sensitivity transmitted to your hand is also increased. Of course, you can concentrate on jigging comfortably without any discomfort or stress. The adoption of a dedicated rotor means that the spool is not compatible with the 10000 size, but I feel that the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. Additionally, the new Infinity Loop improves line release performance during the fall. However, since line release was already extremely smooth, this doesn't feel like a dramatic change. The tighter winding makes it even easier to use, and the smoother line release improves the initial drag response, but for those who have been using the Stella SW for a long time, this is merely a natural evolution. This renewal also adds an XG model, which improves winding lightness and winding power. Rather than saying it's lighter to wind, it might be more accurate to say that it can wind more than the previous model. I'm sure both first-time Stella SW users and long-time users will be satisfied.

Feature

X Rigid Rotor
By using an aluminium alloy and verifying the thickness arrangement in detail through repeated 3D analysis, we have achieved tougher rigidity, durability, and excellent rotation balance than ever before. This high rigidity also contributes to improved functionality of the drag and other parts.

X Rigid Handle
A high-rigidity cold-forged handle that transmits the angler's power without loss.

To increase rigidity, the bail arm is made of metal, just like the rotor. It transmits the power of the Stella SW without distortion during high-load line retrieval and drag running. The metal plating treatment maintains a smooth surface for a long time. It reduces damage to the line.

*Excluding size 4000.

Specialized line roller

The surface is treated with a special process (diamond-like carbon) to reduce friction and prevent line wear. It is also equipped with a contact-type waterproof seal that blocks seawater from entering the line roller section. This protects the internal bearings from harsh environments, and the durability is improved by more than 10 times compared to non-equipped models. *According to our comparison test.

Line roller loosening prevention mechanism

The line roller, which takes the force of large fish, is equipped with a mechanism to prevent loosening. The bolt that stops the line roller is doubly fixed with a set screw to make it even more difficult to loosen.

*Excluding size 4000.

CI4+ handle knob

The handle knob is made of the carbon material CI4+, which is both highly rigid and lightweight.

*Excluding sizes 14000–30000.
*Models in the 14000–30000 size range are equipped with a lightweight hollow oval round knob.

Technology

 

Hagane
HAGANE is a Shimano reel design concept created to withstand continual use and extreme abuse. HAGANE is an innovation with built-in toughness and durability that works alongside Shimano's precision engineering. HAGANE is for all anglers.

Hagane Gear
With amazing strength and durability, the HAGANE Gear is at the very heart of most Shimano reels. 
Shimano, through the application of state-of-the-art technologies, gives anglers the long-lasting smoothness and enjoyment that is felt when anglers first use a reel, repeatedly. No cutting work is applied to the teeth of the drive gear during fabrication; instead, the entire surface is calculated in minute detail by a special 3D design and then formed by Shimano's cold-forging technology. The result is assured resilience. HAGANE Gear is the result of Shimano's endless pursuit for durability — this strength and power of forged metal continue to represent the fundamental concept of Shimano reels.

X Ship
X SHIP provides improved gear performance. Large diameter drive gear optimally positioned pinion gear and drive gear, and two points bearings supported pinion gear produce light reeling under load.

Hagane Body
The use of lightweight and rigid metals such as aluminum and magnesium firmly suppresses deflection, distortion, and torsion of the reel. This protects delicate gear meshing and enables smooth reeling.

INFINITYLOOP
INFINITYLOOP technology minimises resistance during line release from the spool, significantly enhancing casting performance. However, the benefits extend beyond just improved casting. When the drag is engaged, the frequency of vertical line movement is minimised, allowing for a smoother line release, preventing unexpected line trouble. Additionally, the SW model incorporates a two-speed oscillation system, optimised through rigorous testing to ensure lines are wound at wide intervals on top of a tightly layered base. This effectively reduces the risk of line digging under high drag conditions.

Infinity Cross

INFINITYCROSS provides superior gear durability through industry-leading design and cutting-edge manufacturing technology. Advancements in the gear tooth design improve the surface contact and meshing between the drive gear and pinion gear. This revolutionary design efficiently distributes the load placed on the gear tooth surface across a wider area to prevent damage from stress points while significantly improving overall gear durability.

INFINITYDRIVE
INFINITYDRIVE is a new main shaft supporting structure that improves winding torque and allows for incredibly smooth and light rotation.

Heatsink Drag
A tough drag system that lets you run hard and stop firmly, with heat control for peace of mind.
Building upon the previous X Tough Drag model, which offered overwhelmingly superior drag performance and durability, the Heat Sink Drag is an evolution that is even more heat- resistant. The "heat sink panel" dissipates heat generated in the drag section to the outside of the spool, improving the reduction in drag force caused by heat buildup.

Silent Drive
The basic design of the entire body and drive-related parts were reviewed one by one to reduce minute rattles, gaps, and shaking between parts down to the smallest detail. It provides smooth and quiet reel rotation.

 

Anti Twist Fin
Elastic fins are installed near the line roller section. By suppressing line slack, the fins reduce the phenomenon of line dropping out of the lower part of the spool and line wrapping around the spool while the line is still twisted.

X Shield
Powerful sealing is applied to various points, including the mating surfaces of the body and lid, and the contact points of the spool and drag knob, blocking any pathways for water intrusion. This ensures high reliability and durability in the harsh conditions of saltwater fishing.

X Protect
For medium and small general-purpose spinning reels, which require lighter spinning, we focused on a non-contact structure that does not compromise the lightness of the spinning. In addition to conventional water-repellent treatment, a labyrinth structure that suppresses water penetration is combined to achieve high water-resistant performance despite the non-contact nature of the structure. It is used in the stopper bearing section and line roller section.

X TOUGH DRAG
Each washer is made of only metal and carbon to support the spool from both the top and bottom. Smooth and stable drag performance has been refined by improving heat resistance and durability.

XX TOUGH DRAG
Each washer is made of metal and carbon. Larger diameter drag washers have been installed on both the top and bottom sides of the spool. As a result, smooth and stable drag performance has been enhanced by improving heat resistance and

AR-C Spool
The spool has a special spool ring shape. This creates a rectifying effect on the line and realizes both suppression of line trouble and long casting performance.

Rigid Support Drag
By supporting the spool with two bearings in the main shaft and spool, it suppresses spool fluctuation and provides stable and smooth drag performance.

S A-RB
S A-RB bearings are put through the same process as Shimano’s A-RB bearings but feature shields on both sides of the bearings. These shields reduce the possibility of salt or sand inhibiting the rotation of the bearing

ONE-PIECE BAIL
One-piece bail allows the line to travel unimpeded to the line roller. The seamless design reduces friction and decreases the chance of tangles or the line catching on the bail arm.

*Heat sink drag: Available only on 10000PG, 10000HG, 14000XG, 18000HG, 20000PG, 30000, and 25000PG models.

*X Tough Drag: Available only on 5000HG, 5000XG, 6000PG, 6000HG, 6000XG, 8000PG, 8000HG, and 8000XG models.

*XX Tough Drag: Available only on 10000PG, 10000HG, 14000XG, 18000HG, 20000PG, 30000, and 25000PG models.

LIne Up

 

STELLA SW 4000XGD

STELLA SW 5000HGD

STELLA SW 5000XGD

STELLA SW 6000HGD

STELLA SW 6000XGD

STELLA SW 6000PGD

STELLA SW 8000PGD

STELLA SW 8000HGD

STELLA SW 10000PGD

STELLA SW 10000HGD

STELLA SW 14000XGD

STELLA SW 18000HGD

STELLA SW 20000PGD

STELLA SW 25000PGD

STELLA SW 30000PGD

 

Specification

Model	Gear ratio	Max Drag (kg)	Weight (g)	Spool diameter (mm) / stroke (mm)	Nylon Line (nylon, size - meters)	Nylon Line (mm-m)	PE (No.-m)	Maximum winding length (cm/handle rotation)	Handle length (mm)	Number of bearings BB/roller
4000XG	6.2	11	360	52/19	3.5-170, 4-150, 5-125	0.30-180, 0.35-130	1-490, 1.5-320, 2-240	101	65	11/1
5000HG	5.7	13	425	54/19	4-200, 5-150, 6-130	0.33-200, 0.37-150, 0.405-130	2-350, 2.5-280, 3-240	97	65	12/1
5000XG	6.2	13	425	54/19	4-200, 5-150, 6-130	0.33-200, 0.37-150, 0.405-130	2-350, 2.5-280, 3-240	105	65	12/1
6000PG	4.7	13	440	58/19	4-240, 5-190, 6-160	0.33-240, 0.37-190, 0.405-160	2-440, 3-300, 4-210	86	70	12/1
6000HG	5.7	13	440	58/19	4-240, 5-190, 6-160	0.33-240, 0.37-190, 0.405-160	2-440, 3-300, 4-210	104	70	12/1
6000XG	6.2	13	435	58/19	4-240, 5-190, 6-160	0.33-240, 0.37-190, 0.405-160	2-440, 3-300, 4-210	113	70	12/1
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
10000PG	4.8	25	680	66/22	6-300, 8-210, 10-160	0.405-300, 0.47-210, 0.52-160	4-400, 5-300, 6-250	99	80	12/1
10000HG	5.6	25	680	66/22	6-300, 8-210, 10-160	0.405-300, 0.47-210, 0.52-160	4-400, 5-300, 6-250	116	80	12/1
14000XG	6.2	25	685	68.6/22	10-195, 12-155, 14-140	0.405-330, 0.47-240, 0.52-195	5-360, 6-300, 8-220	134	80	12/1
18000HG	5.7	30	900	71.5/28	10-310, 12-240, 14-200	0.52-310, 0.57-240, 0.62-200	5-500, 6-400, 8-300	128	85	13/1
20000PG	4.4	30	915	75.5/28	10-350, 14-240, 18-190	0.52-350, 0.62-240, 0.70-190	6-500, 8-370, 10-300	104	85	13/1
25000PG	4.4	30	920	79.5/28	10-420, 14-285, 18-225	0.52-420, 0.62-285, 0.70-225	6-600, 8-450, 10-350	110	85	13/1
30000PG	4.4	27	995	94/28	14-400, 18-300	0.62-400, 0.70-300	8-620, 10-500, 12-420	130	85	13/1