Shimano Stella FK 2500 SX vs Shimano Cardiff 401A
The selected categories are different, score metrics vary from category to another.

Shimano Stella FK
Spinning
87.30 out of 100
Value for money3.5 out of 5
Quality classExcellent
Durability9.5 out of 10
Ergonomics6.32 out of 10
Gear ratio5.1:1
Maximum drag4kg / 8.82lbs
Weight205g / 7.23oz
Line retireve per crank70 centimeter / 27.56 inch
Ball bearings12+1
Technical Specifications
- BrandSHIMANO
- The main category of the reelSpinning
- Price range~ €593.33
- Is saltwater resistantYes
- Spare spoolNo
- Reel size2500 S
- Handle typeSingle handle
- Drag typeFront drag
- Handle orientationLeft, Right
- Line capacity monofilmm/meter: 120/0.12

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 SX clearly outshines Shimano Cardiff 401A, offering significantly better performance in durability (9.5 out of 10) and total score (8.73 out of 10). While Shimano Cardiff 401A may be a budget-friendly option. For most anglers, Shimano Stella FK 2500 SX 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 SX
- 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
- When it comes to retrieve speed, a score of 5 out of 10 (70 centimeter / 27.56 inch) means slower line pickup, great when you need more control for slower fishing styles
- 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
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