JDM vs USDM Versions: Why Japanese Reels Are Different

Last updated: April 2026

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Quick Answer

Daiwa's 26 Certate HD, released in February 2026, features a full aluminum body and rotor, a departure from the lighter ZAION rotors of previous LT series reels, with the LT5000D-XH model weighing 305g.
The 26 Certate HD is priced from ¥79,500 (excluding tax) for the LT3000-CH model, offering enhanced winding power and rigidity for heavy-duty fishing.
Shimano's 22 Stella, despite its premium price, has faced criticism for line trouble, particularly with fine PE lines, leading to a "blue seal" update for bail angle.
One user caught 25-30 Japanese sea bass and nearly 50 fish including rockfish and snapper in about a month using the 26 Certate HD LT5000D-XH model, showcasing its robust performance.

Japanese Domestic Market (JDM) fishing reels often feature distinct design philosophies and technological innovations compared to their counterparts sold in other markets, sometimes referred to as USDM (United States Domestic Market) versions. These differences can range from material choices to specific performance tuning, catering to the unique demands of Japanese angling styles and target species. A prime example of this specialized JDM development is Daiwa's 26 Certate HD, a reel engineered for extreme toughness and winding power, which debuted in February 2026. This model stands out with its full aluminum construction, including an aluminum Air Drive Rotor, a significant shift from the lighter ZAION rotors common in previous LT series reels. For instance, the 26 Certate HD LT3000-CH model is priced at ¥79,500 (excluding tax), reflecting its advanced features and robust build. This focus on heavy-duty performance and specialized components highlights how JDM reels are often tailored for specific, demanding fishing scenarios, setting them apart in the global market.

What is the Daiwa 26 Certate HD?

The Daiwa 26 Certate HD is a heavy-duty (HD) spinning reel specifically engineered to meet the demands of tough fishing conditions, prioritizing strength, durability, and winding power. Released in February 2026, this model represents a significant evolution in the Certate series, a line that has long been a cornerstone for Daiwa, earning trust from anglers both in Japan and internationally. The "HD" designation underscores its design for situations requiring maximum resilience and reliable performance under high stress.

At its core, the 26 Certate HD integrates an aluminum monocoque body, a high-rigidity structure formed from a single piece. This design minimizes distortion when the reel is under heavy load, ensuring that winding power is transmitted efficiently from the handle to the gears. This robust body construction is paired with an aluminum Air Drive Rotor, marking a notable departure from the ZAION rotors that were characteristic of earlier LT series reels. While ZAION rotors emphasized lightweight performance, the aluminum Air Drive Rotor in the 26 Certate HD aims to combine the proven lightness of the Air Drive design with the inherent rigidity and peace of mind that only a metal rotor can provide. This fusion of materials and design principles results in a reel that offers both enhanced strength and a unique winding feel.

Beyond its core structure, the 26 Certate HD is equipped with several other specialized features to bolster its heavy-duty capabilities. It incorporates ATD TOUGH drag, a system renowned for its sticky yet smooth performance, designed to handle large, powerful fish effectively. This drag system ensures consistent pressure and reduces the risk of line breakage during intense fights. The reel also utilizes MAGSEALED technology, a proprietary Daiwa innovation that uses magnetic oil to create a protective barrier, preventing the intrusion of saltwater and sand into the reel's internal mechanisms. This significantly enhances the reel's longevity and maintains its smooth operation in harsh marine environments. Furthermore, the 26 Certate HD includes HD-specific reinforced parts, such as the drag knob and components around the line roller. These enhancements are strategically placed to withstand the rigorous demands of heavy-duty fishing, ensuring that critical components maintain their integrity under stress. The entire lineup, including models like the LT3000-CH (225g), LT4000-CXH (255g), and LT5000D-XH (305g), reflects this commitment to robustness and power. The LT3000-CH model, for example, is priced at ¥79,500 (excluding tax), indicating the premium nature of its construction and features. This comprehensive approach to design and material selection positions the 26 Certate HD as a new generation spinning reel, specifically tailored for anglers who demand the utmost in toughness and winding power for their most challenging fishing pursuits. The official release date for this highly anticipated model was February 2026, with pre-orders being accepted well in advance. 26 Certate HD full lineup and specs

Evolution of the Certate Series

The Certate series has a long-standing reputation as Daiwa's mid-to-high-range reel, trusted by anglers globally. The 26 Certate HD marks a significant evolution, as it is designed as a "tough specification" model to handle high-load fishing more safely and reliably. This return to a full-aluminum configuration, after a 10-year hiatus since 2016, signifies a shift in focus back to rigidity and toughness, contrasting with the recent trend of extreme lightweighting. The body, which was already aluminum, now features an aluminum rotor, making it Daiwa's only full-aluminum spinning reel in the general-purpose category. This robust construction is explicitly aimed at applications like targeting Japanese sea bass from rocky shores, light shore jigging, and light bluefin casting, where durability and winding power are paramount.

Core Technologies for Toughness

The aluminum monocoque body is crucial for the 26 Certate HD's enhanced rigidity. This one-piece molded structure prevents distortion under heavy loads, which in turn improves the efficiency of power transfer during retrieves. This means more of the angler's effort goes directly into turning the rotor and retrieving the line, rather than being lost to flex in the reel body. Complementing this is the aluminum Air Drive Rotor, which balances the traditional lightness of the Air Drive design with the structural integrity of metal. This combination ensures that while the reel maintains a certain degree of responsiveness, it gains significant resistance to warping, a critical factor when battling strong fish or retrieving high-resistance lures. The ATD TOUGH drag system further enhances the reel's capability to manage powerful fish. This drag is designed to be both sticky and smooth, providing consistent resistance without sudden jerks, which helps to absorb the shock of a fish's run and protect the line. Finally, MAGSEALED technology, a hallmark of Daiwa's high-end reels, provides a robust barrier against water and abrasive particles like sand and salt. This magnetic oil seal prevents corrosive elements from entering the reel's delicate internal gears and bearings, significantly extending its lifespan and maintaining its optimal performance in harsh saltwater environments.

HD-Specific Reinforced Parts

Beyond the main body and rotor, the 26 Certate HD incorporates several HD-specific reinforced parts to further enhance its durability. These specialized components are found in critical areas such as the drag knob and around the line roller. The drag knob, for instance, is designed for increased toughness, ensuring it can withstand repeated adjustments and the stresses of fighting large fish without compromise. Similarly, the line roller area, which experiences significant friction and wear, is strengthened to prevent premature failure. These thoughtful reinforcements demonstrate Daiwa's commitment to creating a reel that is not just strong in its core structure but also resilient in every functional detail, ensuring reliable performance even under the most demanding fishing conditions.

How Does the 26 Certate HD's Aluminum Rotor Impact Performance?

The aluminum Air Drive Rotor of the 26 Certate HD significantly impacts the reel's performance by providing increased rigidity and resistance to distortion, a distinct advantage over the ZAION rotors found in previous LT series reels. This material choice introduces a unique winding sensation, skillfully balancing the lightweight feel characteristic of past LT models with a desirable weightiness that enhances stability and power. While this metal rotor does add a small amount of weight compared to its ZAION counterparts, the benefits in terms of robust performance, especially under load, are substantial.

The most noticeable difference comes in winding power. When retrieving high-resistance lures such as metal jigs, vibration baits, or heavy sinking minnows, the aluminum rotor allows the reel to pull through the water with greater ease. Unlike lighter ZAION rotors, which can make the retrieve feel heavy and stressful under such conditions, the metal rotor maintains a more consistent winding feel. This is particularly advantageous when fishing in deep water, where depths can reach 30 to 40 meters, or in areas with strong currents. In these scenarios, the added strength and moderate weight of the aluminum rotor enable anglers to operate lures more effectively, making it easier to slide jigs across the seabed or retrieve heavy lures with consistent motion. "If I had to roughly summarize the 26 Certate HD, it's like this: it's not a light reel, but it doesn't feel out of place. There's some gear rubbing noise, but no rattling or grinding. The winding power and rigidity are excellent, just like the standard Certate. The drag is a bit dry compared to felt drags, but it's not a problem. Line trouble and casting distance are completely stress-free. I have no complaints about the handle, but I would have preferred a metal knob. My concerns are the drag sound volume, knob material, and price (around ¥70,000 in real-world sales). It's for when you don't want to use a full SW reel but need to aggressively retrieve medium to heavy lures," said one fish-beginner.com reviewer (translated from Japanese).

Weight and Balance Considerations

The switch to an aluminum rotor does introduce a slight increase in the reel's self-weight. For example, the 26 Certate HD LT5000D-XH model weighs 305g, which is 15g heavier than the 24 Certate LT5000D-XH. While this difference is perceptible when comparing the reels side-by-side, users generally report that it does not negatively impact the fishing experience. The added weight is well-balanced, preventing any sensation of fatigue during prolonged casting and jigging, or when performing intricate rod actions. This suggests that Daiwa's Air Drive Design effectively mitigates the potential downsides of a heavier rotor, maintaining an overall sense of balance and operational comfort. The design goal was to achieve a unique winding feel that retains the lightness and low inertia of the previous LT series while incorporating a suitable amount of "heaviness," creating a nuanced and satisfying retrieve.

Enhanced Winding Power and Rigidity

The aluminum rotor's primary benefit lies in its superior rigidity, which translates directly into enhanced winding power. When a strong load is applied, such as during a hook-set or when fighting a powerful fish, reels with resin (ZAION) rotors can sometimes exhibit a subtle stretch in the line, indicating a slight distortion in the rotor itself. In contrast, the 26 Certate HD's metal rotor provides a more direct and responsive feel. The effort put into turning the handle translates more faithfully into winding power, making it easier to control fish that tend to dive into structure, such as rockfish or amberjack. This directness is particularly valuable in situations where immediate and forceful control is necessary to prevent a fish from reaching cover. The difference in winding feel between an unloaded state and a loaded state is also minimized with the metal rotor, allowing for a more consistent and less fatiguing retrieve, especially when dealing with water pressure or heavy lures. However, this benefit is most pronounced under significant loads; for lighter fishing or when the reel primarily serves to retrieve slack line, the advantages of the metal rotor are less apparent.

Comparison with ZAION Rotors

The traditional ZAION rotors offered exceptional lightness and sensitivity, which are highly valued for certain fishing styles, particularly those requiring precise lure manipulation and immediate feedback. The 24 Certate, with its lighter rotor, still holds an advantage in terms of winding sensitivity. However, for anglers who prioritize brute strength and consistent winding under heavy resistance, the 26 Certate HD's aluminum rotor is a clear winner. It provides a "heavier" or more "substantial" winding feel compared to ZAION, without becoming sluggish. This unique balance is distinct from Shimano's metal rotor reels like the Stella or Twin Power, which are known for a strong "assist" feeling from inertia. The 26 Certate HD strikes a middle ground, offering more heft and power than a ZAION rotor reel while maintaining a lighter, less inertial feel than some of its Shimano counterparts. This makes it a versatile option, particularly for anglers who frequently engage in rock shore games or other applications where strong, consistent winding is crucial.

What are the User Experiences with the 26 Certate HD?

Anglers who have used the 26 Certate HD report a largely positive experience, highlighting its robust construction and smooth, powerful performance, especially under demanding conditions. Users note a smooth winding feel with minimal gear rubbing noise, and importantly, a complete absence of rattling or grinding, even after extensive use in high-stress fishing situations. The reel's inherent strength, a hallmark of the Certate series, remains fully intact, providing confidence when battling strong fish.

One dedicated angler, who fishes almost daily and relies on fishing for their livelihood, extensively tested the LT5000D-XH model. This user targeted Japanese sea bass from rocky shores, large rockfish, and light shore jigging species. Over approximately one month, the reel was subjected to heavy loads, resulting in the capture of 25-30 Japanese sea bass and nearly 50 fish in total, including various rockfish and snapper. Despite this rigorous use, the reviewer noted that while a slight "shurushuru" sound (a faint rubbing noise) could be heard when winding the handle in a quiet room, it was completely unnoticeable during actual fishing on the water. This indicates that any operational sounds are well within acceptable limits and do not detract from the fishing experience. The absence of any grinding or looseness ("gori-kan" or "gata") further reinforces the reel's robust and durable design.

Robustness in Action

The 26 Certate HD's robust construction proves particularly beneficial when targeting aggressive fish that tend to dive into structures, such as rockfish or amberjack. In these scenarios, anglers need to apply immediate and forceful pressure to prevent the fish from reaching cover. The metal rotor of the Certate HD provides a more direct and unyielding connection than reels with resin (ZAION) rotors, which can sometimes exhibit a slight flex under extreme pressure. This directness allows anglers to exert control more effectively, reeling in line exactly proportional to the handle turn, which is crucial for turning a fish's head away from a snag. While this difference might not be immediately apparent under lighter loads, it becomes a significant advantage when the reel is pushed to its limits during intense fights. The overall perception is that the 26 Certate HD embodies the characteristic strength expected from a Certate reel, maintaining its integrity even when subjected to considerable abuse, much like its predecessor, the 24 Certate, which also demonstrated remarkable durability.

Minor Drawbacks and Preferences

Despite the overwhelmingly positive feedback, some minor points of concern or preference were noted by users. One common observation is the relatively quiet drag sound. While the ATD TOUGH drag system is praised for its sticky and smooth performance, capable of handling large fish, its lower volume compared to felt drags was mentioned. For some anglers, a louder drag click can be a desirable feature, providing audible feedback during a run. Another minor point of contention was the handle knob material. While the standard knob is functional, some users expressed a preference for a metal knob, which could further enhance the reel's premium feel and durability, aligning with its overall heavy-duty design philosophy. The price point, with models like the LT5000D-XH costing ¥88,000 (excluding tax), was also acknowledged as being on the higher side, placing it in a similar bracket to Shimano's top-tier reels. However, given its unique specifications and positioning as Daiwa's sole full-aluminum general-purpose spinning reel, the price is generally understood as a reflection of its specialized development and robust construction. Overall, user sentiment points to the 26 Certate HD being an exceptionally well-balanced reel that successfully marries winding lightness with a powerful, substantial feel, making it a highly favored choice for demanding fishing styles.

How Does the 26 Certate HD Compare to Shimano's 22 Stella?

The Daiwa 26 Certate HD and Shimano's 22 Stella represent two distinct philosophies in high-end spinning reel design, each with its own strengths and target audience. While the 26 Certate HD is praised for its exceptional winding power and rigidity, particularly due to its full aluminum construction, some users still find Shimano's 22 Stella to be superior in terms of ultimate winding strength and overall stability. This comparison often highlights the nuanced differences in how each manufacturer approaches the balance of power, feel, and sensitivity.

One reviewer, after comparing the 26 Certate HD LT4000-CXH with a Shimano C5000XG Stella, concluded that the Stella held an edge in winding strength, winding comfort, and overall stability. "The 26 Certate HD, even with its winding strength, winding comfort, and stability, could not surpass the Stella. I compared it with the C5000XG, but I can easily infer that the result would be the same with the 4000XG. The Stella's handle length, knob shape, and rotor balance are exquisite, giving the feeling that the handle is close to the center of the reel. It simply doesn't wobble," stated a zikkurifishing.com reviewer (translated from Japanese). The Stella is particularly lauded for its exquisite handle balance, knob shape, and rotor balance, which create a sensation of the handle being perfectly centered within the reel, resulting in virtually no wobble during retrieval. This contributes to a supremely stable and smooth winding experience that many anglers find unparalleled. The 22 Stella, which saw a model change in spring 2022, is widely regarded as Shimano's flagship spinning reel, often setting the benchmark for performance and feel.

Winding Power and Feel

When it comes to winding power, the 26 Certate HD, with its aluminum rotor, clearly offers increased strength compared to the 24 Certate, making the retrieval of high-resistance lures like vibrations and jigs feel significantly lighter. Even lures with subtle resistance, such as minnows and spin-tails, can be reeled in with greater ease. However, when directly pitted against the 22 Stella, the Stella often maintains its reputation for superior winding capability, especially in heavy-duty applications. The Stella's design, including its handle length and overall balance, contributes to a powerful and unwavering retrieve, making it a preferred choice for tasks requiring consistent, strong winding, such as constant retrieval or light shore jigging. The 26 Certate HD LT4000-CXH, priced at ¥83,000 (excluding tax), offers a formidable alternative, but the Stella's "high-quality feel" ("iimono-kan") is often cited as a distinct advantage, appealing to those who seek the absolute pinnacle of reel craftsmanship.

Sensitivity and Feedback

Despite the Stella's perceived edge in raw winding power and stability, the 26 Certate HD offers a notable advantage in sensitivity. Anglers report that the Certate HD allows them to detect the vibrations and movements of their lures from further distances during retrieval compared to the Stella. This enhanced feedback can be crucial for understanding lure action and detecting subtle bites, especially when fishing with smaller lures or in conditions where sensitivity is paramount. The 24 Certate, with its even lighter ZAION rotor, provides even quicker feedback. This difference highlights a trade-off: while the Stella excels in brute force and unwavering stability, the Certate HD carves out its niche by offering a more communicative retrieve, allowing anglers to feel more of what's happening beneath the water. This makes the 26 Certate HD a versatile option for anglers who engage in a variety of fishing styles, such as light shore jigging, flatfish, and sea bass, often using interchangeable spools. It positions itself as a balanced model, fitting precisely between the 24 Certate and the 22 Stella (or 24 Twin Power), offering a unique blend of power and sensitivity.

Design and Aesthetics

In terms of aesthetics, the 26 Certate HD builds upon the sleek, timeless design of the 24 Certate, featuring a base that is inherently attractive. The HD version incorporates subtle changes in color scheme and minor modifications to the spool and rotor design, adding a powerful impression to the otherwise delicate image of the spool. This results in a sophisticated black finish that is generally well-received. The 22 Stella, on the other hand, is known for its classic, refined appearance that exudes a sense of premium quality. Both reels are visually appealing, but the Stella often garners praise for its overall "goodness factor" and luxurious feel, which is a significant draw for many high-end reel buyers. The choice between the two often comes down to an angler's personal preference for either the robust, subtly powerful aesthetic of the Certate HD or the universally acclaimed, refined elegance of the Stella.

What are the Disadvantages of the 22 Stella?

Despite its status as Shimano's flagship spinning reel and its reputation for exceptional quality, the 22 Stella has faced notable criticisms, particularly concerning line management and line trouble. The most significant issue revolves around its Infinity Loop (dense winding) feature, which, while intended to improve casting distance and line lay, has unfortunately led to frequent line troubles for some users, especially when employing fine PE lines.

The recurrence of line issues became a widely discussed topic after the 22 Stella's release in 2022. Many anglers reported experiencing "air knots" and other line-related frustrations, which caused considerable hesitation among potential buyers. This widespread concern eventually prompted Shimano to implement a "silent update" to address the problem. Reels produced after this update are identifiable by a "blue seal" affixed to their box, indicating that a slight modification to the bail angle has been made. This adjustment was designed to mitigate the line trouble issues, suggesting that the initial design had a flaw that impacted real-world performance for a subset of users.

User Regret and Performance Trade-offs

Several users have openly expressed regret over their purchase of the 22 Stella, primarily due to these persistent line issues, despite the reel's otherwise impressive performance. One angler, who bought the 22 Stella 4000MHG, confessed to regretting the purchase, noting that while the reel's performance was generally satisfying, the line trouble was a significant drawback. This sentiment highlights a crucial point: even a top-tier reel can fall short if fundamental aspects like line management are compromised. The expectation for a reel of the Stella's caliber, often viewed as a "dream reel" for many anglers, is flawless operation across all parameters. When this expectation is not met, particularly with an issue as disruptive as line trouble, it can lead to considerable dissatisfaction.

Reviewers of the 22 Stella 4000XG have also pointed out that while the reel offers an incredibly smooth winding feel, its tendency to create air knots, especially with certain lines or under specific conditions, requires the angler to be more cautious. For instance, users often need to pay extra attention to how the leader is positioned relative to the guides, a level of care not typically required with other reels. This indicates that while the Stella excels in aspects like winding comfort, texture, and aesthetics, its specific winding characteristics can make it less forgiving in terms of line management, particularly with fine PE lines. The high price point of the Stella further exacerbates this disappointment, as buyers expect a flawless experience for their investment. The 22 Stella 1000SSPG, for example, has a max drag of 3kg and weighs 165g, showcasing its fine engineering, yet even these premium models faced challenges.

Impact on Fishing Styles

The line issues associated with the 22 Stella can significantly impact certain fishing styles. For delicate fishing techniques, night fishing where judging rotor weight provides crucial feedback, or drift fishing, the high sensitivity and smooth operation of the 24 Certate (with its lightweight rotor) might be preferred over the Stella. While the Stella excels in scenarios demanding strong, consistent winding, its propensity for line trouble with fine PE lines can make it less suitable for applications where such lines are critical, or where line management cannot be constantly monitored. This creates a dilemma for anglers who appreciate the Stella's other superior qualities but are hesitant to deal with potential line frustrations, underscoring that even the "best" reels can have specific limitations depending on the angler's techniques and preferred tackle. Shimano 22 Stella 4000XG user reviews

Is the 26 Certate HD a Good Value for Its Price?

The 26 Certate HD, with its advanced features and robust construction, presents a complex value proposition, particularly given its pricing which places it in a similar range to Shimano's flagship 22 Stella. While it is acknowledged as an expensive reel, with models like the LT5000D-XH priced at ¥88,000 (excluding tax), its unique specifications and positioning as Daiwa's only full-aluminum general-purpose spinning reel make it a compelling, albeit costly, option for anglers seeking ultimate toughness and winding power.

The price increase for the 26 Certate HD is largely attributed to the development of its new aluminum rotor and other HD-specific reinforced parts. Creating a new aluminum rotor that achieves a unique balance between the lightness of the Air Drive design and the rigidity of metal is a significant engineering feat, justifying some of the added cost. The reel also incorporates other high-end features such as an aluminum monocoque body, ATD TOUGH drag, and MAGSEALED technology, all contributing to its premium pricing. These components are designed to provide exceptional durability and performance under strenuous conditions, making it a specialized tool for demanding fishing styles like rock shore jigging, targeting large Japanese sea bass, and light bluefin casting.

Perceived Quality and Flagship Status

Despite its high price, many users perceive the 26 Certate HD as offering a level of quality and feel that can rival, and in some aspects, even surpass Daiwa's own Exist series, which is typically considered a flagship model. This perception positions the Certate HD as a "secondary flagship" within Daiwa's lineup, particularly for those who prioritize toughness and winding power over extreme lightness. The enhanced texture and winding comfort provided by the aluminum rotor, described as an "upgrade in quality" compared to the 24 Certate, contribute to this sense of premium value. The reel's ability to maintain its strength and smooth operation even after heavy use, as reported by a professional angler who caught nearly 50 fish in a month with the LT5000D-XH model, further reinforces its perceived durability and reliability, justifying the investment for serious anglers.

However, the proximity of its price to the 22 Stella means that potential buyers often find themselves in a direct comparison with Shimano's top-tier offering. The 26 Certate HD LT4000-CXH, for instance, is priced at ¥83,000 (excluding tax), placing it squarely in Stella territory. This requires careful consideration, as the Stella also offers a compelling package of performance, stability, and aesthetic appeal. The choice between the two often comes down to specific fishing needs and personal preferences regarding winding feel, sensitivity, and the trade-offs between ultimate winding power (Stella) versus a balanced power-to-sensitivity ratio (Certate HD). For anglers who specifically need the robust performance of a full-aluminum, heavy-duty reel and are willing to pay a premium for Daiwa's unique approach to combining power with a refined winding feel, the 26 Certate HD represents a valuable, albeit expensive, investment. It fills a unique niche in the market, offering a distinct alternative for those who find the 24 Certate too light for heavy applications and a full SW (saltwater) reel to be overkill.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Daiwa 26 Certate HD different from the 24 Certate?

The primary difference lies in the rotor material and overall design philosophy. The 26 Certate HD, released in February 2026, features a full aluminum Air Drive Rotor and an aluminum monocoque body, emphasizing rigidity, durability, and winding power. In contrast, the 24 Certate typically uses a lighter ZAION rotor, prioritizing lightweight performance and sensitivity. For example, the 26 Certate HD LT5000D-XH weighs 305g, making it 15g heavier than the 24 Certate LT5000D-XH, a direct result of its metal rotor.

Is the 26 Certate HD suitable for light tackle fishing?

While the 26 Certate HD offers a balanced feel, its design prioritizes heavy-duty applications. Its aluminum rotor adds weight and enhances winding power, making it less ideal for extremely light tackle fishing where maximum sensitivity and minimal weight are paramount. For such delicate techniques, the lighter 24 Certate with its ZAION rotor might be a more suitable choice due to its superior winding sensitivity.

What types of fishing are best suited for the 26 Certate HD?

The 26 Certate HD is designed for demanding fishing scenarios that require high rigidity, durability, and winding power. It excels in applications such as targeting Japanese sea bass from rocky shores, light shore jigging, hard rockfish games, and light bluefin casting. Its robust construction and ATD TOUGH drag system are particularly effective when fighting large, powerful fish or retrieving high-resistance lures in deep water or strong currents.

Are there any known issues with the 22 Stella?

Yes, the 22 Stella has faced criticism regarding frequent line troubles, particularly air knots, when using fine PE lines. This issue, attributed to its Infinity Loop (dense winding) feature, led Shimano to release a "silent update" with a slight bail angle modification. Reels with this update are marked with a "blue seal" on the box. Despite these issues, the Stella is praised for its exceptional winding comfort and stability.

How does the price of the 26 Certate HD compare to other high-end reels?

The 26 Certate HD is positioned as a high-end reel, with models like the LT3000-CH starting at ¥79,500 (excluding tax). This pricing puts it in a similar range to Shimano's 22 Stella, making it one of the more expensive general-purpose spinning reels on the market. While costly, its unique full-aluminum construction and specialized heavy-duty features are considered by some to offer a value that rivals or even exceeds other flagship models, especially for its target applications.