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Ok I’m tired of crap gear and so I’ve decided to spend the money to finally get something decent and dependable. After much research I’ve decided to get the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ 3000 FB and I’m trying to decide on a rod to pair it with. I’m looking at the St. Croix Avid X Spinning Rod (AXS70MF). My only decision is which model of the Avid X to get? Their site lists several, but I’m partial to the 7ft models. They have medium/fast, medium light/fast and medium heavy/fast. I also want a single piece rod. Anyone have any experience with these Avid X rods? Just looking for some advice on which one to pair with the Stradic.

Hello I am a Shimano spinning reel fan. I have a Nasci 1000, two Stradic 1000FK, and one Stradic 2500FK and they all seem to have the same quirk. All are extremely smooth, cast great, don't twist line, and have a super smooth drag. However, the one slight issue I have with these reels happens every 10 or so casts. When opening the bail they feel a little spongy instead of clicking strongly into place into the open position. The bails never slam closed on casts but they don't always have that nice solid "click" when opening them. The issue can happen in any position of the bail. Does anyone else ever have this issue? Thanks

I purchased a CI4+ in the 1000 size recently, and I took it out for the first time today. I had high expectations, as one may for a 240 dollar reel. But a few casts in I noticed that there seemed to be more resistance than I was expecting. I know most people will say its just because it's because its a 1000 size reel, but I've used a 1000 size sedona for probably 5 year with much heavier and more demanding baits with no similar problems, and thats a 70 dollar reel. Do you guys think this is normal, or something I should contact the store about? Do I maybe just need to break it in a bit to smooth it out?I don't want to continue using this if it isn't a normal thing, given that its a tad expensive. If anyone has had similar problems, tell me what you did. Any ideas or advice is welcome. Thanks!

I've had my new Shimano Stradic FK for just a few days, but have had the chance to get some time on the water. Let me say first off that the water here is really high, muddy and still "winter" cold. Not ideal. So the fish have been a tad lacking. So the reel, it's amazing. It feels perfect on my rod (St Croix Legend Tournament Bass Dropshot). It balances perfectly and makes the slight tip heavy rod feel great. The reel design feels perfect in regards to how it sits in the reel seat. The arm shape make it a bit more towards the tip than I'm used to, and closer to the rod itself. It makes it feel strong, solid and compact. The drag is flawless. I'm used to Pfleuger Presidents so the upgrade is out of this world. It never skips, is super adjustable and you can fine tune it by the smallest amount. The castability is flawless so far. I purposely over filled the spool with 15# PP to see how it handled it. I didn't go crazy, but past where I was would normally. I didn't have any issues. No wind knots, uncoiling, springing or anything. Braid over-spooled on a spinning reel has been a BIG pain for me before and so far the spool's advertised castability and line control, have delivered. The biggest knock I've heard about the reel was it's lack of an anti-reverse switch. For me, it isn't that bad. I don't back reel while fighting fish so the benefits far outweigh the loss of it. They say the lack of the switch makes it that much harder for water and dirt to get in, thus increasing durability and life of the reel. For me and my 200$ investment, that's a huge plus. I have been consistently reaching for it while getting my lure set for a cast, but am learning to use the drag to do it. Old habits die hard apparently. Yesterday a friend and I were out in the canoe on the flooded river. I caught 2 Brown Trout (my first) and a 30" pike. The drag and reel handled them awesomely! I never felt over matched even in the fast currents we were casting into. I'm very happy so far and can't WAIT to get some warm weather again to wake up the Smallies asap!

I fish Florida canals at all time with some lakes. I do like spinning rods for most time and can get away with it. I was going to invest in one nice combo with a shimano Stradic ci4+ 3000 size on a number 8 tackle co. *** medium or medium heavy. I mainly fish light Texas rigs because of all the Lilly's and weeds in the water. I do have a baitcaster I use for a lot of heavier things like jigs and spinner baits. I was just wondering if that rod and reel are good together or for some reason the rod or reel are made for only finesse applications only. I am going to throw most every thing but nothing to heavy. Also don't know what rod size to go with. Thank you all.

Hey guys, any advice on rods to pair with a Shimano Stradic 2500FH Spinning Reel? Thanks, Rick

I can get a Shimano stradic 2500 fj for $90, or the 4000 for $100 through a work discount. Should I consider any other spin reels at this price point or a little more? I currently own a 4000, but wouldn't mind changing it up for my other setup. Primarily using it for bass and pickerel in vermont/new england, sometimes pike. Pairing it with a 6'6" st croix MH fast action rod.

I use a St Croix 6' Medium/Fast rod mostly for bass and I'm looking for opinions on reels that cost around $250 and less. So far settle on two: Shimano Stradic CI4 and Quantum EXO Pti If you have another reel for me to consider and it's around $250 or less please suggest. FIRE away with your opinions Many thanks in advance Bob