Stella - 07, 10 or 14?

[sunburned]

I've had a week in Tokyo playing with gear and have about settled on getting a Stella - for estuary use: probably a 2500S for using 1-5 kg and 1-7gm and bait.

There's a bit of commentary on here about the previous models being better built than the 2014 model. So far as I can tell the general consensus is that the 2014 was a retrograde step in terms of quality (but unsure if that applies equally across all the range).

Which of the 07, 10 and 14 is the best buy (ignoring price and focussing only on physical qualities)?

Otherwise, both the 2015 Exist and the 2015 TP impressed me and it is a close toss up between them.

[manno]

Simple, 2010 FE!

[laddercat]

Originally Posted by manno

Simple, 2010 FE!

^^ This. In my opinion the best light reel shimano has ever made.

[stella fella]

Originally Posted by manno

Simple, 2010 FE!

Originally Posted by laddercat

^^ This. In my opinion the best light reel shimano has ever made.

Strangely enough, I agree with these two "gentlemen". I must need another coffee.

[Slazmo]

Yeh i agreeance with them also.

Having done both the FD & FE (while owning a FE of my own), ill say that theyre no nonsense inside.

Try to find a near mint older modle Stella for a good price and you wont be disappointed.

[joeking]

Ive owned all 3 and if given a choice between them the FE would be my choice, but their isn't a big difference between them in real world fishing scenarios, when connected to something decent it's nice to know you have a stella between you and fish regardless of what model it is.

[sevric]

We have several the 07 and 10 model Stella's. Both are good but the 2010FE is simply the best. Robust, smooth, simply a practical masterpiece of a fishing reel.
We hesitated in the purchase of the 2014 model on reviews and went 2015 Twinpowers in the 3000HG. Initially a little underwhelming but proving themselves to be sturdy and reliable for the money.

[sexton]

Nothing wrong with the 2014 model, I've given my 2500FI a damn good flogging the past week on some very solid fish in the salt and it didn't miss a beat!!!

Also own the FE and to be honest over the past week during a fishing trip, I had both reels on the boat and just couldn't keep my hands off the FI!
The FI just felt so much better in the hands.

[fishnhook]

I'm the same 10 stella is the better one.

[lukereneeseth]

wow, I wonder where this thread will end up..

It does really depend on the condition now you are contemplating a reel that may have been used for 6/7 years, one that has been used for 3/4 years or a brand new one - 6 months old.

When it comes to a FD 2500s just remember your only going to get the 3-4kg drag (I think) where as the 2500FE has the 10kg drag or what ever it is. There is a massive difference between the 2 drag wise. I notice this with the 2500 Twinpower and C3000 twinpower; drag is about halved.

Personally, if it were me for what you have said you want to do. I would go with a C2500HGS Stella FE or for the extra drag and line capacity a straight 2500. But you will still be looking at $600 for an excellent condition one from Japan.

I've had FD Stella's bought secondhand and they are extremely hard to get in top condition.

FE only because I have not used an FI

[melrich]

Another vote for the FE. Really hard to fault this reel and you can get near mint second hand from Japan for under 600.

[matt jorg]

Originally Posted by sexton

Nothing wrong with the 2014 model, I've given my 2500FI a damn good flogging the past week on some very solid fish in the salt and it didn't miss a beat!!!

Also own the FE and to be honest over the past week during a fishing trip, I had both reels on the boat and just couldn't keep my hands off the FI!
The FI just felt so much better in the hands.

Cool to actually see a good report on the fi!

I'm sure it's a weapon just too far removed from the look everyone expects in a reel, I wanted one but it was mega expensive when it came out.

It's starting to look like a good reel with the daiwa on the way!!

[sexton]

Originally Posted by matt jorg

Cool to actually see a good report on the fi!

I'm sure it's a weapon just too far removed from the look everyone expects in a reel, I wanted one but it was mega expensive when it came out.

It's starting to look like a good reel with the daiwa on the way!!

The FI really is nice to fish with, just felt a whole lot smoother than the FE.
Every time I picked the FE up it just didn't feel quite the same and quickly went back to the FI. The drag felt better and when battling fish it just felt smoother.
More than likely, most of the people saying the FE is better probably hasn't fished the FI.

[melrich]

Originally Posted by sexton

The FI really is nice to fish with, just felt a whole lot smoother than the FE.
Every time I picked the FE up it just didn't feel quite the same and quickly went back to the FI. The drag felt better and when battling fish it just felt smoother.
More than likely, most of the people saying the FE is better probably hasn't fished the FI.

I've fished with both and agree FI is a great reel. But you can pick up a mint FE for under 600 versus a new FI for close to a 1000 for estuary work. Given the reels are line ball, I'd go an FE all day.

[Slazmo]

Originally Posted by lukereneeseth

It does really depend on the condition now you are contemplating a reel that may have been used for 6/7 years, one that has been used for 3/4 years or a brand new one - 6 months old.

I've done both Sextons and Trevors Stella's, Sextons being the FE and Trevor's being the FD's.

While being similar on the outside condition wise overall, Trev's FD's had far more wear on the inside on the main gear primarily through sheer use or whatever was the case. The reel came feeling dry and rough however left much better with the original gear set.

I think its a sum of whole parts with the Stella's - while I wouldnt go using mine every day they're a tough reel that need to be looked after for the fact that the Mg body metal and the sheer number of bearings used.

By no stretch a simple reel for the sum of whole - and not a reel that everyone can afford or should own just for the sake of it.

Personally, the FD & FE are going to be around a long time yet, the FI hmm still not sold on that body and the overhead worm drive like the FK Stradic...