Switching To Shimano Help?

[Rangerphil]

I have been using quantum reels for about 8-10 years now and I am starting to get disappointed with how the reels are holding up. My spinning reels are not lasting like I thought. I am looking at going to shimano I have used shimanos in the past but in the early and mid 2000's I thought they felt junkie and not well built. Now though they look like they are again on top. I am looking to replace all my reels this winter starting with my spinning reels. I looked at the stradic ci4 and loved it but the symetre also look good and much cheaper. My question is what reels in the shimano lineup should I look at in both spinning and baitcast models? Would like to stay under 200 for both models but would go up a little for quality baitcasters. I will be replacing several reels over the next 6 months. Is everyone happy with their shimanos? The quantums I use is engery pti spinning and energy and tour edition baitcasters. I think I am just ready for a change!

[*Hootie]

Jump in there LMG.

Hootie

[00 mod]

My ci4 is the bomb! I have it in 2500 size paired with a Pinnacle 70 ml/f. It is my favorite combo! My Pinnacle rod is better IMO, than my st croix legend elite!!!!

My other suggestion would be a Chronarch 200e7.

Both reels are spooled with Yo-zuri hybrid (6# and 12#) and always use KVD line and lure.

Jeff

[Capt.Bob]

the Shimano Stradic FJ has much more upgrades than the Ci4, it's smoother, has more cranking power, and is less money, a better reel but if you want a Ci4 fore the carbon frame, I would go with the new Saros, it has the new Xship again more upgrades and you get the carbon frame. I think nyou are looking at 3 year old technoligy in the StradicCi4. The new Stradic FJ is the best Buy out of the top 3 (my opinion) Stella, Sustain, Stradic, in that order the best spinning reels made, My opinion!

I recently sold all my low profile Shimano's, curado's and Castaic's, and went with the new Lew's, but I didn't abandon all my Shimano bait casters, I kept all my Calcutta's, in my opinion the toughest smoothest and best reels ever made, even if you want the smaller low profile reels you owe it to yourself to own one Calcutta, I'm sure that will lead to more!! On a budget the CT200GTB is a nice reel and can be found new around 2 bills, used $150.00 or so in mint cond. if you have a little more to spend get the CTE200GTB, for the money these are great buy's and perform with the best. If you are going to go with Low profiles buy the Chronarch, I was very disappointed in the new Curado G.

[Bluebasser86]

The symetre is a solid reel and well priced. I played with the C14 when I was on the market for a higher end spinning reel but I didn't like the feel of it at all, ended up getting a Pfluegar Supreme XT and loved that reel. As for baitcasters get on Ebay and find some of the old E's or even the B's if you can get a good deal on them. The Citica is also a pretty good reel if you want something a little cheaper.

[Rangerphil]

After fishing lake Erie this year I want the best spinning reels I can afford. Those fish will show you what kind of equipment you have! I have seen a lot of people switching to lews for their baitcaster needs? So the saros is better than the ci4? The stradic fj is the best out of these three? Thanks for all the responses keep them coming I need a lot of info before switching 10 reels out for all new!

[Dave Hull]

Forget the symetre, the jump in quality/smoothness to the Stradic is well worth the extra $. I started with the Symetres and they are a nice reel but I only have the Stradics now. One of my favorite combos is one of the old 4000 size white Stradics paired with a SC Legend tournament rod. Sweeeeet!

Also have both StradicCi4 & the new Stradic FJ and would have to agree with Capt Bob about the new Stradic being the better of the 2.

[00 mod]

I disagree with any of those reels being anywhere close to the ci4. FJ is 2.5 oz heavier and for $20 more you can have the ci4. Same as for the saros. I believe the ci4 to be the best reel for the money. JMO

Jeff

I have both the ci4 and the stradic!

(btw I am comparing the 2500 series as that is the one I have)

[LgMouthGambler]

Jump in there LMG.

Hootie

Haha. I knew this post was going to be in here. Well, I cant say anything for the spinning reels since I dont fish them. As far as the baitcasters, I would try to stick with the E series as much as possible. Im not saying the G series is bad, because they arent, but the E is a very proven line. As a owner of all the E series lineup, I can say that they are some of the best models that Shimano has produced to date. Any one of these models would do great to the fishing enthusiest. The Citica E is an amazing caster for swim/worm/plastics. The Curado 200E is a wonderful reel to spool with tough braid and a hollow frog, since this is a great reel to cast lighter baits smooth and far. The Chronarch 200E, well, you can do just about anything with it, and it found its way as a heavier weighted soft plastic rig with 20# Yozuri. The Curado 50Eand Chronarch 50E are the best things to have for your lighter line and finese fishing, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, etc. The G series line is still a great lineup, but I only have the Citica G, and its found its way as my topwater reel with 17# mono, and it casts my spooks and poppers miles away. If this helps you at all, or if you have any questions I am more than willing to help you out in any way that I can. Just stay away from those Lews guys, they are bad news. Hehe

[Rangerphil]

Thanks I am sure I will have many questions in the near future!

[Capt.Bob]

I disagree with any of those reels being anywhere close to the ci4. FJ is 2.5 oz heavier and for $20 more you can have the ci4. Same as for the saros. I believe the ci4 to be the best reel for the money. JMO

Jeff

I have both the ci4 and the stradic!

(btw I am comparing the 2500 series as that is the one I have)

Hey Jeff, sorry but I have owned every size and model Stradic ever made, I rotate them every 3 or 4 years. This year I have already got rid of 2 2500MgFB's, 1 FI 4000, MgF 2500 and a 2500FH , I have also sold 2 FD Sustains, a 2500 and a 4000, all after buying the 1000FJ, then the 4000FJ, and after the proof I bought a 3000. Now by the end of the year I will get rid of a 3000 Sustain FI and replace it with another 3000 FJ.

There is no doubt the new FJ Stradic is smoother stronger better finished and more fishable than all the ones I have ever used out of every model made. I am sure the Sustain is even better, but I will buy 2 Stradics for the price of one Sustain, and have a better reel than any previous model Sustain made.

As far as weight I understand your love for the Ci4, but I place a lot more value in smooth power than weight, and there is no way to upgrade a Ci4 by tuning to make it smoother and more powerful than the new FJ. I currently have a 1000 stradic on a 6'3MXF SC Legend Elite, the whole outfit weights 10.5 oz, I had a Ci4 on this rod 2 years ago and sold it in favor of the MgFB 1000, in my opinion a better reel. I have serviced reels for 30 years along with running a Lake Erie Charter Service. Twenty years ago I started buying and supplying my customers with Shimano spinning reels, because they all new how to use them, and it was the only reels I could find that would hold up without servicing all season.

I am sorry the Ci4 is old tecnology, the new Saros has the new lightweight carbon body and better mechanics with all the new features Shimano offers over the old Ci4, for less money! It is and has always been this way with Shimano, if you jump up to a Sustain in a couple models the Stradic will offer everything the older Sustain had with upgraded technology. I have an old Saros, and it is as smooth as the current Ci4. I would imagine since the new reels came out at I cast there will be a phase out of the Ci4 or it will become an upgraded Saros next year with a few features the Saros didn't have?? Either way, its old technology that is being surpassed with many of the new model Shimanos, and right now, unless you want to spend the money for a Stella or a Sustain THE STRADIC FJ IS KING OF THE HILL!

By the way street price of the new FJ is under $135.00 for any model made up to the 4000 size. I paid more for the 3000 than the rest by giving $135.00 delivered. Very affordable!

[Darren.]

I've got 5 Shimano spinning reels, two are Stradics (FI), two Spirex, and one Sahara.

Love 'em. Stradics by far the best, smoothest. I really like the new 2012 Saros, but as of now I'm on new gear hiatus.

So yeah, no regrets going all Shimano. And since I'm on hiatus, I won't be replacing my Quantum BCs with new Citicas...but I want to.

[elkriverangler]

I will jump on the Stradic FJ Bandwagon. i have had a 1000 Size that I use for RIver Smallmouth for a couple of Months and it is an outstanding Reel.

I also have a couple of Stradic 1000 FI's that are fine Reels but the new FJ is a notch above with a few more features than the FI.

The new Saros with the X ship and the new material does sound interesting but at about the same price point as the Stradic FJ I would have to go with the Stradic.

[Hooligan]

TH FJ is "blow your skirt up good" in comparison to the CI4. I fish my FJs over my one year old Sustain FE, no questions asked. Spinning reel comparison comes down to a lot more than just weight. I have two Stella FE, which are more comparable to the FJ than the CI4. The FJ is THAT good. IMO, there's no reason to bump up to the Sustain for 99% of the anglers anymore. You used to gain a tremendous amount, now, though, the felt difference is minimal.

[roadwarrior]

Wow! I'm surprised and impressed. I thought the CI4 was the ticket, so I have learned something new this morning.

Regarding baitcasters...I prefer the Curado 50 frame, but since you are buying several, compare this to the 200 and

see which one you prefer. The CTE200GT is more than you want to spend but there is a DC offered in the Flea Market

right now for $240. If you like round wheels, grab it before it's gone!

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/105249-shimano-calcutta-200te-dc-reel/

[00 mod]

Well maybe I will have to give an FJ a shot, but compared to my FI, the ci4 blows it away! I can admit when I am wrong, looks like a 2500 fj paired with a Pinnacle 70ml/f is on my short list!

Jeff

[Capt.Bob]

I earlier said it was a new Carbon material used in the Saros, I should have said graphite. Sorry for the confusion but here is a little exert from a new review of the Saros,

"The newly updated Saros FA will debut at ICAST and is designed to offer a lot of what makes Shimano spinning reels so popular at an aggressive $139.99 price point. While the current Saros features an aluminum construction this new reel follows the Stradic CI4 and makes use of a new graphite composite material. This new graphite is called “XGT7” and is designed to be lightweight but also extremely durable. How durable? Shimano says the XGT7 material is 200% stronger than the material used in the CI4."

I agree with others, Id rather have the Stradic FJ, but if someone uses there gear in salt water, the new Saros might appeal to them. Or those wanting to trim a couple tenths of an oz.

[*Hootie]

Just stay away from those Lews guys, they are bad news. Hehe

LMG, you are right. After all, we are a bunch of LEWSERS. That was good, right? I made that up. Let me go write that down. I like it. LOL

Hootie

[Loop_Dad]

I bought Saros 2500 this year. It is so smooth. Even my daughter noticed it and she is using it the most of the time now.

[LgMouthGambler]

LMG, you are right. After all, we are a bunch of LEWSERS. That was good, right? I made that up. Let me go write that down. I like it. LOL

Hootie

That made me laugh pretty hard, Im not gonna lie. Keep it up and I will tell on you for a certain 2 things you purchased.

[SirSnookalot]

I agree with others, Id rather have the Stradic FJ, but if someone uses there gear in salt water, the new Saros might appeal to them. Or those wanting to trim a couple tenths of an oz.

Myself and most inshore fishermen I know are not quite as critical on reel weights and 4000 and 5000 series reels are most often seen. Staying in the spirit of this being a Shimano thread, I have less interest a spinning reel with any graphite in the frame for saltwater, however one of the workhorse conventional offshore reels is a Shimano TLD, which is graphite I believe. I have heard terrible opinions regarding the new thunnus, same material as the stradic, people prefer the heavier baitrunner. For me a stradic fj would be my only inshore sw reel choice in the Shimano line up and that would most likely be a 4000, unless I got a great deal on a 3000.

Only based on fondling if I were to buy a Shimano for freshwater use it would be a saros or stradic fj, anything more is overkill IMO.

[Capt.Bob]

the new Saros is made with a new material supposedly stronger than what was used on the old Stradic and Thunus, the new material is supposedly much stronger and from what I've read stiffer??? make mine aluminum! Here is a little description from a review for the new Saros.

"The newly updated Saros FA will debut at ICAST and is designed to offer a lot of what makes Shimano spinning reels so popular at an aggressive $139.99 price point. While the current Saros features an aluminum construction this new reel follows the Stradic CI4 and makes use of a new graphite composite material. This new graphite is called “XGT7” and is designed to be lightweight but also extremely durable. How durable? Shimano says the XGT7 material is 200% stronger than the material used in the CI4."

I have one Saros I bought when it first came out and have to say, at that time it was every bit as smooth as my Stradics, I would think the new reel would only have to be as smooth as the newer Stradics, I have only seen pictures of the new Saros, but thought the new stamped one piece bail looked a little cheesy??? only judging from a picture.

One thing Shimano did different is dropped that salt water T handle on the 3000 size reel (bravo), and put the same handle knob the 2000 FI used, the 4000 FI shared the saltwater T handle knob with the 3000 FI and it was over kill. I like it on the 4000 but not the 3000, which is the same frame as the 2000, then the new 2000 FJ now has the same handle knob as the 1000???? I don't get it, same size reel as the 3000 and the 2000 FI had a great handle on it, why would you not put the same handle on both reels, the only difference in the 2000 and 3000 is the spool holds more line, and the handle knob, that's it. The reason mine are 1000, 3000, and 4000, I'd rater have the 2000 spool so maybe I will just buy a spare spool in the 2000 size for my 3000 reels, since Shimano has decided to quit furnishing spare spools! I think its just to confuse us!!!!

[Rangerphil]

Well I borrowed a friends stradic fg 1000 to try this weekend. I like how it feels just playing around with it.

[Capt.Bob]

Well I borrowed a friends stradic fg 1000 to try this weekend. I like how it feels just playing around with it.

The FG was agreat reel when it came out, and today can be compared to most other spinning reels and still come out on top. But that reel was made over 10 years ago, and has been improved with 3 other models. FH, then the FI, and now the FJ which as others have said, it just can't be compared to the others. If you want to try and compare an older Shimano, you would have to compare a Sustain, and as others have said and it is true, the new Stradic is smoother and stronger, you simply cant compare an older Sustain or Stradic to the FJ, it is that good. If you like the FH you won't believe the FJ, and as I said the new ones can be had for under $135.00. The difference is even bigger with heavy pressure on it and a drag that compares "ONLY" to the better level winds.