Shimano Stella SW Size Guide
Which Stella SW size do you need? Shimano points the 14000XG at GT and tuna casting on PE 6, the 18000HG at PE 8–10, and 8000–10000 at jigging. Every size, sourced.
Don Christie · Updated 2026-09-28 · Research, not a field test
Guide Navigation
Key Takeaways
Shimano Japan calls the 14000XG its standard big-fish casting model (PE 6 × 300 m) and points the 18000HG at PE 8 and PE 10 for GT and tuna.
Size sets the line class. The suffix sets the speed: XG for casting, HG for casting and jigging, PG for jigging power.
Japan lists 17 sizes, Australia 15, the US 12. This page prints each region's chart and does not average.
Which Stella SW Size Do You Need?
For GT popping and tuna stickbaiting, Shimano positions the Stella SW 14000XG (PE 6 × 300 m) as its standard big-fish casting size and the 18000HG (PE 8 to PE 10) for heavier GT and tuna work, with the 25000PG and 30000PG as its dedicated bluefin sizes. For jigging, Shimano points to the 8000PG, 8000HG and 10000PG, with the 20000PG for deep, high-load work, while the 4000 to 6000 sizes cover light jigging and plugging on PE 1.2 to PE 3. Pick the size whose official PE capacity matches your line class, then pick the gear: XG for casting, HG for mixed casting and jigging, PG for jigging power.
Every application note on this page is Shimano's own wording, summarised from the Shimano Japan line-up. Line capacities and specs come from the Shimano Japan, Australia and US charts. No on-water test is claimed.
The Current Stella SW Line-Up
The current generation is sold as Stella SW D in the US and Australia. SKUs end in D, for example STLSW14000XGD. Shimano US calls it the 2026 Stella SW D.
Shimano Japan sells it as Stella SW. Its after-sales programme covers both the 25 and 26 Stella SW. Shimano Japan's page refers to the 14000XG as 25 Stella SW, and Japanese retailers list the 4000 to 6000 sizes as 26 Stella SW, released in 2026.
The previous Stella SW C is not tabled here. Shimano Canada's parts listings mark SW C sizes closed out in 2025 (8000, 10000PG, 14000XG) and 2026 (4000XG, 5000HG, 6000HG, 18000HG, 20000PG, 30000). Shimano US still hosts a SW C page. The Stella SW C 18000HG page covers that reel as lineage.
Metric figures below are from the Shimano Japan chart, which matches the Shimano Australia chart on every size both list. Imperial figures are the Shimano US chart as printed, not conversions. JP list prices run from ¥125,000 (4000) to ¥198,000 (30000PG) before tax.
Stella SW D by size · JP/AU metric, US imperial as printed · US MSRP (USD) and AU RRP (AUD)
| Model | Gear | Weight | Max drag | Retrieve / crank | PE capacity (no.-m) | Bearings | US MSRP | AU RRP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4000HG (JP only) | 5.7:1 | 360 g | 11 kg | 93 cm | 1-490, 1.5-320, 2-240 | 11/1 | Not on US chart | Not on AU chart |
| 4000XG | 6.2:1 | 360 g / 12.7 oz | 11 kg / 24 lb | 101 cm / 40 in | 1-490, 1.5-320, 2-240 | 11/1 | $1,049.99 | $1,569 |
| 5000HG | 5.7:1 | 425 g / 15 oz | 13 kg / 29 lb | 97 cm / 38 in | 2-350, 2.5-280, 3-240 | 12/1 | $1,099.99 | $1,699 |
| 5000XG | 6.2:1 | 425 g | 13 kg | 105 cm | 2-350, 2.5-280, 3-240 | 12/1 | Not on US chart | $1,699 |
| 6000PG | 4.7:1 | 440 g | 13 kg | 86 cm | 2-440, 3-300, 4-210 | 12/1 | Not on US chart | $1,699 |
| 6000HG | 5.7:1 | 440 g / 15.5 oz | 13 kg / 29 lb | 104 cm / 41 in | 2-440, 3-300, 4-210 | 12/1 | $1,099.99 | $1,699 |
| 6000XG | 6.2:1 | 435 g / 15.3 oz | 13 kg / 29 lb | 113 cm / 45 in | 2-440, 3-300, 4-210 | 12/1 | $1,099.99 | $1,699 |
| 8000PG | 4.8:1 | 635 g / 22.4 oz | 25 kg / 55 lb | 92 cm / 36 in | 3-410, 4-300, 5-250 | 12/1 | $1,169.99 | $1,799 |
| 8000HG | 5.6:1 | 630 g / 22.2 oz | 25 kg / 55 lb | 107 cm / 42 in | 3-410, 4-300, 5-250 | 12/1 | $1,169.99 | $1,799 |
| 8000XG (JP only) | 6.2:1 | 635 g | 25 kg | 119 cm | 3-410, 4-300, 5-250 | 12/1 | Not on US chart | Not on AU chart |
| 10000PG | 4.8:1 | 680 g / 24 oz | 25 kg / 55 lb | 99 cm / 39 in | 4-400, 5-300, 6-250 | 12/1 | $1,199.99 | $1,849 |
| 10000HG | 5.6:1 | 680 g | 25 kg | 116 cm | 4-400, 5-300, 6-250 | 12/1 | Not on US chart | $1,849 |
| 14000XG | 6.2:1 | 685 g / 24.2 oz | 25 kg / 55 lb | 134 cm / 53 in | 5-360, 6-300, 8-220 | 12/1 | $1,199.99 | $1,849 |
| 18000HG | 5.7:1 | 900 g / 31.7 oz | 30 kg / 66 lb | 128 cm / 50 in | 5-500, 6-400, 8-300 | 13/1 | $1,429.99 | $1,999 |
| 20000PG | 4.4:1 | 915 g / 32.3 oz | 30 kg / 66 lb | 104 cm / 41 in | 6-500, 8-370, 10-300 | 13/1 | $1,449.99 | $2,039 |
| 25000PG | 4.4:1 | 920 g / 32.4 oz | 30 kg / 66 lb | 110 cm / 43 in | 6-600, 8-450, 10-350 | 13/1 | $1,449.99 | $2,039 |
| 30000PG | 4.4:1 | 995 g / 35.1 oz | 27 kg / 60 lb | 130 cm / 51 in | 8-620, 10-500, 12-420 | 13/1 | $1,549.99 | $2,399 |
Size vs Line Class vs Application
This is the decision table. The PE capacity column is Shimano's chart. The guidance and application columns summarise Shimano Japan's own line-up copy for each size. Where Shimano gives no line recommendation, the cell says so.
The 8000 recommendation comes from Shimano's note on the 8000-only rotor, which it calls a best match for rock-shore and offshore jigging and casting on PE 3 to PE 4.
Line class and application by size · Shimano Japan line-up notes
| Size | PE capacity (no.-m) | Shimano line guidance | Shimano application note |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4000 (HG, XG) | 1-490, 1.5-320, 2-240 | PE 1.2–2 | Light jigging and plugging, shore or offshore. XG favoured for casting. |
| 5000 (HG, XG) | 2-350, 2.5-280, 3-240 | PE 1.5–2.5 | Near-shore offshore and shore work: casting and light jigging. |
| 6000 (PG, HG, XG) | 2-440, 3-300, 4-210 | PE 2–3 | Heavier duty than 5000. PG for high-load jigging and slow casting presentations, HG for casting to jigging, XG for casting. |
| 8000 (PG, HG, XG) | 3-410, 4-300, 5-250 | PE 3–4 | PG is jigging-specific. HG is the all-round jigging model, casting included. XG is plugging-focused. |
| 10000 (PG, HG) | 4-400, 5-300, 6-250 | PE 5 × 300 m (HG copy) | PG for big fish and deep jigging. HG for yellowfin and hiramasa (kingfish) casting with smaller plugs, rock-shore and offshore jigging. |
| 14000XG | 5-360, 6-300, 8-220 | PE 6 × 300 m | Shimano's standard big-fish casting model: hiramasa through GT and tuna. |
| 18000HG | 5-500, 6-400, 8-300 | PE 8 and PE 10 | Yellowfin, hiramasa, GT and tuna, head-on. |
| 20000PG | 6-500, 8-370, 10-300 | Not stated | Power model for deep jigging and casting at very large fish. |
| 25000PG | 6-600, 8-450, 10-350 | PE 10 × 350 m | Dedicated large-bluefin model. Ships with a Yumeya 20000 MAX spool. |
| 30000PG | 8-620, 10-500, 12-420 | PE 12 × 420 m | Bluefin over 200 kg and large marlin. |
How To Pick By Line Class
Start with the braid your fishery demands, not the reel. Then find the smallest size whose official PE capacity carries that line at a working length.
For GT, that usually lands on the two sizes Shimano names for it. The 14000XG holds PE 6 × 300 m. The 18000HG holds PE 8 × 300 m, and Shimano's copy extends it to PE 10.
For tuna, the ladder is longer. Shimano names the 10000HG for yellowfin casting with smaller plugs, the 14000XG and 18000HG for bigger casting work, and the 25000PG and 30000PG for bluefin.
For jigging, stay in the PG and HG models from 6000 to 10000, and step to the 20000PG when depth and load climb.
Rod class follows line class. See Best GT Popping Rods and PE6 vs PE8 Braid. For a mainline example, see the Daiwa Saltiga 12 Strand 50lb braid.
XG vs HG vs PG, Plainly
The suffix is the gear ratio. Shimano's own summary: HG is designed for both casting and jigging, PG is geared for jigging, and XG is focused on saltwater casting and topwater use.
Inside one size the effect is direct. The 8000PG (4.8:1) recovers 92 cm per crank, the 8000HG (5.6:1) 107 cm, and the 8000XG (6.2:1) 119 cm. Lower ratios trade speed for cranking power under load.
Across sizes, the same suffix does not mean the same speed. Spool diameter matters too. The 4000XG and 14000XG are both 6.2:1, yet they recover 101 cm and 134 cm. The 20000PG and 25000PG are both 4.4:1, yet recover 104 cm and 110 cm on 75.5 mm and 79.5 mm spools.
The big sizes come in one gear only: 14000XG, 18000HG, 20000PG, 25000PG and 30000PG. If you want a slower 14000 or a faster 20000, the Stella SW D chart does not offer one.
Where Regional Charts Disagree
The mechanics agree. Shimano Japan and Shimano Australia print identical gear ratios, weights, drag, retrieve and PE capacities for every size both list. The US imperial figures agree with them within rounding.
The line-ups do not agree. Japan lists 17 sizes. Australia omits the 4000HG and 8000XG. The US chart omits those two plus the 5000XG, 6000PG and 10000HG.
Drag architecture is worded differently. Shimano Japan and Australia footnote XX Tough Drag and Heatsink Drag on the 10000PG and 10000HG and up. Shimano US copy says XX Tough is coupled with Heatsink Drag in sizes 14000 and higher. Shimano Japan lists X Tough Drag on 5000 to 8000.
The 30000PG is timed differently. Shimano Australia lists it as scheduled for release in 2026 while already printing its full row and RRP. Shimano US lists it with an MSRP.
One note sits inside Shimano's own page. Shimano Japan's 18000HG copy mentions PE 8 and PE 10, while its capacity chart stops at PE 8 × 300 m. Both are printed here.
Which region lists which size · Shimano JP, AU and US charts
| Model | Shimano JP | Shimano AU | Shimano US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4000HG | Listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| 4000XG | Listed | Listed | Listed |
| 5000HG | Listed | Listed | Listed |
| 5000XG | Listed | Listed | Not listed |
| 6000PG | Listed | Listed | Not listed |
| 6000HG / 6000XG | Listed | Listed | Listed |
| 8000PG / 8000HG | Listed | Listed | Listed |
| 8000XG | Listed | Not listed | Not listed |
| 10000PG | Listed | Listed | Listed |
| 10000HG | Listed | Listed | Not listed |
| 14000XG to 25000PG | Listed | Listed | Listed |
| 30000PG | Listed | Listed, scheduled 2026 | Listed |
Shortlist
Shimano's standard big-fish casting size. PE 6 × 300 m, 6.2:1, 134 cm per crank, 25 kg drag.
Shimano's power model for deep jigging and very large fish. 4.4:1, 30 kg drag, PE 10 × 300 m.
The previous-generation 18000HG. Closed out per Shimano Canada. Useful lineage for the current 18000HG.
Fit
Who This Is For
- Anglers matching a Stella SW size to a known PE class.
- Buyers checking which sizes are sold in the US, Australia or Japan.
- Readers who want Shimano's own application notes in English, with the chart beside them.
Who This Is Not For
- Anyone looking for hands-on drag or durability testing. This page is chart research.
- Readers choosing between brands. See Daiwa Saltiga vs Shimano Stella.
Verification Notes
Checked 28 September 2026. The Shimano Japan and Shimano US charts were read directly that day.
Shimano Australia's site blocks automated reads. The AU 4000–6000 rows, the 30000PG row and the in-stores list were read from a search-index copy of the official AU page on 28 September 2026. AU figures for 8000–25000 are from the AU chart as recorded on 2 September 2026, with the 14000XG RRP re-checked on 27 September.
Omitted: PE values for the US chart (it prints PowerPro lb-yd, not PE), street prices, lb/oz conversions the US chart does not print, and any line-class claim Shimano does not make.
Application notes are Shimano's wording, summarised and translated from the Shimano Japan line-up. Hiramasa is yellowtail kingfish. TacklingFish has not fished these reels.
Sources
- Shimano Japan — Stella SW product page and spec chart
- Shimano Australia — Stella SW D spec chart and RRP
- Shimano US — Stella SW D spec chart and MSRP
- Shimano New Zealand — Stella SW D gear-ratio summary
- Shimano US — Stella SW C page
- Shimano Canada — Stella SW C parts and close-out years
- Tsurikichi — 26 Stella SW 4000XG listing (26 designation, March 2026 release)
- TacklingFish — Daiwa Saltiga vs Shimano Stella
- TacklingFish — Stella SWD 14000XG
- TacklingFish — Stella SW C 18000HG
Frequently Asked
- What size Stella SW is best for GT popping?
- Shimano Japan describes the Stella SW 14000XG as its standard big-fish casting model, rated PE 6 × 300 m and aimed at hiramasa through GT and tuna. It points the 18000HG at PE 8 and PE 10 work on GT, yellowfin, hiramasa and tuna. Choose between them by the line class your GT fishery demands.
- What size Stella SW for tuna?
- Shimano Japan names the 10000HG for yellowfin casting with smaller plugs, the 14000XG and 18000HG for big-fish casting including tuna, the 25000PG as a dedicated large-bluefin model (PE 10 × 350 m), and the 30000PG for bluefin over 200 kg and large marlin (PE 12 × 420 m).
- Which Stella SW size is best for jigging?
- Shimano Japan calls the 8000PG its jigging-specific power-gear model and the 8000HG its all-round jigging model. It points the 10000PG at big fish and deep jigging, the 20000PG at deep, high-load work, and the 6000PG at high-load jigging in a lighter class (PE 2–3).
- What is the difference between Stella SW XG, HG and PG?
- They are gear ratios. In the 8000 size, the PG is 4.8:1 (92 cm per crank), the HG 5.6:1 (107 cm) and the XG 6.2:1 (119 cm). Shimano describes HG as casting and jigging, PG as jigging, and XG as saltwater casting and topwater.
- Is the Stella SW C still current?
- No. The current generation is Stella SW D (sold in Japan as 25 and 26 Stella SW). Shimano Canada's parts listings mark SW C sizes closed out in 2025 and 2026, although Shimano US still hosts a SW C page.
- Why does the US Stella SW chart list fewer sizes?
- The Shimano US chart lists 12 Stella SW D sizes. It does not list the 5000XG, 6000PG or 10000HG that Shimano Australia sells, or the 4000HG and 8000XG that only Shimano Japan lists. Check with your local Shimano distributor before ordering.
- Does the Stella SW 30000PG have more drag than the 25000PG?
- No. Shimano lists 27 kg (60 lb US) of max drag on the 30000PG and 30 kg (66 lb US) on the 18000HG, 20000PG and 25000PG. The 30000PG's advantage is line capacity: PE 12 × 420 m.
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