2012 Catalina or Stella FA

 Hi all pros, I am contemplating between 2012 catalina 5000H and stella 8000 FA for popping. Put aside the price tag and Saltiga is out of the range for now?

Besides, is the 2012 catalina using the same gears as the Saltiga with lesser ball bearings? Normally the 2 tier reel will be using 2 tier gears? Correct me if i am wrong.

Thanks


Tony's picture

Posts: 165

Date Joined: 27/06/12

I have the 2012 Catalina

Tue, 2012-11-20 09:21

I have the 2012 Catalina 4020PE-H and its been a good reel except for one thing.

After a couple of months of heavy use the bush between the handle and knob had worn out. (Catalina has a bearing and a bush, Saltiga has two bearings) I sent the handle back and Diawa repaired it but I had a trip to Exmouth comming up so I had to purchase a RCS "saltiga" handle and knob so I could use the reel. So, with the spare costing $220.00 plus the price of the reel it would have been cheaper to get a Stella right from the start or a Saltiga for a bit more $.

My handle problem may be a one off issue though, apart from that its a great reel and can knock over large fish very easily.

Posts: 967

Date Joined: 17/01/10

Stella 10000SW

Tue, 2012-11-20 09:47

Proven reel and better than the Saltiga 5000H imo....

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Posts: 15

Date Joined: 20/04/11

 Could you get a ball bearing

Tue, 2012-11-20 10:03

 Could you get a ball bearing replace with the bush in the knob?

I have 3 SW on the shelf and looking to try something else.

 

 

Tony's picture

Posts: 165

Date Joined: 27/06/12

No reason why you couldn't

Tue, 2012-11-20 10:56

No reason why you couldn't but I don't know for sure, Oceanside or Ray and Annes would be the go to places I think.

Chris fish's picture

Posts: 847

Date Joined: 23/02/11

 My Catalina has been through

Tue, 2012-11-20 16:56

 My Catalina has been through hell, I only have the 4000 but it's my everyday reel that I use for everything. I use it for jigging, casting lures, baits and have caught sambos, dhuies, sharks, mulloway, tailor and everything in between. I went through the same drama when deciding what I wanted but I went the Catalina over a Stella because of the waterproofing. It's been underwater twice now and after a wash in fresh water when I get home after every use it comes up like new and never had a single problem with any of it. Wish they made a high speed with deep spool because I always find that jigging and casting lures I'm always winding a million miles an hour.

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always looking for a new challenge!!

bradzino's picture

Posts: 153

Date Joined: 27/06/12

All good reels

Tue, 2012-11-20 18:33

This one comes up alot I suppose but I like the Daiwa gear a bit more than Shimano- I have had Daiwa send me free gear and all the services I have had come back with the replaced parts so you know what they do no problems with any of the gear I have.

I have the 4500 Saltiga and will pick up the 4000 when I get back to Australia late December, The Catalinas look good and come from better stock these days and Ray and Annes have the 4000 for $699 and fairly sure they will come down in price some more.

Posts: 15

Date Joined: 20/04/11

 Yeah, the price is actually

Tue, 2012-11-20 19:33

 Yeah, the price is actually quite attractive if the gears in Catalina same as Saltiga. I have read some review that even with 5 ball bearings less, still as smooth as saltigas.

 

 

bradzino's picture

Posts: 153

Date Joined: 27/06/12

Good reel

Tue, 2012-11-20 20:04

You have 10 bearings v 15 bearings- mate I had a good look at the 4000 and it was super smooth, has all the bells and whistles and would not hesitate to pick one up. They are still pricey overseas so I will wait a bit and get one after they have been out for a while.

I always (if you can) shop around and normally the cash price is 100 bucks or there abouts cheaper.

Posts: 15

Date Joined: 20/04/11

 cheers, and i think i will

Tue, 2012-11-20 21:03

 cheers, and i think i will go down to the local tackle shop to have a feel in my hand this week.