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Reels over ?500
Any fishing enthusiast is bound to focus his attention on the finest reels on the market. In this category, the two major Japanese manufacturers share the podium.
In this niche, lightness and smoothness of rotation are key to offering the very best. Both brands are working on watertight mechanics to extend the life of their reels.
Shimano Stella FJ 2018
This is the best of the Shimano range. The frame is off-center to concentrate the mechanics in a minimalist volume, to the detriment of aesthetics. This model is all about efficiency. Indeed, at the heart of the frame, the "Micromodule II" gearing features tight, robust teeth for even smoother rotation and more torque. This recovery power is one of the Stella's strong points. Rotational precision and power are enhanced by the micrometric teeth and the strength of the 20% thicker, cold-forged aluminum.
Aesthetically, the brand wanted to streamline the design for a futuristic metallic look. A no-frills look that may seem too out of step with technological advances. A legend like Stella can afford this daring gamble. One thing's for sure: once you've got it, it's hard to put it down!
Daiwa Exist LT 2018
The little gem of the Daiwa catalog. The 2018 Exist LT introduced the new Monocoque frames. The large aluminium control wheel occupies almost all the space on this round frame. The retrieve power is then there and the feeling of "torque" and stability is there from the first turns of the crank.
Like its competitor, the Exist shines in its aesthetic simplicity. Here, too, we're dealing with futuristic lines, like a "concept reel" that we'd surely have preferred with a little more embellishment. Here too, there's no doubt about it: it's so light and fluid, it's simply amazing to hold.
