GTPopping.com - Giant Trevally, GTPopping, Topwater & GT Fly-Fishing Resource
General => General Topwater & Jigging Discussion => Topic started by: Peter Morris on November 16, 2007, 09:52:55 PM
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Probably a very OLD topic to most but Just a question regarding 'Dogfights' as I have just purchased one.
Why does it seem there is a preference for Stellas over the Dogfights....???
I have read reviews from Nomad etc and they believe the dogfights to be the better reel internally but rate the stellas drag better.
Do many people on this site use dogfights.. ???
I just have a preference for the daiwa gear and have always loved my Expedition so I just had to go with the dogfight... :)
Pete
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Hi Peter,
i think the DF is an top Reel. Its a 6 to one and half a dozen to the other. Its what you can afford and i know for a fact the Shimano can be picked up for about $700 these days unlike the DF. I know for a fact Brandon uses a DF but it might be for the Bling Bling factor as Brandon is into that kind on thing. But he own a few dozen Stella too.
Either way you can update the drag washer for a silky smooth drag on the DF. you'll love the DF. the only downside to the DF spare spools are more expensive.. ::)
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Been thinking about getting a DF myself. Can get one from japan around $800. The stellas are actually dearer in Japan. Ah it's good having the in-laws over there!
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Gawd, Some people have all the luck don't they Stephen ??? living in the GTs backyard and then having Family in Japan. plus you will have good fishing weather next week when Brandon leaves QLD.
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Yeah Randy looking at the forecast I wouldn't be surprised if it does fine up as soon as Brandon leaves.
When I say the Stella is dearer in Japan, I mean compared to the DF in Japan. The Stella over there comes with a spare spool though.
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I feel for ya Brandon, i really really do. ;D
Stephen When you look at it like that the JDM is better value with the spare spool and little spares kit. have you scored anymore bargain lures from japan ???
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Cheers for the replies fellas.
Yeah cost wasnt a huge issue as I work in a shop and am lucky enough to get cost price on my gear.
Stephen just for the record $800 is less than cost for me.....so thats a great price you have.....BUT be carefull on the warranty side.
Pete
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Yeah I know what you're saying Pete and it's a valid point. If I had a prob though I can just send it back to the inlaws in Japan and get any warranty repairs done. It's not for everyone. Have bought a few reels from Japan though (Stella, Saltiga, Twinpower) and no probs so far.
By the way, I tried a twisted leader last trip and have to take back what I said. I was pretty impressed actually!
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it is fining up when I return! The weather forecast for end of the week is for much better seas!
Anyway, that's just how it goes. The simple reality is that not all your trips are going to have perfect weather and if I have to lose a couple, well, I'm quite willing to volunteer this trip as one of those.
Peter - the topic of Stella vs Saltiga is an old one. Both reels will do the job and they have their strengths in comparison to the other. The Stella is the only reel I would recommend out of the box if you're thinking of chasing GTs but I can upgrade a Saltiga drag in literally minutes. My preference - not sure but the Dogfight is in favour at the moment. For popping, I have a pair of 10000s and a pair of Dogfights. As Randy indicated, my 10000s are blinged up but the reality is the Fisherman handle is a superior knob and the aftermarket Yumeya 1000D spool is a superior spool over the standard 10000 spool. I've also upgraded the drag knob on the Stella to the Ize model. It's steel and a lot stronger.
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Jeez, with that many aftermarket mods you might as well stick to Dogfight, (prob cost about the same in the end). DF has about 100 less internal parts than stella (so I'm told), no power windows or air con to stuff up when the heat is on ::) still holden vs ford but I'll stick to my Dogfight ;D
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Yer - DOGFIGHT
...................I just want one......................
8)
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The dogfight is an awesome reel....I nearly slept with it on its first night home.... ;D
I am off to the whitsundays this coming Mon 26th so hopefully I can christen it with a big GT.
Pete
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Jeez, with that many aftermarket mods you might as well stick to Dogfight, (prob cost about the same in the end). DF has about 100 less internal parts than stella (so I'm told), no power windows or air con to stuff up when the heat is on ::) still holden vs ford but I'll stick to my Dogfight ;D
Sorry guys, but if anything has been failing - it's been on Saltiga's. Reports on problems on Stella's have been very few and far between.
And aftermarket mods don't make the Stella work, it already works - most is simply bling - unlike cetain issues with another reel, no matter how hard you try to justify it - it's unacceptable IMO ::)
And yes - i am an affiliated Stella freak ;)
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lol....I try not to be bias....so I bought another Stella. Now I have equal number of Saltigas to Stellas. With the prices of Stellas lately, they are much better value reel than the Saltiga. In the smaller sizes the Stella I find their drags just a little too smooth...couldnt set the hook or slow some of the fish Ive hooked lately.
If the Saltigas have similar drag system to the Stella then it would be a lot harder to separate the 2.
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Holden vs Ford Debate!!
Own both Daiwa's and Shimano's.
Upgrade the drag in a DF with Carbontex and the difference is 2/5ths of bugger all.....I think the Stellas drag is superior though the gearing in the Daiwa is better....either way, you are pushing the new boundaries of a spin reel for crying out loud....30kg drag!! That's 10kg more than the strike drag on a 130lb class leverdrag game reel!!
For the pinion gear size and drag surface area, they do great....either way!
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Aaron, I'll have to disagree with you on this one. Upgrade the drag with carbontex on a DF or any Saltiga spinning reel for that matter and the difference is like chalk and cheese. I haven't had a drag stick since the washers were changed even under heavy pressure. In fact, it's really smooth.
I believe that out of the box, the Stella has a better drag system and overall, it is a better drag anyway with the twin drag system but I've had the Saltigas up to some really brutal levels and the carbontex has been smooth as silk.
The stated maximum drag capacity of both reels is academic. I've never seen any fishing even close to that level!
I'll also make the point that the Yumeya spool is a superior spool to the 10000 and 16000 - it's not just bling.
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Aaron, I'll have to disagree with you on this one. Upgrade the drag with carbontex on a DF or any Saltiga spinning reel for that matter and the difference is like chalk and cheese. I haven't had a drag stick since the washers were changed even under heavy pressure. In fact, it's really smooth.
I believe that out of the box, the Stella has a better drag system and overall, it is a better drag anyway with the twin drag system but I've had the Saltigas up to some really brutal levels and the carbontex has been smooth as silk.
The stated maximum drag capacity of both reels is academic. I've never seen any fishing even close to that level!
I'll also make the point that the Yumeya spool is a superior spool to the 10000 and 16000 - it's not just bling.
The point I was making is that you don't need to replace anything to make it work - the 10k spool is fine for 95% of purposes.
Fancy buying a new car and having to go get brakes added because the standard is shit!
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Fancy buying a new car and having to go get brakes added because the standard is shit!
You mean like on most fords or holdens ;D
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Brandon,
I think you mistook me their...when the DF is upgraded with Carbontex there is 2/5ths bugger all difference between the Saltigaa & Stellas...
The extra Bling I have seen in handles & spools is enormous...most are worthwhile if you have the dough...a nice power handle is my favourite...
GO CARBON....THE BEST THERE IS FOR GT BRAKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Is it just me, or do I hear fish chopping!"
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sorry Aaron - my mistake.
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Hi Brandon. Where do you get the carbontex drag washers for the Dogfight from? Also how long do you think they will last with average fishing say popping every fortnight or so with mostly 20kg fish and an occasional 40kg or so one thrown in. I have 2 Stella 10000 reels but am willing to give the Dogfight a shot as the third reel if all that is needed is a drag update. Either that or a Stella 20000 with an aftermarket handle knob. One last question. How do you think the Dogfight or Expedition would pair up with a Carpenter Wild Violence or Super Popping 78 UHL? Appreciate the help.
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Sachin, I tend to get mine from a store in Singapore but from where you are, the easiest is mail order from Smoooth Drag. They are very efficient and you can pay online. Try http://www.smoothdrag.com/
In terms of washer life, I can't tell you I think would need a few years to be able to comment on this. I do servcie the drag of my reels after every trip and what I can say is I have not noticed any wear on them to date. When it comes to a choice of reels, it really is a personal thing. I cannot say that I think the 10000 is a superior reel to the Saltiga and vice versa. They will both do the job.
The Dogfight will pair up as well as any with any popping rod. I don't generally use my WV but I do run the Dogfight on my SP78-UHL.
While you can use the 20000 or Expedition for popping, you just have to work that little bit harder. It's not really a problem but if it is a lure that needs to be worked fast, it can be hard work. It is a compromise - if the reel is primarily for popping, I'd suggest the faster ratio reel but if you wanted to use it primarily for jigging, then I'd opt for the lower ratio reel.
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Guys ,
You can get carbontex drag washers from Jack Erskine , you will need to tell him the O.D. / I.D. and the thickness of the drag washer you need for each reel . Carbontex is the way to go , Daiwa stock washers caused 2 of our Z4500s to break at the stem while fishing at 6 kg initial drag set fishing YFT . Daiwa has repaired those reels but we have demoted it to handle 50 lbs line now , no more PE6 line for those reels anymore lest we break them again .
Jack Erskine
E-mail Address(es):
[email protected]
Got mine from Jack Earkine thru a friend who lives in Caloundra .
Jon .
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I'd have to say Jack is THE MAN when it comes to drag upgrades & generally tweeking the last bit of drag out of any reel, all my baitcasters have Jacks upgrades & I think I'll have to get some for DF & 6000, plus he is a pleasure to do business with, a true living legend IMO
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Sachin,
I run a 10000 FA Stella with a 20000 spool full of 130lb #10 PE Varivas Avani GT braid over my Carpenter Supa Popping 78-UHL.....great outfit with a truckload more line (since the 20000 has a larger capacity) and its a faster retrieve since the spool is larger....a true big fish outfit that balances well, considering the drag you can run over it and the animals you are trying to stop with it!
Jack Erskine is a real gentle man...makes awesome drags and reel modifications...I have had fly, spin, baitcaster and leverdrag reels worked on by him...all been worth it IMO!!
Jon, you snapped the stems on those reels with only that amount of drag????
Anyone else had any problems...I was going to buy on to fill with 50-70lb for wahoo....
Cheers
Aaron.
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Jon, you snapped the stems on those reels with only that amount of drag????
Anyone else had any problems...I was going to buy on to fill with 50-70lb for wahoo....
Cheers
Aaron.
Hi Aaron ,
To put the salt on the wound , the YFT that broke the reel was only 12+ kg speciment on both cases , Daiwa did not want to discuss what happened there but we bought the reel early when Z4500/Z4000 came out . I stick to Stella 6000/8000 for the task nowaday .
I have the mpeg video of the instances when the 2nd Saltiga Z4500 broke .
On Carbontex , Jack sent me a set of washers for my old n trusty STL16000F to test in 2004 , now all the 6 spools of my STL16000F and STL10000PG have carbontex washers in them and still have 1 spare set , the latter supply came thru K.K.Kingston .
Jon .
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Isn't it over kill on a Stella ???? or does it make a real difference and how ??? I dont understand ???
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I would never take a knife to a gun fight so I'll only ever use Saltigas when fishing the heavy stuff ;D!
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Che have you guys had to fix any Saltigas in shop or Stella's. If so what went wrong.
Jon has just told us what type of weapon the Daiwa Z4500's are. one word comes to mind
SPOON :o
worse than a knife