Shimano Stella 8000 Review And Tested
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The Stella 8000, or Shimano Stella 8000 SW spinning reel, is, as the name implies, one of the Stella flagship fishing reels series. It has been released in 2019 and takes part in the Shimano’s Stella lineup.
The reel is targeted to be used for high-end saltwater fishing, or light freshwater (where ultra-light outfits are used). According to Shimano, it is made with extremely strong materials making it great for anglers who target big game fish.
One of the main features of this spinning reel is that it has a wide-spool, like the Shimano Stradic (and some other Spinning Reels such as Daiwa SSaltist), which gives more room for the line and thus better distance when fishing.
Shimano Stella 8000 specs
Shimano 8000 has 13+1 bearings and two gear options: the PG (power gear ratio), and HG (high gear ratio). The XG (extra high ratio) is not available for Stella 8000.
The Shimano 8000 pg has a 4.9:1 gear ratio (4.9 spool rotation for every 360-degrees of the reel handle), which will give you a 37 inches retrieve per crank.
The Shimano 8000 hg has a 5.6:1 gear ratio (5.6 spool rotation for every 360-degrees of the reel handle), which will give you a 42 inches retrieve per crank.
The line capacity and drag are the same on both models:
Line (LB/YDS): 40/340, 50/265, 65/215
Drag (LB): 55
Shimano destines the 8000 for a braided line only.
Which Shimano Stella should you choose?
All models from the new Shimano Stella series are very similar. They have 13+1 bearings (except the 4000XG) – the best on a spinning reel, 4 gear options, and instant anti-reverse. The main differences are in the spool width, the max drag, and the gear ratio\ retrieve speed.
The variations are like this: the 8000SW (extra wide) has a wider spool, making it better for fishing far away; the 4000SW (wide) is more narrow – it will give you faster retrieve but less line capacity. The 2500HG (medium-high ratio) and 2000PG (power gear ratio) are like twin sisters – they have two gear options, but without an HG option. The 2000PG will give you a slightly faster retrieve while the 2500HG has a slightly wider spool.
The thing is that whether you will use the PG or HG option for your fishing style, depends on the fish species you target and what kind of line you use. So it’s better to look at the options of each model before deciding – especially if you are not sure what kinds of fish species live where you fish, or what kinds of lines are typically used there.
The main difference between the 8000SW and the 4000SW is that the 8000SW has a 55lbs max drag – which will make it suitable to target big game fishes, like tuna or even sharks. The 4000SW is suited for flats fishing (in bays and mangroves), where smaller fish are targeted.
Shimano Stella 8000 price:
The 8000SW, the main feature of this spinning reel, has an MSRP price tag of $550, but in reality, the price is twice as high and even more.
That’s a lot for a spinning reel – even if it is Shimano top-of-the-line product. It’s up to you if you think this price is worth it.
The 4000 SW xgc and 5000 SW hgc are more affordable – with an MSRP of $400, and the actual price is around $900, depending on the vendor. This makes it a great choice for freshwater fishing. Although Shimano does not indicate which models are made for saltwater use only, the 5000SW will be a better choice for saltwater fishing – especially when neutrally balanced with a heavier outfit.
We have a review of the best Shimano saltwater reels you can read.
If you don’t chase the big game fishes out there, the SHIMANO Stella FJ series might be the best option for you, with a price range more affordable for your budget.
Conclusion:
Shimano Stella 8000 is a great choice for anglers who target big game fishes.
It’s a bit pricey, in terms of price and features, especially in comparison with the Shimano Stella FJ series – which is more affordable with almost all the same features. But if your budget allows it, this is not an issue for you, this is the spinning reel you should choose.
It’s a great choice for those who need max drag and power – Shimano Stella 8000SW will be able to handle bigger predators with no problems. The steel gears combined with the mighty 55lbs of max drag makes this product a great choice for flats fishing too, where smaller fish are targeted.
