Shimano Stella FK 2500 S HGX vs Shimano Cardiff 401A

The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Shimano Stella FK, 2500 S HG, left and right hand, Spinning Fishing Reel, Front Drag, STL2500SHGFK
Shimano Stella FK
Spinning
95.00 out of 100
Value for money3.5 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability9.5 out of 10
Ergonomics6.32 out of 10
Gear ratio5.8:1
Maximum drag4kg / 8.82lbs
Weight205g / 7.23oz
Line retireve per crank86 centimeter / 33.86 inch
Ball bearings12+1

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelSpinning
  • Price range~ €599.33
  • Is saltwater resistantYes
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size2500 S HG
  • Handle typeSingle handle
  • Drag typeFront drag
  • Handle orientationLeft, Right
  • Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 120/0.16
Shimano Cardiff 401A, Lefthand, Multiplier Reel, Baitcasting reel
Shimano Cardiff 401A
Multireels
48.20 out of 100
Value for money3.5 out of 5
Quality classMedium
Durability3.72 out of 10
Ergonomics6.24 out of 10
Gear ratio5.2:1
Maximum drag5kg / 11.02 lbs
Weight337g / 11.89oz
Line retireve per crank56cm / 22.05 inch
Ball bearings4 A-RB + 1 RB

Technical Specifications

  • BrandSHIMANO
  • The main category of the reelMultireels
  • Price range~ €95.30
  • Is saltwater resistantNo
  • Spare spoolNo
  • Reel size401
  • Handle typeDouble handle
  • Drag typeStar drag
  • Handle orientationLeft
  • Line capacity monofil0.30mm-325m / 0.35mm-270m / 0.40mm-215m 12lb-330yds / 14lb-250yds / 20lb-165yds

Conclusion

Shimano Stella FK 2500 S HGX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 401A, offering significantly better performance in durability (9.5 out of 10) and total score (9.5 out of 10). While Shimano Cardiff 401A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Stella FK 2500 S HGX is the kind of reel you can trust when performance matters.

What's the difference between Shimano Stella FK and Shimano Cardiff 401A?

Shimano Stella FK 2500 S HGX

  • Designed with a light drag at 5.69 out of 10 (4kg / 8,82lbs), the reel is perfect when you're going after small fish or using ultralight setups
  • 8.1 out of 10 (86 centimeter / 33.86 inch) in line retrieve, means it picks up line fast, very handy when chasing quick fish
  • Saltwater-safe design makes it perfect for spinning conditions.

Shimano Cardiff 401A

  • A 7 out of 10 (4 A-RB + 1 RB) ball bearing gives a smooth performance across most typical fishing situations