My main motive for my suggestion to the original poster was "COST"......he did say he didnt want to spend too much....if i remember rightly..........the 2008 version can still be found in mint condition...because many people use them for one trip or few and they are stored away.......so...still a class act......but when will be the next stella range i wonder?...or are they happy with where they are for now?

The 2013 stella is a better reel than the 08 for a nuemerous amount of reasons.

main one being it is sealed. Sealed spool and drag system, sealed anti reverse, sealed body and gear box, sealed side plates. sealed worm drive, Sealed handle knob, Sealed handle shaft, Sealed main shaft. 

That above already puts it ahead of the 08 Stella. And I have personally stripped several hundred of the current model Stella and more of the 08 Stella. Can confidently say that the new model is the superior reel. Epic charters original 2013 model reels are still going strong. And get thrashed daily. 

The 08 stella was an awesome reel and under stand why people rate it so highly but in terms of better.... i disagree.

haha.....no substance?......well ...obviously you are a much wiser man then? .....Do you service them? or are you just a mere fisho like the rest of us on here?......sorry bro but i respect what he says far more than what you say......another poster states they have addressed these problems........no doubt they took note of what mr hawke had to say......if thats the case .....thats good to hear........I have never had any problems with the line capacity or having to buy after market spools(except the jm spool).......the 10,000 spool is fine for kings and has ample enough line capacity to deal to kings....its only paranoia that makes people get larger spools for kings (overkill)......the 20,000 spool can fit on the 18,000.....the sw 10,000 spool is a great kingy reel and the 18,000 is a great kingy/gt reel or marlin reel....I think its up to the poster which he prefers.......the review by mr hawke should be of great interest to him......there is one arguement you will never win........the new stella is ****ing expensive and second hand SW stellas in great condition have become far more affordable....all my stellas are second hand......have never bought one new.....i aint paying 1200/1300 plus out for a new stella thank you.......i will leave that to the rich.....fishy maybe now you can see why there is still a demand for these "outdated reels" as you seem to think they are.....quality never fades........They have now become a bargain if you can find a tidy one !...a reel that was once worth 1100+ can be picked up for 500/600/700/800.....Do the maths.