Stella 18000 vs 20000

[Simon Steele]

Guys apologies right away for what I'm sure is a pure new guy question !!!

I have a 20000sw Stella on my GT rod as do most of my mates and we are all having a great time with them we were talking the other day about the difference between the 20 and 18 and it was thought that the 18 had a faster retrieve rate than the 20 ?? Is that the case ?? Is this the only difference between them ?? If it is would that make the 18 a better stick bait choice ?
Thanks in advance for your help , this is my first post , I have been drinking in all the great info and articles on the site and really enjoy it , I live in Mackay and get out in the Coral sea as often as possible , I used to fish for all sorts until I caught my first GT.

[Mark Harris]

Hi Simon.

Yes,  the key difference between a SW20000 and SW18000 is the gearing.  The 18000 is considerably faster and designed for casting. The SW20000 is a slower reel designed for lifting from the deep (bottom or jigging). You can get by OK with a 20000 for popping but for efficiently working stickbaits, definitely get an 18000.

[Simon Steele]

Thanks mark much appreciated

[Brandon Khoo]

the difference in ratio might not seem like much but once you use a high gear ratio reel, you will almost certainly never go back to the low gear ratio reel.

[Simon Steele]

Thanks Brandon , I know its the little things that make the difference when you get into performance outcomes and making the most of your gear , My wife aint going to understand but the 18 just made it to the top of the must have list  I'm out in the Coral on Thursday looking forward to the ever faithful GT action we get out there , armed to the back teeth with new poppers , stick baits and a GoPro camera.
Merry Christmas everyone.

[Kenny Koh Kee Koong]

Merry X Mas to all

[Brandon Khoo]

One of our members here from the early days of the forum, Che Carson, used to change the gears on his Salitga depending on whether he was jigging or popping.

[Steve Li]

One of our members here from the early days of the forum, Che Carson, used to change the gears on his Salitga depending on whether he was jigging or popping.

Huh??? Do you mean he dismantle the whole reel and switch the gears??? I understand it cost a bomb to get a new set of Hyper Gears. Think the pinion and some other parts needs to be changed too...... Better to get another reel I think!

[Brandon Khoo]

Yes, but he was servicing reels as part of his job and had access to all the parts he needed.

One of our members here from the early days of the forum, Che Carson, used to change the gears on his Salitga depending on whether he was jigging or popping.

Huh??? Do you mean he dismantle the whole reel and switch the gears??? I understand it cost a bomb to get a new set of Hyper Gears. Think the pinion and some other parts needs to be changed too...... Better to get another reel I think!