I've decided to go for a Stella 2500FB. I'm biased and wanted to go for an FA but it is no more availaible where I'm purchasing.

Having heard a lot of goodness about this reel on this forum, may be you guys who owned one can share the problems they had with the reel?

Also some of the good features of the reel?

If any of you is using an FB can you share your catch with this reel? I'll be using mine in 99% slat water. I know it is made of MG but a friend has guranteed me that it has been coated with another metal to protect it from Saltwater.

Also, what do you get in the box when you buy the reel? I saw a pouch on an Online pic, a oil lube and some parts (3 of them)... Any more info what is in the box.

Fell free to compare to an FA series.

Cheers,

JT

Anyone?

The Stella 2500FB is a SIGNIFICANTLY better reel than the FA. The FA is an upgrade on the basic Symetre/ Stradic/ Sustain format. The FB incorporates several technologically advanced and unique features. It is the finest reel I have ever fished.

Problems: None.

Good features:

http://fish.shimano.com/catalog/fish/products/group_detail.jsp?FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302036665&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=1408474395181270&bmUID=1167225542709

Catch: Well, in addition to the smallmouth in my avatar, I have caught all of my smallmouth the past two years on this reel, six 10+ largemouth and a number of striper over twenty pounds. I have caught my PB rainbow trout and German brown trout, too. Otherwise, I have landed both drum and catfish over 30 lbs with this reel.

I don't know what all that extra stuff in the box is for. I will be sending my reels to ReelMech for servicing next month and if he needs any of those parts I'll send them, too! Regarding the grease, I only lubricate moving parts on the outside and the exterior portion of the main shaft. Even though the FB has a lubricating port, I have been told NOT to add grease, more is NOT better.

In conclusion, you bought the right reel. Congratulations!

....and welcome to the posse.

RW, thanks for the feedback...

I always prefered the FA since I had in mind to pull some awsome fighting fish on it in salt water. The reel has made it proof among big game anglers and the smaller ones have pulled some extraordinary fish!

The FA had 1 more bearing (As if this counted) LOL, had a body which were not of MG, Also the FA has far more superior drag than the FB. Infact the FA was designed for the bigger reels in mind and smae tech for the smaller in the series. The FA was indeed a tough reel with a 4kg drag on a 1000 size reel which is only 2kg for the FB now.

There is no doubt that the FA is more tougher as I've spoke to a few guys who have used them in Saltwater but there is something I have to admit... the FB is more finesse and the features to keep the reel scratch free is good news since it is made of MG coated, which wasn't necessary in a FA. I need to watch out for scrath on the FB since MG + Salt water= big big trouble with corrosion!

FB for finesse, that is for sure... that is why they are availaible in small verision only!

BTW, sometimes manufacuturers line spec doesn't fit the bill due to diffence in diameter/poundage of line. Do you have an exact line capacity regarding line diameter?

Line specs are displayed on the link I provided.

I have a 1000FA and had one of the original 2500FA. I can assure you that you will find the FB to be a far superior reel.

Roger that

Are the line capacity accurate?

The line capacity measures are accurate in millimeters, but pound test can vary. For example 6 lb test can range from .008" to .010". I use #6 Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft which is .010" (the same as Ande Premium), but I think Shimano uses .008" as a #6 standard. So, the actual capacity is closer to what Shimano describes for 8 lb test line. Capacity is printed on the reel spool in both inches and millimeters.

Well appreciated matey:

Should be about 0.25mm for 150m for fishing. Excellent, Excellent... I need to handle the cash now and should get the reel at the end of January.

Cheers,

JT

I just picked up a Stella 1000 for trout.  I am now on the hunt for a 2500 as well.  Stella's are without equal.

Maybe you should consider a 3000 fb.

8.3 oz.

20 lb. drag.

12#-150 yds.

It definately has a much stronger drag.

i had a 2500 fb.... and dont wory ... the drag is the sweetest feature on this reel ..... i mean that drag is silky smooth ... also more steady preasured than any other drag i ever fished with ... IMO  ;D

I agree with mike bat, the drag system is my favorite feature, too. Remember, this reel is designed for freshwater fishing. If you need a stronger drag and heavy line, this is NOT the right reel.  

Thanks for all the feed back lads... Muchly appreciated.

Ouch, Ouch... The FA would have been up to the standard for the drag... anyway I'm going to use 20lb/0.12mm diameter braid on it but with 3kg drag when I really need to bully those Jack trevally.

I'll go for an FB as I reckon that it can still be a finesse reel but can take some beating.

I normally use 6ft rod and 6lb line only for a few weeks I get the bigger trevally then I load it with 20lb braid. The 3000 version would cost me too much in light line as it can well take 400m of 6lb fireline! I think I should get the 2500 as I can always use dome backing to compensate and use 150m of 6lb which is more than enough.

Hello....this is my first post and I hate to confuse things but your'e preparing to spend some real money and for the same money a Daiwa Exist would be a solid choice as well. For less money a Certate which is by account the Exists functional equivalent less the weight difference and eye pleasing appearance. I have also read the Saltiga-Z is a fine piece. Don't get me wrong, I have a Stella FB and love everything about it but I also have an Exist and it is every bit on par with a Stella....just a differing design philosophy. Anyway just wanted to share because dropping 5 bills on a reel makes a guy deserving to know all the options.

Scot,

Welcome aboard!

Hello....this is my first post and I hate to confuse things but your'e preparing to spend some real money and for the same money a Daiwa Exist would be a solid choice as well. For less money a Certate which is by account the Exists functional equivalent less the weight difference and eye pleasing appearance. I have also read the Saltiga-Z is a fine piece. Don't get me wrong, I have a Stella FB and love everything about it but I also have an Exist and it is every bit on par with a Stella....just a differing design philosophy. Anyway just wanted to share because dropping 5 bills on a reel makes a guy deserving to know all the options.

I would stay well clear of the daiwa for some times. The stella is not comparable to an exist, nor a certate and even less of the real four models. The new SR technology is much better tahn real four!

The saltiga is only a bigame reel and theya re availaible in big sizes.

I just had and incident with my daiwa and there is only 2 peices missing and I can't use the reel. It's all hard earned money wasted!

Hello....this is my first post and I hate to confuse things but your'e preparing to spend some real money and for the same money a Daiwa Exist would be a solid choice as well. For less money a Certate which is by account the Exists functional equivalent less the weight difference and eye pleasing appearance. I have also read the Saltiga-Z is a fine piece. Don't get me wrong, I have a Stella FB and love everything about it but I also have an Exist and it is every bit on par with a Stella....just a differing design philosophy. Anyway just wanted to share because dropping 5 bills on a reel makes a guy deserving to know all the options.

I would stay well clear of the daiwa for some times. The stella is not comparable to an exist, nor a certate and even less of the real four models. The new SR technology is much better tahn real four!

The saltiga is only a bigame reel and theya re availaible in big sizes.

I just had and incident with my daiwa and there is only 2 peices missing and I can't use the reel. It's all hard earned money wasted!

Really!...what happened to your Exist? As far as not being comparable....I guess that is a matter of opinion however I must admit I mainly fish freshwater. As far as SR technology vs. Real4...please explain the superiority of the SR Concept.