New top end reel time opinions please

[sevric]

Hi all,
We are looking for everyone's opinions on top end reels in the 3000/4000 size without entering into bashing one brand or the other. At present we use Stella’s (FB&FD) for light duty offshore work and some heavier estuary applications and current model Certates for the lighter estuary work. There have been new models from both brands appear since my last purchase all with new technologies. The reel has to be robust and long lived given due care which is why to this point we have used the Stella’s for the offshore work. Is the new FI model as robust as previous models? This question in no way detracts for the Daiwa line up, i have been very happy with our certates. So my question is which reel to choose from those below for another light offshore heavy estuary application and why?
If anyone has any further suggestions please add them to the list. I will probably purchases overseas where there are many other options and would like to spend less than $800AUD
We are leaning toward yet another Stella but unsure of the new model compared with all the other new options.

New 3000/4000 FI Stella
2015 3000 Daiwa Branzino
Wait for the new Exist to be released.
Something from the Megabass stable where i have no experience other than their rods which are excellent.

[Henry90]

Iv always steered clear of exists and steeze for heavier eastury stuff no reason just thought of them as more finesse?
Iv always run sols or certates for chasing barra and kings but have doubled them up an chased tuna Mack's trevs and stuff offshore. Wouldn't mind a 12 luvi but thinking there a bit finesse as barra reel for throwing transams or other 15-20 gram plastics?

[sevric]

Thanks for your views Henery90. I have to admit we have considered the 3000 Certate based on the performance of our smaller 2004/2500 versions but worry about their durability and line capacity up against long tails, Mackerel and the like. Our 3000 Stella's are stretched on line capacity the 4000 size much more comfortable. Seems the Daiwa range have much smaller line capacities which may be the end up determining factor.

Regards Dick

[Geedup]

Branzino is 2014

I have one and I've put it through its paces, feels better than it did when I first got it tbh.

[sevric]

Hi Rekt,
The Branzino is quite price attractive especially from OS. The line capacity in the 3000 is good and I have no doubt it will do the job although I was a little concerned it may be a little on the finesse side. In your opinion is the Branzino tough and long lived or more finesse?

[nagz]

I would say catalina or Stella

Before you buy one, it might be worth asking around about the new morethan. I'm assuming that now that it is simply known as a morethan, and not a morethan branzino is that it's no longer designed for reeling in actual branzio

Just a thought, I may well be incorrect
Not saying it won't go alright against the fish you intend to catch, but who knows
The lack of the word branzino is the only reason I haven't purchased one yet
Nags

[sevric]

Thanks for that Nagz,
Unsure about the Morethan name thing, perhaps a bit naively thought they were the same as they used to be if that makes sense.
Love the Catalina range but simply to big and over kill for the intended application although I will go and have a look. The reel I think needs to be no bigger than 3000 Daiwa, 4000 Shimano or perhaps a Megabass equivalent to be used a sort of cross over reel; something that can be used heavy estuary or light offshore. I have not purchased a top end reel for a long time as the ones purchased years ago simply keep on keeping on. Perhaps there are new alternatives out there as the models, materials and other techno advances are happening at a blinding rate especially for us old dudes.
Thanks for your thoughts

[bamm]

Branzino or Stella fe cant go wrong with either of them

Both under 800

I think the Stella might have a deeper spool and better line capacity correct me if I'm wrong guys

[redfinfisho]

I'd say the morthans durability would be more than upto the task no pun intended . It's got hyper digigear aswell so it's basically a blinged up stronger certate and the asking price isn't bad either.

I can't think of anything from the megabass spin stable that would surpass either the morethan or stella for the application your after, they tend to really focus on the finesse side of things in their spin range.

[Breamingwithjoy]

Love the 3012 Branzino. Hold enough line for anything I need and with all that magseal it cops a flogging from spray and just washes down.

[chopperdog]

Catalina comes as a 3500. Too big? There's an Alan Hawk review of them around that might help sway you toward a catalina a bit.

[sevric]

Thanks for the great input. We have used the Stella's mainly FE for some time and find them very durable however as pointed out above the price for the Morethan is very attractive.
This is all great input so thanks for all those who have responded it is always a pleasure to receive the thoughts and ideas of others, now to make a decision and apply it to my application.

[sevric]

Originally Posted by chopperdog

Catalina comes as a 3500. Too big? There's an Alan Hawk review of them around that might help sway you toward a catalina a bit.

Hi Chopperdog. The 3500 will be a bit big as the reel is to go onto one of those Skyroad rods I purchased on your recomendation a while back (one was never going to be enough when my wife saw it). We have an older 3000 FD (I think) Stella on it at the moment and a 4000FE on the other which is a far better match. You would think I would simply go out and purchase a 4000FI Stella but am always looking at different options and technologies. I have been a bit disappointed in Shimano quality and price of late so am unsure about the FI model being as good as the FE. The 3000 sized Morethan might get the nod I think.

[tchoklat]

Megabass 30X Gauss is another option well priced at $450 at jpangler

[sevric]

Originally Posted by tchoklat

Megabass 30X Gauss is another option well priced at $450 at jpangler

I have considered these Tchoklat but can not find anyone with any real world experience with them. They have the right specks for our application I am however a bit concerned about the availability of spares and repairs into the future from here in Aus I will try and research these a bit more they are definitely interesting.