Top-of-the-line Spinning Reel in Pursuit of Ever-evolving Functional Beauty

STELLA has been designed to attain the ultimate smooth reeling. Shimano developed the SBL (Shimano Balance Lock) to significantly reduce shaking while rotating the handle. Such shaking was accepted as the norm for a spinning reel. Since its sensational debut in 1992, STELLA has been popular with overwhelming support from users around the world. The amazingly smooth reeling feel could be experienced the moment an angler used the reel. It was developed by using cutting-edge precision machining technology through research on the delicate tactile sensation of the fingertips. STELLA is characterized by outstanding balance, powerful and light rotation, a streamlined gear module and structure, and material and design of ultimate beauty. It dramatically changed the history of spinning reels and continues to evolve as an all-time star that leads other models.

STORY
SERIES

STORY

Birth of Ultimate Technology That Changed the Conventional Wisdom of Spinning Reels

“What are the true needs of anglers?” In the 1990s, Shimano started to develop the top-of-the-line spinning reel. The development project was based on the concept of fidelity to the five senses of anglers and unparalleled, outstanding performance. One of the issues identified was shaking during reeling. Shaking while rotating the handle was peculiar to spinning reels due to their structures. Shimano took on the challenge of solving this problem. After trial and error, the balance of the center of gravity was adjusted three-dimensionally based on findings in terms of vibration engineering. This achieved amazingly smooth reeling. Shimano further investigated the findings and developed a system whose shaking during reeling was significantly reduced. The system was named SBL.

To eliminate rotation noise, a metal housing with high rigidity and precision was used. To ensure a smooth feel and direct response during reeling, the manufacture of housings was outsourced to a camera parts manufacturer to attain precision equivalent to that of precision electronic devices. In terms of the design, Shimano was committed to excellence for each part in pursuit of beautiful appearance and refinement to embody ultimate functionality. These efforts led to the release of STELLA, a spinning reel characterized by the finest beauty and precision, in 1992. The first STELLA model was exhibited at the Tokyo International Fishing Show. The product was suspended using a single line and attracted great attention. The reel was free from shaking during the handle rotation, and offered a light and smooth reeling feel. STELLA fascinated visitors, and enjoyed overwhelming support as the flagship model of spinning reels in the market. The SBL was used for products of various grades, and it became the standard for high grade models of respective reel brands.

Commitment to the Reeling Feel and Beauty as the Source of Tradition and Evolution for 30 Years

The sensational debut of the first STELLA model also revolutionized the subsequent technology development of spinning reels. The model released in 1995 was equipped with the SHIP (SMOOTH & HIPOWER SYSTEM), which dramatically increased the gear reeling performance. The design was also improved significantly. In 1998, a slim body was used to achieve a compact design. The reel was equipped with the SUPER SHIP, which attained powerful and smooth reeling, and the 3D curved rotor, which remarkably decreased line entanglement. The model released in 2000 featured a slow oscillation mechanism to improve the casting distance and feel. The metallic all-chrome-plated finish became an object of adoration among anglers.

In pursuit of a better reeling feel, STELLA further evolved in the 21st century. In 2001, Shimano deployed the AR series, which featured an aluminum housing, and the FW series, which featured a magnesium housing, in pursuit of refined designs. The slow oscillation mechanism also evolved. Shimano developed the S-System (Smooth, Silent, Strong), which attained an exquisite balance between the casting feel and a smooth reeling feel. In 2004, the S-System evolved to the SR concept, with “R” for reliance added. The product incorporated the SR-3D gear, which was derived from the pursuit of ideal gear teeth based on 3D analysis, and A-RB (anti-rust bearing), which was characterized by enhanced rustproof performance of the bearing. The model released in 2007 was equipped with the AR-C spool, which optimized the resistance of the line during release and significantly improved the casting distance. Problems during casting decreased dramatically.

In 2010, STELLA returned to the basics. Technology innovation to thoroughly improve the rotation performance made it possible to increase the diameter of the drive gear while maintaining the body size. The model was equipped with the X-SHIP mechanism, which achieved both powerful response and a light feel by optimally arranging the pinion gear and drive gear to ensure engagement. The model released in 2014 was equipped with the Micromodule Gear, which was first used in bait reels. It was the first spinning reel to incorporate the gear. The number of gear teeth was increased to enhance smoothness. The G-free body aimed to ensure high operability and reduce fatigue due to casting by improving the balance of the center of gravity. It was highly acclaimed because anglers felt as if the rod and reel were extensions of their body. The latest model released in 2018 was equipped with the Silent Drive, which reduced the backlash by eliminating gaps in the reel and attained quietness and smoothness. The product achieved ultimate comfort by harnessing all of Shimano’s technologies available, including the Micromodule Gear II, which attained ever higher precision, the HAGANE GEAR, which produced a smooth reeling feel thanks to the hard and tough gear, the HAGANE BODY, which was a lightweight and highly rigid body, and the X-PROTECT, which further enhanced the waterproof performance.

STELLA aims to deliver the supreme reels by using the best technologies, materials and designs. “Stella” is an Italian word that means “star.” As the name indicates, STELLA still continues to evolve to go beyond the ultimate as the star of Shimano’s reels.

SERIES

1992

First STELLA model

The product achieved the three-dimensional rotational balance with high precision by incorporating the SBL (Shimano Balance Lock), a technology that minimized shaking during reeling, which was previously accepted as the norm for spinning reels. Shimano also developed the stopper function without backlash, which dramatically improved the precision of the gear system. The function achieved the best reeling feel ever. The form was completely changed to an elegant design in pursuit of the joy of using the reel, with emphasis placed on the feeling. The first model sought technology and beauty to the ultimate degree. With its sensational debut, the first model became known around the world as the top-of-the-line spinning reel.

1995

95 STELLA (second model)

The product was equipped with the SHIP (SMOOTH & HIPOWER SYSTEM), which was designed using advanced 3D CAD with high precision to dramatically improve the reeling performance of the gear. Shimano also developed the Super Stopper II, which minimized the play during reverse rotation. This became the standard feature of the subsequent spinning reels. The design also evolved significantly. The model was characterized by the enhanced design thanks to the body of the gunmetal color, which produced luxuriousness befitting the high-end model, and the decoration on the spool by blanking, which has been passed on to the current STELLA model. 95 STELLA enabled more delicate operation due to high rigidity without shaking. It became hugely popular among anglers of black bass fishing, which was booming to its peak at that time.

1998

98 STELLA (third model)

The product was equipped with the SUPER SHIP, which attained powerful and smooth reeling, and the 3D curved rotor, which remarkably decreased line entanglement. An extraordinarily large model (16000) was added to the lineup due to the ultra-thin body, which was derived from an unconventional concept of enclosing parts in a small package, instead of reducing the internal size. Products of new specifications, HG (High Gear) and PG (Power Gear), were also marketed. As big game and jigging became popular, 98STELLA enabled anglers to take the leadership in battles with unexpectedly big fish. It established its position as the top-of-the-line reel for all fishing categories.

2000

STELLA Millennium Edition

This millennium edition was completely built-to-order. The product featured the super slow oscillation mechanism, a super-slow oscillation mechanism designed to increase the casting distance and improve the casting feel, and the screw-in type handle, which was introduced for the first time. The good reeling feel derived from the slow oscillation mechanism enabled anglers to fully enjoy the ultimate feel, which was the STELLA’s concept. This was a masterpiece that gave owners a moment of bliss due to the entirely plated body in the metallic color and gold, three-step decoration of the spool by blanking, inscription of the millennium logo and serial number, and gorgeous design befitting the special model.

2001

01 STELLA (fourth model)

To meet the diversifying fishing scenes, Shimano deployed the FW (fresh water) series made from magnesium, the SW (saltwater) series characterized by high durability, and the AR (all-round: for both fresh water and saltwater) series made from aluminum. They were popular among anglers in various fishing categories. The slow oscillation mechanism also evolved and was implemented in products. The S-System (Smooth, Silent, Strong) concept, which attained an exquisite balance between the casting feel and smooth reeling feel, served as the core of STELLA, for which Shimano has been committed to excellence. It enabled anglers to feel the superb response and joy of reeling.

2004

04 STELLA (fifth model)

Based on the concept of SR with R (reliance) added to the S-System, the model was equipped with the SR one-piece veil, which prevented twisting and breakage of the line during casting, and the SR-3D gear, which pursued elaborate and tough gear teeth based on 3D analysis and cold forging. The reel incorporated the A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearing), whose rustproof performance was enhanced, to achieve rigidity and precision. The model gained tremendous support from anglers because it changed the history of STELLA by using innovative technology that has led to the latest model.

2007

07 STELLA (sixth model)

The model was equipped with the AR-C spool, which optimized the resistance of the line during release by using the spool edge shape to control the frictional resistance of the line during release, and significantly improved the casting distance by about 15%. The spool dramatically reduced problems during casting. To further improve durability in the tough condition, S A-RB, which evolved from rustproof A-RB, was used for all the ball bearings. The side of the bearings was sealed with a rust-preventive material. The use of the high-strength, highly durable barrier gear reduced salt contamination of the gear caused by the ingress of saltwater. The model pursued the joy of fishing in all scenes, including saltwater fishing.

2008

2008 STELLA SW

With the development of the PE line in the latter half of the 1990s, spinning reels for jigging and casting games became indispensable models to battle with big fish in the ocean. Extra-high gear specifications were added to the SW (saltwater) specifications, which required absolute strength, to battle with big fish in the ocean. The model gained tremendous support in offshore plucking games, which requires high-speed retrieval. The design of the handle knob, which served as the point of effort in power games, was also reviewed. An egg knob was used for the Extra-high Gear (XG) specifications, and a round knob was used for the High Gear (HG) and Power Gear (PG) specifications. These powerful models demonstrated the absolute battling capability based on STELLA SW’s reliability even under severe conditions. Shimano also developed a new high-performance drag, which was characterized by significantly improved durability required to battle with big fish.

2010

10 STELLA (seventh model)

The model was equipped with the X-SHIP mechanism, which focused on the rotation performance (i.e., the core performance of spinning reels). The gear system eliminated the loss of reeling power, which was transmitted through the handle. Derived from the high-precision tooth surface design using Shimano’s proprietary metal processing technology, the system achieved outstanding torque. It achieved both powerful response and a light feel by optimally arranging the pinion gear and drive gear to ensure engagement. Magnesium was used for the body material, leading to successful weight reduction while maintaining strength. This STELLA model, which became more lightweight and stronger compared to the previous model, served as a powerful weapon for anglers.

2013

STELLA SW

This innovative model of the SW (saltwater) specifications pursued ever higher strength and durability. It inherited the X-SHIP, which was used for 10 STELLA. It also featured the X-RIGID GEAR, which ensured toughness, the X-TOUGH DRAG, which ensured heat resistance and durability, and the X-PROTECT, which was used for the roller clutch. STELLA SW achieved high power, high durability, and rigidity, as well as the waterproof performance for the body (equivalent to IPX8). This was an unrivaled, ultimate model of tough saltwater reels to win severe marine big games in battling with large fish, including tuna. It established a track record in fishing Pacific bluefin tuna over 200 kg.

2014

14 STELLA (eighth model)

This became the first spinning reel to incorporate the Micromodule Gear, an innovative gear system (technology) for bait reels. Smoothness was improved dramatically by increasing the number of gear teeth and reducing the size. This led to an ultimate reeling feel. The G-free body was designed to reduce the weight of the reel sensed by anglers by arranging the worm shaft closer to the rod and thereby raising the center of gravity of the reel closer to the hand. This design succeeded in producing a sensation as if the rod and reel were extensions of the body.

2018

18 STELLA (ninth model)

This model was equipped with the Micromodule Gear II. The drive gear was redesigned and the tooth shape was improved in pursuit of a never-changing reeling feel. The Micromodule Gear II achieved smoother rotation than ever before in combination with the Silent Drive, which created a perfect drive mechanism by completely eliminating the backlash, gaps and shaking inside the reel. The product offered a supreme gear feel. The HAGANE GEAR, which established the gear durability based on Shimano’s proprietary precision cold forging technology, was tuned up for STELLA. The reel gear strength of a larger size was achieved by using the HAGANE BODY, which ensured lightness and high rigidity, and the X-PROTECT, a non-contact mechanism that enhanced the waterproof effect.

2019

STELLA SW

This was the ultimate model of SW (saltwater) specifications. The Infinity Drive, which evolved from the X-SHIP, reduced the rotation torque by about 30% from the conventional model. It enabled anglers to continuously overwhelm fish by aggressive reeling even when the load was large. The model was equipped with the heat sink panel, which was designed to dissipate heat generated when battling with big fish outside the spool. The panel reduced the decrease in drag power caused by overheating by about 50%. The block sheet, which blocked the heat of the line reeling section, succeeded in further reducing the temperature increase by about 30%. The X-PROTECT, which ensured the waterproof performance, was used for the line roller as well. It achieved outstanding durability, which was more than 10 times that of the conventional model. The spinning reel embodied Shimano’s pride to offer ultimate power and toughness, and enabled anglers to fully enjoy big games like never before.