If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Shimano hasn't made any significant changes to their worm-drive spinning reels since 2018 - and for good reason - their design culminated a decade of applying needed computer stress modeling to the basic design.

'26 Ryoga was last offered as '18 Ryoga - the only change is the same gearing change offered in '20, and SV spool in place of MagZ.

I used the example of '32-mm Daiwa Steez on purpose. Floating-spool Daiwa has been swapping '34-mm spool since 2005. New Steez was given the appearance of making 2 decades of previous Daiwa obsolete.

While changes gradually improve the product, their main goal is to cut the unit manufacturing cost to stay competitive in the market.

Marketing to N+1 buyers is the universal tool across the tackle industry, fly rods, fly reels (how can you get more simple) and even in bicycles (if you want expensive +1).

The marketing technique they're taught in school is shamelessly identified as The Snow Job - the only way you can sell this year's new model to N+1 buyer is convince him last year's model is obsolete..

16 hours ago, jitterbug127 said:

Problem with latest and greatest is stuff changes so fast that in a year or 2 its old and dated. I don't really care too much about "new" and if you saw my CRV or boat you'd be far from impressed. I have bought a bunch of new reels this winter, but that is to have the more modern MGL spools. I generally find something i like a just buy newer versions of the same thing forever. For fishing gear I like Shimano casting reels, Pflueger spinning reels, Fenwick and St. Croix rods. I don't see a big reason to deviate too much. Like with anything I like buy once, cry once.

@jitterbug127 , I totally agree with your first sentence!!!!!!!

There's a point of diminishing returns. I don't buy junk but I also am content with "workhorse" gear. Most of my reels are Tatulas or Fuegos. Rods are mostly Dobyns Champions and Tatulas. My nicest reel is a Daiwa Ryoga for swimbaits but that was one I bought secondhand and had to fix up a bit.

Agree with @MassYak85 , at a certain point, I just don't feel like I'm getting much in return for the money I'm spending. I also tend to stick to the "workhorse", models. Most of my baitcasters are Tatula SVs with a couple Fuegos and a Zillion mixed in. My rods are mostly Heliums. I guess around that $200 range is my comfort zone.

About 20 years ago, I bought two Shimano Stella spinning reels at half price. I've enjoyed using them, but don't consider them to be superior to my Stradics. I also bought a Shimano Vanford a couple years ago to replace a Shimano reel that finally died and the Vanford is a fine reel, but again, it's not an upgrade. They all perform. I buy quality equipment and hope to use it for decades.

I would love to own a high-end G. Loomis rod because I own a G. Loomis Bronzeback rod, love it, and am curious if the more expensive Loomis rods are better.

Stradic, Vanford, Vanquish and Stella are all the same reel, within a Stella series, e.g., '18 Stella, '22 Stella.

There are MOC upgrades across the worm-drive line. Stella has more ball bearings, e.g., on each end of the worm gear, spool BB (questionable value), all-metal (formed magnesium) body and rotor, titanium bail, stainless gears, which will literally never wear out, and improve with use.

Moving down the series, Twin Power is Stella with formed aluminum body and rotor, anodized alloy gears, Vanquish has formed magnesium body and lightened CI4+ rotor, Vanford has the fewer BB, alloy bail, CI4+ body and Vanquish rotor, Stradic has formed alloy body and beefed-up CI4+ rotor.

Again, these reels are all the identical design, and parts inerchange within the Stella series - any reel in Shimano worm-drive series counts as the latest and greatest.

I've said more than once, spinning reel wasn't designed before the last decade - it was made by trial and mostly error, and self-destructs with normal use. What you pay for in spinning reel is a longer life while maintaining accurate line management. Eventually, every one will lose this ability - reverse-cone line lay is end of life.

Sometimes.

What I really want is the time to enjoy what I have. Some rods and reels still give me goes bumps when I pick them up despite them being old.

I'm at the point where I don’t want or need work horse reels. I have plenty of them. I like to find a hidden gem or a nitch reel. For example, I picked up a Calcutta Conquest Shallow Spool and its fantastic for throwing jerkbaits. My hand fits it in a way where my hand doesn't get tired of holding it.

On the other hand, if there was something new and unique that sparks my interest, I might jump on it like I did with the KastKing mg ti. Only time will tell on this one.

Yes I do. I want a new Ranger $96,000 added electronics $15,000 a new truck to pull it $65,000. The problem is I am about $175,000 short right now.

I will on reels, every 3-4 years. Rods are a thorn in my side. I have a collection of those & I won’t list or mail rods out. It’s hard to find a rod I’m crazy about since rod makers are making rods that they think works great for braid & FC & mono. The actions are inherently softer than I like. But that’s just me..

Doesn't always have to be the latest and greatest, but fishing is more fun when you add new stuff to try out, makes me look forward to getting out on the water even more.

I am always happy to see the latest and greatest to hit the stores...so that I can pick up the previous gen stuff at a steep discount.

On 1/13/2026 at 8:30 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I’m not totally convinced that latest and greatest are inextricably connected.

Wow, that's a $10 word... my mama warned me not to reach beyond the $2 adverbs. I looked that one up to be certain the nuance wasn't lost upon me.

When I break one of my tools I'll probably up-grade a little when its replaced.

Approximately 50% of the rods and reels I have were purchased on the "used" market -- this has allowed me access to a level of rod/reel that otherwise would be out of reach for me -- it means I am taking a risk (ie, believing the sellers story about the rod/reel, asking for detailed pictures, knowing that I am not going to have a warranty for the rod/reel, ect...) and have to be patient in waiting/searching until I find the right fit used rod/reel -- I like @bulldog1935 post as I currently live in the Vanford/Stradic level of reels, yet if I could find an affordable used Twin Power I would like to experience that reel -- I am fine being a medium to late adopter for most items in my life (not just fishing gear) so purchasing the latest and greatest is not my mode

On 1/14/2026 at 3:04 PM, Swamp Girl said:

About 20 years ago, I bought two Shimano Stella spinning reels at half price. I've enjoyed using them, but don't consider them to be superior to my Stradics. I also bought a Shimano Vanford a couple years ago to replace a Shimano reel that finally died and the Vanford is a fine reel, but again, it's not an upgrade. They all perform. I buy quality equipment and hope to use it for decades.

I would love to own a high-end G. Loomis rod because I own a G. Loomis Bronzeback rod, love it, and am curious if the more expensive Loomis rods are better.

Agree with you about the Bronzeback; I own 2 which I bought new. I keep looking at used Loomis rods, garage sales, and estate sales, but never see them.

I do not want the latest and greatest. I generally pick something I like and stick with it until the bitter end. I don't like change.

On 1/14/2026 at 12:32 PM, MassYak85 said:

There's a point of diminishing returns. I don't buy junk but I also am content with "workhorse" gear. Most of my reels are Tatulas or Fuegos. Rods are mostly Dobyns Champions and Tatulas. My nicest reel is a Daiwa Ryoga for swimbaits but that was one I bought secondhand and had to fix up a bit.

Same here. I have (3, I think) rods that were over $300 new, but I purchased used for $170. The only rod that cost me more was a used custom rod for jigs...$185. Never paid full price for rod or reel. Closeouts and used are the way to go. Really enjoy my OG Tatulas (all less than $100) and Smallmouth (all less than $80) rods.

My most expensive reel is a PXL Type R on closeout. Love it! Cheapest was $30 on closeout and it is a solid 'workhorse' reel. Nowhere near as small and light as the PXL but still a pleasure to use. It goes on a MH while the PXL is on a 6'6" MLM Aetos. Feels like a fairy wand and that is probably the only 6'6" rod that I like. Bought a few when I first got into baitcast reels but soon discovered I much prefer long rods...except for spinning.

8 hours ago, 4g63power said:

Doesn't always have to be the latest and greatest, but fishing is more fun when you add new stuff to try out, makes me look forward to getting out on the water even more.

New gear is the only thing that kept me from quitting again. Sure didn't keep fishing because I lived in a fish catching environment!

On 1/13/2026 at 8:30 PM, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I’m not totally convinced that latest and greatest are inextricably connected.

I'm convinced they aren't (always) connected.

On 1/14/2026 at 4:04 PM, Swamp Girl said:

About 20 years ago, I bought two Shimano Stella spinning reels at half price. I've enjoyed using them, but don't consider them to be superior to my Stradics. I also bought a Shimano Vanford a couple years ago to replace a Shimano reel that finally died and the Vanford is a fine reel, but again, it's not an upgrade. They all perform. I buy quality equipment and hope to use it for decades.

I would love to own a high-end G. Loomis rod because I own a G. Loomis Bronzeback rod, love it, and am curious if the more expensive Loomis rods are better.

Me too. Over the last few years I have made the jump up from G. Loomis E6X and GL3 rods to the Imx Pro line of rods and they are quite a bit better than either the GL3 or the E6X was.

I would give my pecker away to fish with the next level up, the new GLX rods but they are $800 up here in Canada and the NRX are almost $1000...😬

All of my casting reels are these...most I purchased back in the 1990's...or through eBay in the last few years.

I really like how they feel in my hand, and perform. Simple, solid, reliable.

10 hours ago, Hulkster said:

the new GLX rods but they are $800 up here in Canada and the NRX are almost $1000

Yikes! Those are pricey. I look at used G. Loomis rods on Ebay from time to time, but even those are too pricey. They really retain their value.

On 1/16/2026 at 8:18 PM, Bazoo said:

I do not want the latest and greatest. I generally pick something I like and stick with it until the bitter end. I don't like change.

A good approach...up to a point. I remember you sharing that you don't travel much and I wish you would. Montana is breathtaking. So is Banff. NYC is jaw-dropping. And on and on and on. Do you stick with the foods you've always eaten too?

I have purchased a lot of rods and reels over the last couple of years and I too am going to wind it down. Other than a couple recent purchases and one or two more rods I would like to have to fill in some niche gaps, I'm done. I have a group of rod/reels that I can take out and fish all day and not come back feeling fatigued. Plus without ordering from reels from Japan, new high end reels are getting ridiculously expensive USDM.

Much like @Motoboss I was raised with the philosophy of save to buy the best you can afford. With that said sometimes that’s just not possible or practical. As for me fishing is a hobby and not a job and although I would like to own higher end gear I’m not upset or jealous that I don’t. I’ve always bought the best I could afford for my job even if that means saving a wee bit longer or putting off some other non essential item/pleasure such as going out to dinner and a movie. My work boots are an essential item I will not skimp on currently. Back when Titanium hammers first came out I paid $85.00 for mine and the crew I worked with thought I lost my mind, within 3 months 2/3rds of the crew were swinging titanium hammers and wearing Occidental leather tool pouches. I must mention thanks to everyone on here I was introduced to the Japanese Domestic Market at the best time possible and picked up a few reels I couldn’t have afforded otherwise.

On 1/15/2026 at 8:54 AM, bulldog1935 said:

Stradic, Vanford, Vanquish and Stella are all the same reel, within a Stella series, e.g., '18 Stella, '22 Stella.

There are MOC upgrades across the worm-drive line. Stella has more ball bearings, e.g., on each end of the worm gear, spool BB (questionable value), all-metal (formed magnesium) body and rotor, titanium bail, stainless gears, which will literally never wear out, and improve with use.

Moving down the series, Twin Power is Stella with formed aluminum body and rotor, anodized alloy gears, Vanquish has formed magnesium body and lightened CI4+ rotor, Vanford has the fewer BB, alloy bail, CI4+ body and Vanquish rotor, Stradic has formed alloy body and beefed-up CI4+ rotor.

Again, these reels are all the identical design, and parts inerchange within the Stella series - any reel in Shimano worm-drive series counts as the latest and greatest.

I've said more than once, spinning reel wasn't designed before the last decade - it was made by trial and mostly error, and self-destructs with normal use. What you pay for in spinning reel is a longer life while maintaining accurate line management. Eventually, every one will lose this ability - reverse-cone line lay is end of life.

Although I don't use spinning reels much nowadays, I still have been heavily hinting to my wife, whose name is also Stella, that I need another Stella in my life at some point eventually. At least let me try it.

On 1/16/2026 at 8:18 PM, Bazoo said:

I do not want the latest and greatest. I generally pick something I like and stick with it until the bitter end. I don't like change.

this is me with my socks...

I started inching up the price bracket when I was building my lineup but the more I fished, the more I realized the $120 rod felt nearly the same $300 rod. My lews SS LFS worked great for everything but skipping so I bought a Tatula SV, aside from skipping I prefer the lews. Why bother spending more?

I think one of the things WRB hammer home for me and something I brough over from my pure finesse fishing spinning reels was to always have a finger tip on the line in some way. At that point just about all of the sensitivity only depends on your finger. My exception is jerkbaits, I have a nice ALX for that, cant really keep a finger tip on a jerk/pause action and the rod comes into play more.

Just my opinion/experience though. I'd like to use more expensive stuff but i'm not sure I am capable of squeezing any benefit out of them with my skill level and fishing styles.

nopenope i have the older bestest from the 80s 90s ..still rollin