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Ray

Same size, 8000s, but slightly different designations, STL 8000 SWB HG Reel compared to STL 8000 SWB PG Reel.

226020 Shimano Stella STL 8000 SWB HG Reel 23.8 oz. 42" Bearing: 14+1
High: 5.6:1
Full: 61.7 lb.

226021 Shimano Stella STL 8000 SWB PG Reel 23.8 oz. 37" Bearing: 14+1
High: 4.9:1
Full: 61.7 lb.

The only thing that I see is the gear ratio; why would one be better than the other, or is one for a certain use and the other for another?

I have bought several of these Stellas, from 1000s to 20,000s, in the past NIB, never used in distress sales from friends, acquaintances, and folks I didn't know, but I still haven't learned what those different "letters" mean!

I've got a chance to buy more well below market price, but I'd really like to know more about what I am buying. I do know they're good reels; I really enjoy casting with them, the Stellas, and the regular casting reels, Calcutta DCs.

Thanks!!
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Ray

Cudakilla · Posted: Thu Aug 28, 2014 6:45 pm Post subject:

Main difference as you said is the gear ratio. Lower better for jigging. The letters were mainly for domestic Japan models.
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apfb · Horse Mullet Joined: 28 Jun 2014 Posts: 163

Unless your getting it for like $500. I would look into possibly a Van-Staal if your wanting to spend that type of money. American made as well.

noskunk · Finger Mullet Joined: 29 Aug 2006 Posts: 38

Yes please buy a van staal. Stellas are terrible reels. Send them to my house and I will "dispose" of them for you. Smile

Seriously though the pg is better for jigging. The hg is a little faster and helps for working poppers. Van Staal's are great. Awesome for dunking in the surf. Daiwa Saltigas are great too. Not as refined as a Stella but a little stronger cranking. If I had to pick one I still would go Stella. Used SW and even FA models are great values.

Matt · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 1:48 pm Post subject:

Gear ratios. Different ratios for different applications, same as any other reel.
Say live baiting versus jigging, for example. Pitching a jig versus throwing a spinnerbait.

Hats off to anyone who has multiple Stellas, they are very fine reels.

I've never put my hands on a Van Staal, but they look even better.
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Cudakilla · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2014 2:20 pm Post subject:

Easier to remember if you consider HG as Hi Gearing and PG as Power Gearing. Power gearing is lower ratio and is better for cranking and jigging. High speed is for chunking poppers and high speed retrieves.

I personally prefer the Daiwas spinning reels, better made and more durable. They've also been at it much longer than Shimano. The Certates are as fine if not better than the Stellas. The Saltigas are not as refined but sure are built tougher than the Stellas.
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apfb · Horse Mullet Joined: 28 Jun 2014 Posts: 163

Cudakilla · Posted: Sat Aug 30, 2014 5:46 pm Post subject:

I may be wrong but some of the newer vs reels are not made in the US.
One other reel you should consider if you are looking at US made creeks are the Accurate Twin Spins. They are built like a tank.
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"To be is to do" - Socrates
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"Do be do be do" - Frank Sinatra

apfb · Horse Mullet Joined: 28 Jun 2014 Posts: 163

american made and machined. http://www.vanstaal.com/index.htm

Cudakilla · Posted: Sun Aug 31, 2014 7:23 am Post subject:

Don't get me wrong I really think the VS are awesome reels but they are now owned by Zebco, who is owned by WC Bradley in GA and their manufacturing has been moved to their Zebco factory outside of Shanghai. From what I understand, they are even better than the early gen reels.

Let's face it, almost everything we touch these days is or has components made overseas. Smart companies use resources to the best of their abilities, regardless of where these resources may be. Presently production costs are lowest in China. Tomorrow it may be India or Vietnam. Getting components made in the most cost effective manner while maintaining the quality they require is the only way to compete effectively. I go through these kinds of decisions daily and as much as I would like to keep ALL my production here in the US, I cannot do so and still stay in business.
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"To be is to do" - Socrates
"To do is to be" - Jean Paul Sartre
"Do be do be do" - Frank Sinatra