SHIMANO STELLA 18000 HG SWC 2020 SPINNING FISHING REEL

SHIMANO STELLA 18000 HG SWC 2020 SPINNING FISHING REEL
 
The Stella SW represents the pinnacle of innovation for Shimano reel technology and fish-fighting performance. The  2020, flagship series has been upgraded and released in 8000, 10000 14000 and 18000 sizes. For increased power and enhanced durability, this series features a range of upgrades. Infinity Drive has been incorporated for light and powerful winding and the upgraded Heatsink Drag (1000 and 14000 sizes) provides superior drag performance under extreme heat.
A waterproof rating of IPX8 is achieved through X-Protect and X-Shield with the aluminium Hagane Body acting as a rigid and super tough outer shell.  Now special X-Protect rubber gaskets have been incorporated into the line roller, making this mechanism ten times more durable than the previous model. The HG models are designed for both casting and jigging, whereas PG is geared for jigging applications and XG for saltwater casting. 
 
NEW FEATURE UPGRADES
I
NFINTY DRIVE
The new Stella SW employs 'Infinity Drive’ where the pinion gear inner does not make contact with the main shaft, as a high-sliding bushing supports the main shaft. With this new structure, sliding resistance of the main shaft is drastically reduced.
In addition to this, a special skidding coating on the main shaft helps to further reduce sliding resistance. InfinityDrive cuts handle rotation torque by about 30 per cent in comparison to the conventional system, and makes the reel more powerful. 
 
HEATSINK DRAG
The ‘Heat Sink Panel’, where the heat generated by drag is released, stops any decrease in drag performance, due to thermal sagging, by around 50 per cent.
The ‘Insulation Sheet’, which blocks heat transfer to the spool, prevents spool temperatures from increasing by around 30 per cent. The evolution of the new drag system is easier on the line and more stable than ever. Featured in models 10000, 14000.
 
X-PROTECT
X-Protect was developed for stopper bearing protection in the previous model and provided high-level waterproofing. The new Stella SW employs X-Protect for its line roller as well and further improves its waterproofing performance.
The new structure protects bearings inside the line roller from the harsh saltwater environment, and bearing durability is ten times greater than conventional designs. As a result of comparison tests by Shimano.
 
HAGANE GEAR
The Hagane Gear is produced by applying approximately 200 tons of pressure to the raw metal through unique technology called Precision Cold Forging.
Delivered with micron accuracy, no cutting work is involved. Hard and tough, the Hagane Gear has high durability and delivers smooth winding.
 
HAGANE BODY
The Hagane Body chassis is made of highly rigid aluminium alloy. It eliminates flex, warp and distortion of the reel, and protects the engagement of gears inside. This allows for smoother winding.
 
X-RIGID ROTOR
By verifying the thickness of the aluminium alloy rotor body through detailed 3D analysis, strong rigidity, high durability and excellent rotational balance is created. Thanks to its strong rigidity, the X-Rigid Rotor contributes to improved effectiveness of various parts such as the drag.
 
SILENT DRIVE
From the basic body design through to the most intricate parts of the drive train including the drive gear, worm shaft, worm shaft pin and worm shaft gear, every piece has been carefully reviewed.
Consequently, the smallest clearance gaps and wobbles have been eliminated to the highest tolerances. As a result, a new generation of silky smooth winding performance and pristine silence has been achieved.
X-SHIP
In addition to an enlarged drive gear, optimum positioning of the pinion and drive gears, and two-point support of the pinion gear whose ends are supported by bearings, all these mechanisms deliver robust gear engagement.
The X-Ship system permits smooth winding, even under heavy loads.
 
X-TOUGH DRAG | RIGID SUPPORT DRAG
X-Tough Drag: Each drag washer is composed of metal or carbon, which have high resistance to friction. Supporting the spool from both the top and bottom means highly durable and stable drag performance.
Rigid Support Drag:  Supporting the spool at two-points of the main shaft and bearing inside the spool eliminates spool wobble and delivers stable, smooth drag function.
The New Stella 10000, 8000 and 14000 sizes are sure to prove themselves as good as their predecessors.