Striper Talk Striped Bass Fishing, Surfcasting, Boating - View Single Post

JoeP · 12-23-2004, 10:45 AM

Jim-

I actually called Shimano a couple weeks ago about the new Stella's.

They told me there are no changes to the FA series this year so any 2004 reels will be the same in '05.

The new reels you saw are the Stella FB series (SR series in Japan), and they are only being made up to the 4000 size. While they have supposedly upgraded the gearing system, these new reels are made with magnesium bodies, not metal. The guy told me they are saltwater-safe because of a heavy coating, but one deep scratch and the magnesium could corrode. I've heard that magnesium and saltwater don't mix. Also, the new reels come with only one handle and have the anti-reverse switch on them again (I hate those switches).

NIB-

Like Tlap said, I'm kind of a reel junkie myself and the way I've learned alot about these different reels over the past few years before buying them was through asking questions like the ones on this thread and reading as much info as possible. I'm just trying to give a little help back, as are all the other guys on this thread. I've learned alot myself from this thread.

No one's showing off, just sharing helpful info. If you don't like it, don't read it & move on.

Merry Christmas.

12-23-2004, 10:45 AM	#33
JoeP Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: RI Posts: 429	Jim- I actually called Shimano a couple weeks ago about the new Stella's. They told me there are no changes to the FA series this year so any 2004 reels will be the same in '05. The new reels you saw are the Stella FB series (SR series in Japan), and they are only being made up to the 4000 size. While they have supposedly upgraded the gearing system, these new reels are made with magnesium bodies, not metal. The guy told me they are saltwater-safe because of a heavy coating, but one deep scratch and the magnesium could corrode. I've heard that magnesium and saltwater don't mix. Also, the new reels come with only one handle and have the anti-reverse switch on them again (I hate those switches). NIB- Like Tlap said, I'm kind of a reel junkie myself and the way I've learned alot about these different reels over the past few years before buying them was through asking questions like the ones on this thread and reading as much info as possible. I'm just trying to give a little help back, as are all the other guys on this thread. I've learned alot myself from this thread. No one's showing off, just sharing helpful info. If you don't like it, don't read it & move on. Merry Christmas.