TackleTour

Any info in what changes were made to the aldebaran?
Did it get an extra bearing?

Ok so now I am even more confused. The Bantam MGL is now listed on TackleWarehouse and Tackle Trap, but listed as having 8 bearings. Not a big deal, just cannot figure out why I have been told 9 then 8. I just want to know, I guess it is an OCD thing wanting a reel to have dual pinion and main gear support...

Hey Dirty,

Buy the reel when it comes out and try it...didn't you do this with the SV103 reels and then missed out (settling with a Zillion and Chronarch MGL...not that there is anything wrong with them ). I plan on getting one or more to compliment my SV103 reels. All aluminum quality reels from both Shimano and Daiwa. If they are as good as they seem on the specs...they could end up being pretty legendary.

Big-Bass wrote:Hey Dirty,

Buy the reel when it comes out and try it...didn't you do this with the SV103 reels and then missed out (settling with a Zillion and Chronarch MGL...not that there is anything wrong with them ). I plan on getting one or more to compliment my SV103 reels. All aluminum quality reels from both Shimano and Daiwa. If they are as good as they seem on the specs...they could end up being pretty legendary.

Yep you caught me. I get overly picky about reels and do this at times. I've found a few SV103 reels used though and might go for them if waiting to long on the Bantam.

DirtyD64 wrote:

Big-Bass wrote:Hey Dirty,

Buy the reel when it comes out and try it...didn't you do this with the SV103 reels and then missed out (settling with a Zillion and Chronarch MGL...not that there is anything wrong with them ). I plan on getting one or more to compliment my SV103 reels. All aluminum quality reels from both Shimano and Daiwa. If they are as good as they seem on the specs...they could end up being pretty legendary.

Yep you caught me. I get overly picky about reels and do this at times. I've found a few SV103 reels used though and might go for them if waiting to long on the Bantam.

I'm like you in many ways...I am OCD about stuff too and can say that I am thoroughly awaiting the Bantam reels and love my SV103's. Enjoy the weekend!

As promised I finally received the material info that some of you asked for.

The new Stella has a Magnesium body and an aluminum rotor. The rotor design is similar to the Stradic CI4+ with the reduction in weight and improved balance. It still has reduced start up inertia like the Magnumlite rotors, but it isn't as light since they are not made of CI4+ material. The new roller bearing reduces friction quite a bit, so it balances out with the slightly heavier rotor for a lighter rotation.

There are some other improvements as well. The rotor has a special shape to prevent loose line from getting under the spool. A new line roller design to reduce the amount of water that can get into the bearing. Titanium one piece nail wire, water/corrosion resistance design, etc.

Will both the Stella FJ and the Bantam MGL be saltwater safe?

Yes but like with any reel used in saltwater it must be maintained properly.

Bantam1 wrote:Yes but like with any reel used in saltwater it must be maintained properly.

So excited to see this reel, been counting down days and I'm not even sure what I'm counting down to... saw a schematic on youtube (JDM) and from what it looked like the reel had 2 bearings on the main shaft (with a roller bearing too), just hoping the US site got it wrong and it's a 9 bearing system.

In all honesty though, Curado70 reels don't have any issues? Nor do the Aldebaran's and they only have single bearing mainshaft support...

There are 9 bearings.

X-Ship: 2
Handle paddles have 1 each: 2
Roller bearing: 1
Bearing on top of the roller bearing: 1
Drive shaft bearing: 1
Spool bearings: 2

2+2+1+1+1+2= 9 using my inferior math skills

I want one.
just on gp

Bantam1 wrote:There are 9 bearings.

X-Ship: 2
Handle paddles have 1 each: 2
Roller bearing: 1
Bearing on top of the roller bearing: 1
Drive shaft bearing: 1
Spool bearings: 2

2+2+1+1+1+2= 9 using my inferior math skills

... waiting for the incessant whining to start

Perfect, same as Chronarch MGL, or same as Curado K +2 knob bearings. Just couldn't figure out why all US sites had them listed as 7+1.

Only 9 bearings....

I wanted at least 18 bearings

18 bearings, quick change gear ratios, ambidextrous reeling, 2 gram spool that can hold either 40 yards of 5# or 200 yards of 20 with the push of a button, weighs less than 4 ounces with 40# of max drag and fits into a small or extra large hand.