Shimano Stella SW C 2022 Review- Japanese Fishing Reel

The new Shimano Stella SW C Spinning Reel from 2022 is the latest edition to the legacy of Shimano Stella SW C Saltwater Spinning Reels that have led the fishing world in durability, power, and operability. Shimano builds on that tradition with cutting-edge technologies bringing further unmatched strength, reliability, and ease of use to serious saltwater anglers.

The new Shimano Stella SW-C 2022 range is the evolved version of the Shimano Stellas SW-B 2014 range. The new Shimano Stella SW is the real king of our reel range, and thanks to the different sizes of reels, the 4000, 5000, and 6000 sizes are the ultimate compact machines for “lighter” heavy-duty applications such as onshore and offshore jigging, popping, or fishing on tuna, cod, and coalfish feeding frenzies. The 18000, 20000, and 30000 are true hoists capable of handling the most powerful fish in the world.

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Quick Overview:

  • X-Ship technology
  • X-Protect water-resistant technology
  • Heat Sink Drag
  • G-Free Body design
  • Hagane Gear
  • SilentDrive technology
  • Waterproof drag

Different Models and Sizes

Shimano Stella SW C spinning reel modelsCheck Reviews

The new Shimano Stella SW represents the pinnacle of innovation for Shimano reel technology and fish-fighting performance. The new Shimano Stella SWC has been released with a number of significant upgrades that deliver Infinite Power across a full range of nine sizes – 4000, 5000, 6000, 8000, 10000, 14000, 18000, 20000, and 30000. Infinity Drive has been incorporated for light and powerful winding, and the upgraded Heatsink Drag (10000 to 30000 sizes) provides superior drag performance under extreme heat. Below we have reviewed some popular reel models from this brand.

Shimano Stella SW 5000 HG Japanese Spinning Reel

Infinity Drive has been introduced to complement the existing X-Ship system to deliver light and powerful winding. This development removes any contact the inner part of the pinion gear has with the main shaft, as a high-sliding bushing supports it. A special skid coating has been incorporated to further reduce sliding resistance. As a result, handle rotation torque is reduced by 26% when compared to the conventional system, so winding, even under extreme load, is now even easier.

Durable Body Construction

Featuring Shimano’s signature HAGANE Body, Shimano Stella SW boasts a highly rigid metal construction. This means exceptional impact resistance and less body flex under the pressure of heavy loads, keeping the internal gears and components aligned properly for continued flawless performance. At the heart of the reel, Shimano-proven HAGANE Gears are cold-forged for lasting durability and smoothness.

Smooth Gear System

With the introduction of X-Ship in the 2013 Shimano Stella SW, the Shimano Stella changed the way anglers look at targeting giant fish on spinning gear. This dual-bearing supported pinion gear system allowed for easier and smoother winding under enormous pressure, allowing anglers to use spinning reels to target bigger fish than ever before.

While X-Ship has since become a standard feature among many Shimano reels, the 2022 Shimano Stella SW features Shimano’s new Infinity Drive Technology that offers an even further improved winding experience, optimizing winding torque by an additional 26%. SilentDrive further improves smoothness by eliminating worm shaft and drive gear play, along with any sound or clicking from all functional parts.

Drag Performance

For even better drag performance, Shimano’s new HeatSink Drag transfers heat away from the spool, reducing spool surface temperature by up to 100 degrees. Shimano Stella SW’s IPX8 waterproof body, along with X-Protect and X-Shield’s water-resistant construction in the line roller and roller bearing, guard your investment against the harsh elements of a saltwater environment so you can fish with confidence.
Shimano Stella SW C Drag PerformanceCheck Reviews

Shimano Stella SW 5000 XG Spinning Reel

The Shimano Stella SW is available in 4 different models that offer varying line capacities and gear ratios to cover a wide array of saltwater fishing techniques. The models are the 8000PG and HG, 10000PG, and 14000XG sizes.

  • Color Black Gold
  • Material Nylon
  • Fishing Technique saltwater
  • Item Weight 420 Grams
  • Gearbox Ratio 6.2
  • Model Name 5000XG
  • Fishing Line Type Braided
  • Nylon Line Capacity: 4-200, 5-150, 6-130 lb-m
  • PE string volume (no. – m): 2 – 350, 3 – 240, 4 – 170

Fastest Retrieval With Great Balance

HG or “High Gear” models feature a mid-range gear ratio that offers an ideal balance of speed and power for a number of common techniques, while the PG and XG models are more technique-specific. PG or “Power Gear” models feature lower gear ratios to provide increased power and torque for jigging and bottom fishing applications, while XG Models utilize a high gear ratio for faster retrieval rates for casting lures. For 2022, Shimano Stella SW takes another step up in powerful, reliable performance.

Shimano Stella SW has always led the fishing world in durability, power, and operability. New Shimano Stella SW builds on that tradition. Available in 8000, 10000, and 14000 sizes, Shimano Stella SW brings unmatched strength, reliability, and ease of use to serious saltwater anglers. Featuring a Hagane body, Shimano Stella SW boasts a highly rigid metal construction. This means improved impact resistance and less body flex. At the heart of the reel, state-of-the-art Hagane gears are cold-forged for lasting durability and smoothness.

Saltwater Compatible

Infinity Drive technology offers an improved winding experience, optimizing winding torque by 26%. Silent Drive further improves smoothness by eliminating worm shaft and drive gear play. An all-new Shimano Heatsink Drag improves performance by transferring heat away from the spool, reducing spool surface temperature by up to 100 degrees. X-Protect and X-Shield ensure your investment is guarded against the harsh elements of a saltwater environment so you can fish with confidence. 2022 Shimano Stella SW is lighter, more powerful, and more reliable than ever before.

A waterproof rating of IPX8 is achieved through X-Protect and X-Shield, with the aluminum Hagane Body acting as a rigid and super tough outer shell. Now special X-Protect rubber gaskets have been incorporated into the line roller, making this mechanism ten times more durable than the previous model. A new and improved compact rotor design features in the 8000 sizes and has made the reel 50g lighter than the comparable Shimano Stella SW models. The HG models are designed for both casting and jigging, whereas PG is geared for jigging applications and XG for saltwater casting. 8000 Size models are for braided line use only.

Features Reviews of the New Shimano Stella SW C Reel

The Shimano Stella SW is Shimano’s most high-end, durable, strong, and powerful spinning reel, which is recognized for legendary Shimano Stella quality and durability by anglers all over the world. Monster tuna, giant trevally, sharks – it’s capable of fighting some of the most powerful fish. Infinite power, zero limits! So let’s look out at some of its unique features-
Shimano Stella SW C fishing reelsCheck Reviews

HEATSINK DRAG

The Heat Sink Panel, where the heat generated by drag is released, stops any decrease in drag performance, due to thermal sagging, by around 50 percent.

The Insulation Sheet, which blocks heat transfer to the spool, prevents spool temperatures from increasing by around 30 percent. The evolution of the new drag system is easier on the line and more stable than ever. You can find this feature in models 10000 and 14000.

X-PROTECT

X-Protect was developed for stopper bearing protection in the previous model and provided high-level waterproofing. The new Shimano Stella SW employs X-Protect for its line roller as well and further improves its waterproofing performance.
The new structure protects bearings inside the line roller from the harsh saltwater environment, and bearing durability is ten times greater than conventional designs. As a result of comparison tests by Shimano.

HAGANE GEAR

The Hagane Gear is produced by applying approximately 200 tons of pressure to the raw metal through a unique technology called Precision Cold Forging. Delivered with micron accuracy, no cutting work is involved. Hard and tough, the Hagane Gear has high durability and delivers smooth winding.
Shimano Stella SW C Hagane GearCheck Reviews

HAGANE BODY

The Hagane Body chassis is made of highly rigid aluminum alloy. It eliminates flex, warp, and distortion of the reel and protects the engagement of gears inside. This allows for smoother winding.

X-RIGID ROTOR

By verifying the thickness of the aluminum alloy rotor body through detailed 3D analysis, strong rigidity, high durability, and excellent rotational balance are created. Thanks to its strong rigidity, the X-Rigid Rotor contributes to the improved effectiveness of various parts, such as drag.

SILENT DRIVE

From the basic body design through to the most intricate parts of the drive train, including the drive gear, worm shaft, worm shaft pin, and worm shaft gear, every piece has been carefully reviewed.

Consequently, the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances. As a result, a new generation of silky smooth winding performance and pristine silence has been achieved.

Infinity DRIVE

The new Shimano Stella SW employs ‘Infinity Drive’ where the pinion gear inner does not make contact with the main shaft, as a high-sliding bushing supports the main shaft. With this new structure, the sliding resistance of the main shaft is drastically reduced.

In addition to this, a special skidding coating on the main shaft helps to further reduce sliding resistance. InfinityDrive cuts handle rotation torque by about 30 percent in comparison to the conventional system and make the reel more powerful.

X-SHIP

In addition to an enlarged drive gear, optimum positioning of the pinion and drive gears, and two-point support of the pinion gear whose ends are supported by bearings, all these mechanisms deliver robust gear engagement. The X-Ship system permits smooth winding, even under heavy loads.

X-TOUGH DRAG | RIGID SUPPORT DRAG

X-Tough Drag: Each drag washer is composed of metal or carbon, which has high resistance to friction. Supporting the spool from both the top and bottom means highly durable and stable drag performance.

Rigid Support Drag: Supporting the spool at two points of the main shaft and bearing inside the spool eliminates spool wobble and delivers a stable, smooth drag function.

Shimano Stella SW C 2022 models specifications:

Model Number:
Bearings: Gear Ratio: Line Per Handle Turn: Weight oz: Mono Line Capacity: Braid Line Capacity: Max Drag:
13+1 4.9:1 40 23.6 12/500, 16/320, 20/220 50/360, 65/290, 80/215 55
13+1 6.2:1 53 23.8 12/555, 16/360, 20/260 50/400, 65/315, 80/240 55
13+1 5.7:1 51 30.9 20/415, 25/340, 30/280 50/600, 65/440, 80/360 62
13+1 4.4:1 41 31.2 20/460, 25/380, 30/320 65/490, 80/400, 100/340 62
13+1 4.4:1 52 34.4 40/370, 50/300, 60/250 65/900, 80/700, 100/570 55
12+1 6.2:1 40 12.5 8/240, 10/200, 12/160 15/230, 30/180, 50/120 24
13+1 5.7:1 38 14.8 10/240, 12/195, 14/165 20/245, 30/225, 40/175 29
13+1 5.7:1 41 15 12/265, 16/170, 20/120 30/290, 50/195, 65/140 29
13+1 5.6:1 42 22 Braid Only 40/340, 50/265, 65/215 55
13+1 4.9:1 37 22 Braid Only 40/340, 50/265, 65/215 55

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is the Shimano Stella 14000 convertible for left-hand use?

The Shimano Stella reels are ambidextrous.

What’s the difference between the 2013 version of Shimano Stella’s and the 2022 version of Shimano Stella’s?

A more rigid body results in less body flex, The new infinity drive increases torque by 26%, and Shimano’s new heatsink drag transfers heat away from the reel resulting in reducing surface temps by up to 100 degrees.

Why is the Shimano Stella so expensive?

The best components in the fishing industry don’t come at a low price, and the 2022 models are priced better than the 2018 models

Shimano Stella SW C Video Review:

Watch this video

Why Shimano’s reels are so expensive?

Perfect

I bought SW 10000PGC. Looks really neat, feels strong, and has good handling/shipping. It came in factory sealing! Save for another one! Thanks!

Definitely live up to expectation

I landed 8 yellowfin tuna in a night with this reel. It’s silky smooth and powerful. It definitely lives up to expectation – the best spinning reel on the market.

Amazing!

I just got this reel, and although I haven’t gotten it wet yet, I can’t keep my hands off it. The smoothest reel I’ve ever touched.

Flagship Reel

it’s a Shimano Stella! This reel can put the breaks on a 50in striper anyday. Fish after fish this thing will keep you impressed as the day you bought it.

Shimano is The Ferrari of Fishing Reels

I own the Shimano 10000sw, and I must say the Shimano Stellas are the Ferrari of fishing reels. I go inshore/offshore fishing off New Jersey once a week, and the Shimano Stella has not let me down.

Shimano Stella 10000 Reel

Best Spinning Reel Ever! Just buy it and enjoy the best experience a spinning reel can provide you. It is lighter than the previous one. So for extreme die-hard fans, price is not an issue.
Pros: Best in the business, most will never move up to this level to go fishing, but if you are a die-hard fan who wants the best, this series is as good as it gets, better tho.
Cons: Still extremely expensive

Setbacks: No significant improvement from 2013

  • No backup anti-reverse Plastic Clutch downgrade Smooth Drag but not what it’s rated at Price Limited Sizes and gear ratios as of Aug. 2022.
  • Just like Shimano Stradic FK to Shimano Sustain FI upgrade… No significant improvement from 2013 Shimano Stella SW.
  • Another 2014 Shimano Stella FI to 2022 Shimano Stella FJ improvement.
    As I expected, I received 2022 8000HG in mid-March, 19 8000HG was lighter than 13 8000HG.
  • InfinityDrive helps for lighter retrieve when you are jigging and fighting with a big fish.
    SilentDrive x XShip help for a smooth retrieve.
  • XProtect for Line Roller is nice, but if you take care of the line roller ball bearing, I don’t think this is not significantly improved.
  • XRigid Rotor and New Compact Rotor (8000 only) help for a lighter retrieve.

My Suggestion

If you didn’t buy 13 Shimano Stella SW 8000HG/PG, buy 19 Stella SW 8000HG/PG.
It’s a new concept of 8000 reels. You can’t use the 10000/14000 spool.
If you have 13 Stella SW 8000HG/PG, don’t buy 19 Stella SW 10000PG/14000XG.
The main reason-13 Stella SW 8000HG/PG can use 19 Stella SW 10000PG/14000XG spools. That means you will get the HeatSink spool.
I would just purchase 19 Stella SW 14000 spool with 19 Stella SW drag knob for 13 Stella SW 10000PG/14000XG, then wait for 2026/27 Stella SW.

Final Thoughts

I was hesitant about whether or not I should have bought this reel. So I made some comparisons between this one (the Shimano Stella SW 14000XG) vs Shimano TwinPower 14000XG, which is at half price. I also did some research and even came across Alan Hawk where he showed some flaws of the 2022 model.

Until a friend of mine recommended this reel to me. He told me if I bought this reel, I would not worry about losing big fish. We all know we can lose any fish even with the best gear we have 🙂
I decided to buy this anyway because I was too hyped, even if it broke the bank, LOL. So I haven’t actually used it as I haven’t had a chance to go offshore fishing up until now. I even haven’t spooled it.
However, what I can tell is I feel good because I own one like this. I live in Georgia, and so ocean access is just a dream, but I know I will have chances to put it into heavy use at some point in time, perhaps when I am retired and buy a house close to the beach, and oh with a boat too, who knows LOL.
5.0 rating reel feels like owning a Ferrari. Shimano reels are all amazingly smooth from low to top tier. I always say invest in high-quality gear, and the Shimano Stella never disappoints. There are new features added to this amazing reel, and I am so excited to test it in soon. I would recommend it to anyone who targets big fish like GTs, Tunas, etc.

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