Stella 14K vs 18K
Printed From: The Fishing Website
Category: Saltwater Fishing
Forum Name: Popper and Topwater Fishing
Forum Description: If you're into a bit of action on top, this is the forum for you
URL: https://www.fishing.net.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=125764
Printed Date: 06 Jun 2026 at 5:51am
Topic: Stella 14K vs 18K
Posted By: BigDaveTops
Subject: Stella 14K vs 18K
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 12:14pm
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Hi All Am thinking of investing in a Stella and not sure what size to get, 14 or 18. Will be solely used for top water, I have other jig outfits and prefer overheads for that work. in terms of the Stella's application will be used for stick baiting in NZ for Kings. And once every 12-18 months (all going well) a week or so trip to the islands chasing GTs and various other bristling creatures on surface lures, especially poppers. For NZ work I'd look at 80lb braid (I just get confused by the various PE ratings systems) and a minimum of 80lb up to 100lb for the tropics. I've used both reels before (good mates) and can see the benefits of each. The 14 is obviously lighter (nearly 200grams) whilst the 18 affords more capacity, especially for the heavier braid. Any suggestions/comments? As much as I'd like to I can't afford both. Cheers David
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Replies:
Posted By: Marknado4000
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 12:35pm
| An 8k with 200m of PE6 Varivas for NZ, and a spare 16k spool with PE8 for the islands. Done! |
Posted By: ET487
Date Posted: 04 Oct 2017 at 5:01pm
| Why you need 100lb for the islands? 80lb is more than enough. I fish the last 6 years with 65lb Tasline on the islands. |
Posted By: laidbackdood
Date Posted: 05 Oct 2017 at 4:05am
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Then you have the 2008 model sw 10,000 or sw 18,000 to consider........I prefer the older model to the swb...... A)you could go sw 10,000 with pe6 and 130 pound leader for kings jigging master 16000 spool with pe8 and 170 pound leader for Gt's and you have the lighter reel with 20kg of drag.......Probably the best stella ever made. B)The sw 18000...is much heavier but can take the 20,000 spool as well...plenty of capacity on both spools.... Id go A ....if you can find a JM 16000 spool(just be careful.....they have **** loads of drag.....more than you can handle ! ) Tasline is good stuff.
 ------------- Once the idiots turn up..Im outta here...No time for Drama Queens. |
Posted By: Tsuri Tamashi
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 8:44pm
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if you are patient there will be a new model of stella released very soon. I personally prefer the 08 model to the 13 for all sizes, recommend you to get the 8000 or 10000 not the 14000 and the 18000 for heavier set ups. Spare spools are always good to have, ill stay away from the JM spools and go with yumeya, Som or nature boys. It will be good to match the reels to the rods you will use so you can cast all day and have a good balance rod and reel. |
Posted By: Muppet
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 9:21pm
| I am guessing the new range will be G free bodies? |
Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 9:47pm
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SOM = studio ocean mark I recommend these also |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 08 Oct 2017 at 10:05pm
Miss information central right here...  Forget this 08' Stella is better than the 13'Stella SW nonsense, because that's exactly what it is, nonsense. Also a 8000,10000 & 14000 are the same body size and pretty much the same in the weight department. The 14k SW though has more capacity and a better rate of retrieve for topwater fishing. Go the 13' Stella SW 14k if you're wanting to run PE5-8, the 18k for PE8-12. Advantage 18k - Slightly lower gear ratio which gives more cranking power while still having a high rate of line retrieve due to it's larger spool. Line capacity if wanting to run above PE8 or target large tuna using PE6-10 (250mtrs imo is plenty for GT's and kings). Advantage 14k - Lighter weight, a massive plus if fishing it all day. Still more drag than you can shake a stick at as is the case with the 18k. Besides large tuna where line capacity in deep water can be an issue, 99.9% of the time if you can't stop a GT or Kingfish with a 14k there's not a whole lot more good an 18k is going to do. Use good quality line what ever you do, decent PE5-6 that breaks at 70-80lbs+, or PE8-10 that breaks at 100lbs+ if you want to go heavy on the 18k. Have fun  |
Posted By: Tsuri Tamashi
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 8:48am
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Fishy11 : No one say better or not its just a preference and its due to high use of both models in different conditions(btw i have both 08 and 13 in various models and stand behind my words as 13 models dont like places with high salt content and humidity...Nz is not one of them) . this is true that the body size of the stella 8-14k models are same but stopping power is different and i never needed over 250m line for top water unless targeting Tuna species and one more issue with the 14k is the spool knocking the bail arm under heavy load. What its come down to is also the rod you pair the reel and line with, fishing grounds and angler experience... in my opinion. |
Posted By: Tsuri Tamashi
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 9:24am
| I am not sure but its been one of the changes in the lighter range on the 13 models |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 1:41pm
You obviously though wouldn't choose a reel you thought was inferior would you??? as you just said you think the 08's are better
corrosion wise....
Not trying to have a go to be clear, but trying to understand why one
would say OP should buy one or the other if they didin't think it was
better...I've also fished both, and fished with plenty of guys around the world who fish both. With either one if they are maintained you shouldn't have an issue with corrosion, wipe with warm water and tackle guard them or similar after use, none of my reels are corroded and they get plenty of use both here and overseas in humid climates. I just honestly don't know why in 2017, almost 2018 one would buy a second hand reel that is almost 10 years old, and have to buy larger aftermarket spools to match or better the line capacity and get close to the retrieve rate of a stock 13'SW14000XG. |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 2:04pm
Really???because i've never had the issue and i've been using 14k's a while now along with other sizes. Also never heard of it from guys i've fished with, a number of whom sell this type of tackle for a living too. Looking at basic physics most of the load on the bail arm and line roller is pulling forward and not inwards so really don't know where you got that from. and what were the other supposed 'issues'? because you never listed any and just repeated/agreed? with what i said previously about reel body size, line capacity etc |
Tsuri Tamashi wrote:Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 2:29pm
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End of the day David, go with what you think will suit you best
based on the facts and what you will be doing with it the majority of the time you use it. Have you got a rod in mind you are going to run it on? and decided what size lures you are going to be using? That may influence your decision a bit more as well. Not to gloat or anything like that but more than happy to PM you a link to photos/ vids of fish myself and friends both here and overseas have caught on trips so you can get an idea of what various setups are actually capable of. |
Posted By: BigMike
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 7:37pm
| Hey fishy, what Stellas do you own and fish at the moment? Got any pics? |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 8:30pm
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At the moment 13'SW 14k & 10k + a few other Shimano & Daiwa reels. In the past have fished 08' 10k,20k & 13' SW 20k,18k,8k, 6k. Pics of what, reels? or do you mean fish etc? |
Posted By: BigMike
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 8:35pm
I was curious about your setups bro |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 09 Oct 2017 at 8:42pm
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Hmm, ok What were you wanting pics of? lol Like was that intended as a 'prove it' type comment or something? |
Posted By: laidbackdood
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 4:09am
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The fact is....that the 2008 line up have a lot of loyal fans who prefer it to the SWB newer model....Alan Hawk (GOD)......for one.....who found issues with the new model....Parts are still well stocked for the 2008 model and it remains the best stella to date. I have the 5000/6000/8000/10000/18000......2008 models.......I wont be buying any SWB.......they are ****ing ugly as well Have a read of Alan Hawk"s review of the 2008 stella and then the new model swb........he knows his ****.......its pretty heavy reading......skip to the conclusion if you want it spelt out easy. http://www.alanhawk.com/reviews/reviews.html
------------- Once the idiots turn up..Im outta here...No time for Drama Queens. |
Posted By: ET487
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 7:11am
| Buy a 10 000 Twin Power and get another spool for less than a $1000. Can even fill up 1 spool for that money. |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 2:11pm
That's nice, good for you. I never said the 08's aren't a good reel, they are. You're the one bagging on something based on subjective b.s and not facts though. "he found issues", really care to enlighten everyone else or are you just content with spreading more hearsay and not actually posting anything of substance. I've read a number of Alans reviews / breakdowns including both of the ones you mentioned. He does know his stuff, well most of the time, this is the same guy though who once said something along the lines of that the twin power is just a fancy saragosa with it's gearing etc being pretty much the same - which is completely false, the twin power shares more in common with the current model stella in regards to it's gearing setup etc than the saragosa. Not saying he doesn't make some very valid points in some of his reviews but i take those types of comments with a grain of salt. |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 2:18pm
I'd agree the twin power is a good option if OP - David want's to spend a bit less than stella money. Would it not make more sense though to buy a 14,000 twin power? usually the same or similar price to the 10,000, same body & weight. Better gear ratio for topwater and more line capacity from the get go. |
Posted By: Stonefish
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 2:44pm
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If you're quoting Alan Hawk then surely you need to point out that he acknowledges that Shimano apparently fixed the most of the issues that he found on his initial review, and that the 2013 Stella is number 2 on his "Finest Offshore Spinning reel" list. (Okuma Makaira number 1????) I honestly think some people over complicate things, if you want a great topwater reel with quick retrieve and a size that you can cast all day then get the 14k. If you're really concerned about getting spooled and think that the extra 100m or so capacity will help you stop a fish than for some reason the massive drag won't, then go for the 18k. ------------- 6.7m Surtees PureFisher - "Kraken" |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 2:56pm
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Exactly my thoughts Stonefish. You know why Laidbackdood fails to mention that because it doesn't suit his narrative, simple as that. Not trying to be a d**k that's just the way i see it. Completely agree with the 14k v 18k comment, i don't know why one would buy a 10yr old second hand 8k, 10k and then have to get aftermarket spools to try and make it a decent topwater reel. The 14k stellas and twinpowers are made with topwater in mind, as are the 18k stellas. |
Posted By: jac
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 6:18pm
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This is testament to the 13' Stella https://youtu.be/hvta9DyoQ-I |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 10 Oct 2017 at 8:41pm
If you only knew the irony of a Saltywater Tackle vid being posted after what's been said in this thread |
Posted By: laidbackdood
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2017 at 6:12am
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.------------- Once the idiots turn up..Im outta here...No time for Drama Queens. |
Posted By: Nomis
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2017 at 9:13am
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Im going to avoid quoting anyone here.. 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. ------------- I'll act my age when im 69 |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2017 at 1:21pm
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Laidbackdood - I never said one 'needs'the extra line capacity of the 14k vs say a 08' 8k or 10k. I even said previously imo i think 250mtrs is enough for kings and GT's on topwater. If fishing for large tuna however i would want more capacity. You were one of a couple of posters who previously suggested OP should buy a used 08'stella 10k and put an aftermarket spool on it. My statement was why would one do that when you can buy a 14k that's perfect for topwater with similar line capacity off the shelf. Aftermarket spools are also going to increase the total price which imo makes the brand new reel look more and more appealing for a couple of hundred more $$$. ....and yes i generally tend to service/maintain my own reels. |
Posted By: Fishy11
Date Posted: 11 Oct 2017 at 1:40pm
Agree 100% Nomis, just to kind of touch on the above re charters or reels getting a lot of use etc. If i was to think back to any if the overseas trips i've fished in the last few years the make up of reels used for topwater and spin jigging between all the guys has generally been 90-95% 13'Stella SW's. With the remaining 5-10% being a mix of saltiga, catalina, twin power, saragosa, 08'stella. To be clear most of these guys, and myself included have either used or owned/ still own 08' stellas. |
Posted By: laidbackdood
Date Posted: 20 Oct 2017 at 2:20am
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Plus the 2008 model was not without its issues early on........they had to recall a lot of them because of the ****ty bailroller........a white dot/silver dot placed on box.......and it wasnt just a case of changing the roller.....there was another amendment made to the arm which i am sure nomis would know about..........as is common with a lot of things in life........they put out what they think is a perfect product...early days there is an issue.......then its fixed and it becomes brilliant.......happens with most **** eg cars/motorbikes ......**** ....even planes !....can have issues early on after being released.......Its good to hear a lot of peoples opionions without people getting rude if you disagree.......Very interesting to hear nomis thoughts(someone who digests them). 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?
------------- Once the idiots turn up..Im outta here...No time for Drama Queens. |