Shimano Stradic

[Revival]

I have always been a Shimano guy and liked the quick trigger but I cant stand my Spirex that i bought about a month ago.  I have been thinking about getting the newer Stradic C14 (black and red version) but wondering if it is worth the $200???  I havent fished in 10 years but have been getting back in to it and have a lot of catching up to do.

 

I have been fishing ponds and only fish from shore.  Is there any advantages to a baitcaster or am i better off with a spinning reel?

 

I want to upgrade to a better rod/reel but just trying to figure out what direction to go.

 

Any other recommendations?

 

Thank you in advance.

[SirSnookalot]

I can only comment on spinning gear as that's all I use.  Stradic is a good reel, I do believe a bass sized one can be purchased much less than $200.

[Revival]

I can only comment on spinning gear as that's all I use.  Stradic is a good reel, I do believe a bass sized one can be purchased much less than $200.

 

Which one?  I thought they were $200 minimum?

 

EDIT: I guess I was looking at the CI4 versions.  Would those be overdoing then?

[SirSnookalot]

Which one?  I thought there were $200 minimum?

 

EDIT: I guess I was looking at the CI4 versions.  Would those be overdoing then?

You'll probably get no less than 25 recommendations, but I don't give them.  Regardless of brand I have not been disappointed in any bass sized spinning reel form $40- $140, you're choice as what to spend.

[The Commodore]

Stradics are solid.  Have used them in saltwater for a while.  You do not need the Ci4 but it is nice.  The regular FJs will be good as well.  I think they are on FJ.  I have 2 FHs.

[Revival]

Stradics are solid.  Have used them in saltwater for a while.  You do not need the Ci4 but it is nice.  The regular FJs will be good as well.  I think they are on FJ.  I have 2 FHs.

What does FJ and FH stand for?

[Will Wetline]

I've been fishing nothing but Stradics for the past 15 years or so and couldn't be more pleased.

 

The H & Js are series; new models get new letters.

 

Going price is about $180.00 for the 2500 size and $200.00 for the 4000 size.

[The Commodore]

Different generation of a model.  They do it with most of their spinning models I believe.  They do not make FH anymore.  

[dodgeguy]

i suggest a pflueger patriarch.better reel and lighter for the same money.

[thehooligan]

You can get ci4's on ebay for about $170, and stradic fj's for about $135-140. Cant go wrong with either one.

[Chris at Tech]

Symetre and Saros would also be good options from Shimano at a lower price point than the Stradic

[Darren.]

Revival, on 23 May 2013 - 01:35, said:

I have always been a Shimano guy and liked the quick trigger but I cant stand my Spirex that i bought about a month ago. I have been thinking about getting the newer Stradic but wondering if it is worth the $200??? I havent fished in 10 years but have been getting back in to it and have a lot of catching up to do.

I have been fishing ponds and only fish from shore. Is there any advantages to a baitcaster or am i better off with a spinning reel?

I want to upgrade to a better rod/reel but just trying to figure out what direction to go.

Any other recommendations?

Thank you in advance.

I own two Stradic 1000 FI models I use for bass fishing. They are excellent reels, but honestly, if I were to buy another spinning reel today, it would be a Daiwa Lexa 2000. I picked one up via eBay several months ago and I have been extremely impressed with the smoothness, the bail quality and positive movement of the bail, among many other things.

The Lexa is a VERY solid reel for the money. I also like the line management a bit better than the Stradics. Cannot compare to the new Stradic FJ models, but I see no reason to at this point. Still a Shimano fan, but have become a big Daiwa fan since the Lexa series (also have a Lexa baitcaster).

You can score a Lexa spinning reel for around $100-120 on eBay (from a good, reputable seller).

[TNBassin']

You'll probably get no less than 25 recommendations, but I don't give them.  Regardless of brand I have not been disappointed in any bass sized spinning reel form $40- $140, you're choice as what to spend.

This. I spent $50 on an Okuma Trio spinning reel, and that sucker is awesome and has been problem free. I'll go expensive on my BCs, but I've found that for spinning reels you really don't have to as there are some quality reels that won't break the bank.

[dam0007]

I own the Stradic CI4 in 2500 size. I love it!

[MarkH024]

I have a Stradic FJ 2500, Ci4 2500, and a Symetre FJ 2500. They are all awesome reels and perform flawlessly. You can't go wrong with any of the 3.

[kickerfish1]

I would stick to shimano for a qulaity spinning reel. The 2500 series is a great choice for most bass applications. Daiwa would be my second choice. Any of the shimano or Daiwa reels mentioned above will serve you well. A stradic or Lexa would be my choices under $150 (considering auction site prices and online sales)

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Stradic is a very good spinning reel. It and the Saros both use worm gears for oscilation which I like. Whetehr or not anything is worth the price is an individual decision. I have to agree with Dodge Guy that the Pflueger spinning reels are hard to beat on a bang for your buck basis.

[albassslayer]

If you are talking about the Stradic Fj (The white Stradic), here is your answer. YES it is completely worth the money! I got mine a month after they put them on market and have had no problems with since. Ive caught probably over hundred fish on this reel including an 8, two 6, and several 1-4 lb bass. The drag is quite simply one of the smoothest drags I have ever felt on a spinning reel, not to mention how smooth the thing is just reeling it. I have the 2500 FJ and its paired with 7' Medium St. Croix Mojo Bass (I believe its tube and grub rod), which I just recently paired it to. Ever since I have put it on that rod is by far my favorite spinning reel set up. You can through anything a mile and the rod and reel have enough backbone in it for any size fish. I usually keep either 8 lb flouro on it (Seaguar prefer.) or 8 to 12lb nanofil depending on what kind of situation I am in with grass. I have never fished any other fluoro or braid on there because those are the two I like and that work for me. Mainly use it for texas rig or flipping craws in heavy cover. This thing is even easy to clean (if you ever feel like it needs it). There is a screw on the reel and all you have to do is drop some lube in there, you dont even have to take it apart. Im sure there are other spinning reels out there that compete, but I tried this one and liked it, but if any of y'all prefer me a better one im all ears. BTW you said they are $200 right now on *** they 179-199,but you get 15% if your on the mailing list. I would recommend ebay though, last time I looked I'm pretty sure they were at about 150 which is what I paid for mine. Just looking forward for you, if you want a good less expensive rod, go to dicks and get the blue field and stream rod (I think it is tech spek elite or something like that), they are about $80 and man are they good rods for the price. I think they beat a lot of the big name rods in that price range, but just a suggestion for if you dont want to pay more than 100 for a rod! Hope I helped.

[MarkH024]

If you are talking about the Stradic Fj (The white Stradic), here is your answer. YES it is completely worth the money! I got mine a month after they put them on market and have had no problems with since. Ive caught probably over hundred fish on this reel including an 8, two 6, and several 1-4 lb bass. The drag is quite simply one of the smoothest drags I have ever felt on a spinning reel, not to mention how smooth the thing is just reeling it. I have the 2500 FJ and its paired with 7' Medium St. Croix Mojo Bass (I believe its tube and grub rod), which I just recently paired it to. Ever since I have put it on that rod is by far my favorite spinning reel set up. You can through anything a mile and the rod and reel have enough backbone in it for any size fish. 

I have mine on the same rod, except with 20# PP. I can launch a caffeine shad into outer space.  The drag is incredibly smooth as you stated. I got mine on ebay (used lightly) for $135. 

[Revival]

Sorry for the confusion guys but i was talking about the red and black stradic C14.  But to get this much feedback along with other options is awesome.

 

Also i am looking to pair whatever reel i decide on getting with a 6' St Croix Premier rod.

[BassinLou]

I really enjoy my red and black stradic. I have had for over 3 yrs and it has not disappointed me yet. It's caught plenty of fish and everything is smooth about it. The only thing I am not to thrilled about til this day is the knob on the handle. If I could switch the knobs from this red black stradic and replace it with knob from the older white and gold stradics then it would be simply perfect for me.  

[albassslayer]

Sorry for the confusion guys but i was talking about the red and black stradic C14.  But to get this much feedback along with other options is awesome.

 

Also i am looking to pair whatever reel i decide on getting with a 6' St Croix Premier rod.

Unless you already got your rod go with a 7' or atleast 6'6". I used to think 7' was way to long, but I am glad I put mine on a 7 it makes a huge difference, not just casting, but also sensitivity. I havent heard anything about the black stradic, but I can find out. I can also promise you that you will not be disappointed with the FJ though which is cheaper. The guy under me said he got his used for 135 and now that I am thinking about it, Im pretty sure I got mine for the same price. ***This reel is not going that cheap on ebay because people dont like it or because its not that well made I assure you it worth the full $200 retail price. Last thing, suggestion, I do not know what kind of fishing you are doing or how often you fish and what not, but the Sedona ($50) is a very good reel for the price I still have one to this day that is about 3 years old and still works perfectly even though about to upgrade it. 

[albassslayer]

According to the review for the c14 it sounds like a pretty good reel. Either one you go with will be a great reel!

 

Rip N' Lips

[Revival]

Unless you already got your rod go with a 7' or atleast 6'6". I used to think 7' was way to long, but I am glad I put mine on a 7 it makes a huge difference, not just casting, but also sensitivity. I havent heard anything about the black stradic, but I can find out. I can also promise you that you will not be disappointed with the FJ though which is cheaper. The guy under me said he got his used for 135 and now that I am thinking about it, Im pretty sure I got mine for the same price. ***This reel is not going that cheap on ebay because people dont like it or because its not that well made I assure you it worth the full $200 retail price. Last thing, suggestion, I do not know what kind of fishing you are doing or how often you fish and what not, but the Sedona ($50) is a very good reel for the price I still have one to this day that is about 3 years old and still works perfectly even though about to upgrade it. 

 

Yeah i already went with the 6'.  I know a lot of people prefer a 6'6" or 7' but i am just used to my 6'.  I actually tried a 6'6" the other day and didnt care of it.  I fish mainly ponds 2-3 times a week and like to be mobile.    I know a longer rod has its advantages but I guess I feel comfortable with my 6 footer.

 

I am definitely considering the stradics both the FJ and the Ci4.  I am also considering the sedona/sahara/symetre.  The stradics are more than what i would like to spend but i see it as an investment.  My cheaper shimanos have lasted 10 years and I have been more than happy with them.  I dont know what is up with the newer spirex though.

[ColdSVT]

I have an stradic fj that did a lot of time battling snook snd reds in the salt, it is now on bass duty with a croix premier since I moved back to PA

super smooth and ultra tough!. you cant go wrong with a stradic. that being said a symetre will serve you well also. I have three and they are all over ten years old and still work great!