After a little research I was all set on buying a Stradic FK reel from one of my favorite JDM sites to round out my bass fishing gear.  As I logged onto the site, a voice kept whispering a name in the most convincing voice "Stella...  Stella... Stella..."  Initially I resisted the urge, but the voice led my wandering hands to click on the Stella image.  "Stradic" I said out loud while my right index finger added a 2014 Stella C2500HGS to my cart.  Often times I'll talk myself out of the 25 pack of hooks and settle on the 10 pack, I can be cheap sometimes - but there was no such cash saving impulse.  As I glanced at the Stella in my cart, I did not hesitate to click "Pay with Paypal."  The was no rationalization as I clicked the "Pay Now" button.  Oddly, there was no regret or remorse when I received the "You just sent an obscene amount of money for a fishing reel to XXXXXX" email from Paypal.  All I feel now is excitement.  A special kind of excitement that I will in no way whatsoever share with my wife.  I bought a Stella and it's in an airplane on it's way to me right now.

Awesome!  I'm saving up for one right now.

 

Pics when she arrives.  

May she (Stella) live up to all your excitement!

I hope I don't do the same thing when I go to order my Stradic. It will totally destroy the plans and color scheme I have for its intended rod build!

I hope I don't do the same thing when I go to order my Stradic. It will totally destroy the plans and color scheme I have for its intended rod build!

 

The Stella is going on a St Croix LTB.  Should match up nicely. 

The Stella is going on a St Croix LTB.  Should match up nicely. 

 

it most certainly will.  My Stradic will be going on a metallic silver Rodgeeks.

Nice choice man 

Ahhhh! Wish i could do that. My Stradic FJ is the best spinning reel I've ever used, I'm sure a Stella is even better

Ahhhh! Wish i could do that. My Stradic FJ is the best spinning reel I've ever used, I'm sure a Stella is even better

 

I'm not sure if I should be comforted or concerned that there are lots of people with better 'bait monkey self-control' than me!

I heard the same whispers, ordered mine on Wednesday

Yes pics please

LOOK AT WHAT I JUST PICKED UP FROM THE POST OFFICE!!!

LOOK AT WHAT I JUST PICKED UP FROM THE POST OFFICE!!!

 

Beautiful box! LOL

I imagine this is what it feels like to get a box from Tiffany & Co.

I imagine this is what it feels like to get a box from Tiffany & Co.

That's a great looking box. Is there a fishing reel in it? 

Open says me!

I've been using my Stella for a few months now too and enjoy every minute of it. Don't be surprise if it's a bit stiff out of the box. Once you break it in it'll loosen up. Silky smooth.

Ok, so it hasn't been out on the water yet, but holy cow this reel is S M O O V, smoooove. The nicest reel by comparison that I currently own has been a Pflueger Supreme XT. The Pflueger is really nice, but its like comparing a nicely equipped Honda Accord to a Maybach. I don't know that the Stella is a huge step up in terms of actual performance from the Stradic/Twin Power, but the level of refinement in this reel is unquestionable. The bail is solid, but opens smoothly. There is no metal-on-metal feel in the gearing. Force required to turn the handle is consistent with no wobble. It's nice and clearly an indulgence.

Nice! Copy these pics to the "Show Off Your Stuff" thread at the top!

Now add a rod, some line for that reel, and some fish slime and get to fish'n!

The Stella is the ultimate. The Steez and Exist look nice but I always think to myself "I could have a Stella for that money." If I were a rich man or sponsored I would only own strictly Stella