Saltiga z4500 or Stella 8000sw
 

Im going out of my mind trying to decide which reel i should get. It will be mounted on an xra 1322 and will be used to throw 3oz plugs in the canal. Help me make up my mind.

don't know about a stella, but Back Beach and T.Orlando use saltigas in the canal throwing everything from big shads to pencils and eels and they love them. I'm sure they'll chime in. I would have bought one if i were only going to fish they canal, but i bought a VS instead because I plan on deep wading and getting it wet.

I am in the same boat. I have casted the Saltiga on that ros and it does well. But this a.m. I was able to put a Stella 10000Sw on that rod and it felt like it casted a little better. The stella is noticeably lighter.

One's a Lexus and the other's an Infinity.

You can't go wrong either way--but the Saltiga costs $150 less ;)

New Saltiga's coming out in the US in July of 2011. But Shimano also re-designs Stellas on the average of every 5 years or so. Shimano tends to tweak models much more than Daiwa does.

The key for me was--Saltigas have a manual bail. No flip-over issues. The 10000 and smaller Stella SW models have an automatic bail with an internal trip.

The 10000 and 8000 Stellas, also, are the same reel--only difference is the spool of the 10K holds more line. If you go Stella, I'd go with the 10000.

I had the same problem, only difference was I wanted it to be an all around Canal Reel....Jigging to.

I finally decided to go with the 10000sw, same reel as the 8k just a different spool from what I can tell.

The Saltiga takes in 37" a crank, the 10k Stella 47". 37" isn't bad but getting down there for a Canal reel.

Tough call but I wanted the speed. Down side of the Stella is that it's got an auto Bail, it's not bad to remove the bail trip strike block an have a full manual bail, but it's not as easy as some reels.

I didn't mind doing it but not everyone wants to take apart there brand new 800$ reel.....don't blame them.

I'm happy with it, seems like a perfect all around Canal reel .

First post here in months and you stole all my thunder... While I was typing and looking up retrieve speeds...:wall: :)

Neither. Wait for the NEW Saltiga. :soon:

I love myh 4500z but I'd wait if I were you.

YouTube - Daiwa 2010 Saltiga

You might want to check out one of these bad boys if the setup is primarily for plugging and distance is important.

SHIMANO BULL'S EYE 9120XT

saltigas rule, hands down. Never fished a stella, but hear its a better boat reel. Most saltiga users will tell you they're bulletproof. Whatever you do, stay away from van staals as they're worthless pieces of crap that require way too much service given what they charge for them. All the sissies I know fish with them.:hee:

I have used both and can't say anything bad of the Saltiga. Being a Shimano guy and owning a few Stellas..........Id say say go with a Stella!!!!

I have 2 saltigas, the real ones
6000gt and a 4500
I tried the 4500 on my 1322 and like the bigger reel on it better.

I don't know the stellas, but they sure are smooth reels.

I vote for the saltiga since Roy said Stella :)

Thanks for the replys

Man that new saltiga looks sweet! I have a VS250 for jigging already so this is going to be just for plugn. But i love the stellas spool.

Man this is a hard decision.:jump1:

All tongue in cheek VS bashing aside, I would highly recommend the saltigas as I've had both of mine since 2004 and they've only been back to the service dept. once for routine maintenance. Mine get used maybe 50-60 nights per season (not much compared to some guy's reels) but they've simply performed flawlessly, especially the drags.

As for the canal, many serious jiggers I know own them and as you know, jigging in the canal puts a lot of torque on a reel. The 6000GT seems to be the best bet for strictly jigging, while the 4500 and 5000 are more versatile.

I use a 6000-Z (standard retrieve) for everything in the Canal. It cranks fast enough. I can burn 3 oz jigs and plastic across the surface in close, cranking in. Never been in the position where I was saying to myself, "man I wish I got the GT instead". Friggen thing is a winch, too. 5th season, never had the side plate off--only reel I ever owned where I could say that. Put the carbontex drag washers in this spring, just to see if they really were better (they are). Only part that I had to replace was the line roller bearing--which I had hardly ever oiled. My fault, not the reel's.

The VS of choice for Canal jigging is the 275.

Yah my brothers got the VS275 for jiggin. I think im gonna get the saltiga 4500.

Backbeach-Is it true that you can send the reel back to have ti cleaned and inspected every year and all you pay for is the shipping? I also heaard that if anything ever breaks or if there is water intrusion that theyll replace the parts for free? Just wonderin if its BS.

The drag failed on my 4500 and I sent it in. I received a note back with the reel indicating that they had replaced the drag system. I paid nothing. That being said Shimano has a fine service reputation.

I sent both of my reels back once and it cost me under $50 including shipping. I also broke one of the drag washers due to stupidity on my part(I was inspecting the drag system for kicks and snapped one of the discs in half), which cost $25 each and they replaced it free of charge. Reels also come back quickly, even during the busy season.

Just get one goddammit, and if you don't like it I will take it off your hands for, say, 30% less than retail...:angel:

Alright i just bought a saltiga z4500..jeezze..:rotf2: Cant wait for my 1322 with lowriders to be done.

good move ace!!

good choice

let me know how those low riders work out with the reel
I may have mine rewrapped this winter to get better performance.

I actually got this reel and rod setup bc i have a buddy that has the same set up and he casts a 3 oz plug a mile. Im sure hell chime in once he gets board enough at work. Those low riders are amazing!:love: