Shimano Stella Ar 2500

[Bill16]

Hey everyone. I just bought a used Stella AR 2500. Has anyone had a chance to use one, and what is your opinion about this model? The one I just bought has a shallow spool from another newer model and it has an after market handle also.

[Bill16]

Hey everybody, my stella reel arrived today! WooHoo! Wow what an awesome feeling spinning reel. I've never owned a stella reel before(witch is why I asked for opinions) and still don't know how it compares to other stella model or the diawa steez reels.

I admit after getting my stella AR 2500 I can't imagine how anybody could improve on it very much. lol

I'd still like to hear any opinions on this reel and other comparable reels you like.

I firmly believe in keeping an open mind, though I admit I've been a Shimano fan for about thirty years. lol

[00 mod]

I have fished with one of Kent's and it is 'the cats meow." I would love to own one, or three, but cannot justify the money on one. I almost bought one a couple months ago, but instead went for the ci4 2500 and love it. while not as refined as the stella, I think it is the "best value" for your money as far as Shimano spinning reels re concerned, or any brand for that matter.

Jeff

[Bill16]

I bought my stella used, though it is in very good condition with the original box and papers and a shallow spool. But I bought it from someone in japan, and so I can't read any of it. lol I paid $407.00 counting shipping. I haven't tried the stradic yet, but I did buy a pflueger patriarch to try, and I'm looking forward to it's arrival. It seemed like it might be a pretty nice reel too. A new stella is more than I can afford, that was why I bought an older model. lol

Thank you sooo much for replying. I highly value hearing what worked so well for others. It gives a direction to look into for possible future buys.

[roadwarrior]

I'm not sure what US version is comparable to the AR 2500, but I have the 1000 FA,

2500 FD and 2500 FE. The reels are sweet, I'm sure you will love yours!

[Bill16]

Oh I didn't know this reel was just sold in Japan. I don't have a clue what model it would match here either. But your right, I'm already loving how smooth this reel is. lol

But since you seem to have other models, have you noticed one model being better than another? I mean because I can't imagine how they could improve the smooth feel of this reel. lol

Or do you think the differences between the models are more application specific, and not major differences?

Thank you so much for replying and helping me to learn more about stella reels.

[Bill16]

After doing some checking,I think my AR 2500 is what they called the FW2500S here in the US. But I could be wrong.

Well whatever it is, I'm sure loving it, and I wish I had a few more Stella reels.

[roadwarrior]

The 1000 FA is a fun little reel that I have mounted on an Avid AVS66MLF. I don't fish it much, the rig

is basically something I use for stocker trout and white bass. It's overkill for me.

The 2500 FD is a design I'm not jazzed about. Functionally the reel is perfect,

but the spool extends out too much. Am I being particular? Yes.

The 2500 FE is the ultimate fighting machine. I like everything about this reel!

What stands out for me about the Stella series is the smooth drag. This is so

important when I have the opportunity to fight a truely trophy smallmouth or

brown trout.

[Bill16]

Thank you sooo much for the info! My reel doesn't seem to stick out that much as far as I've noticed. I'm not to fond of the after market handle,

but I don't have any other complaints.

Thank you again for your insight, I very much appreciate it.