Shimano Reels Personal Reviews

[bass1980]

Great choice! If you ever want a lighter reel for your next reel then try the Stradic Ci4. The 2500 one is 7.0 oz and the newer Ci4+ is only at 6.8oz. I could really feel the difference. The Stradic FJ is known to be a bit more refine in the retrieve though. Might have to do with the material on the body for the feel. Either one is a good choice.

[RandySBreth]

Shimano spinning reels are nice... until you get them wet:https://www.google.com/search?q=shimano%20binding%20up&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=np&source=hp

I'll use them on the big boat but not in the canoe or wading where I'll probably get them wet. Nothing like wading across a deep pool and your only reel (because you're hiking a long distance upstream) stops working.

[thehooligan]

Shimano spinning reels are nice... until you get them wet:https://www.google.com/search?q=shimano%20binding%20up&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=np&source=hp

I'll use them on the big boat but not in the canoe or wading where I'll probably get them wet. Nothing like wading across a deep pool and your only reel (because you're hiking a long distance upstream) stops working.

 

Get a ci4, ive watched my friend dunk his numerous times, reel works great and its smooth as butter....

[dam0007]

I'm prob one of the biggest fan boys of shimano on the site next to lmg who left lol all honesty bro buy a Sonora!!! I had bought one for one of my trout set ups and have only used it for bass. The reel is rock solid for the money. You could get 2 for the price your looking to spend. I had a older symetre, I think new ones have xship, anyhow the Sonora felt and performed the same. The only downfall to the Sonora is its orange...... *edit didn't see you already bought one.

[SirSnookalot]

Shimano spinning reels are nice... until you get them wet:https://www.google.com/search?q=shimano%20binding%20up&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=np&source=hp

I'll use them on the big boat but not in the canoe or wading where I'll probably get them wet. Nothing like wading across a deep pool and your only reel (because you're hiking a long distance upstream) stops working.

Don't disagree as I've read many of those posts before.  Other Shimano problems are well documented in on line forums as well, some of which I have experienced, rusted out line roller bearings, faulty bail springs, handles eroding, but in fairness those problems occur from saltwater use.  My stradic 4000 fi's are nice reels and I like them (not that I don't like other reels I own just as much), but they do go down from time to time, not the most durable IMO.  I do NOT think durability is much of an issue in freshwater catching the average bass for any Shimano reel, or any other reel manufacturer.  It is near impossible to convince a die hard Shimano user that there may be something as good or better, no use in even trying.  Part of my reel arsenal are 3 Pflueger supremes used in freshwater and Pfluegers medalist and arbor for saltwater, none ever needing anything but a drop of oil and never any down time.

[roadwarrior]

That's not neccessarily true. I have two Pinnacle Optimus XLT and a new XiHS.

As a HUGE Shimano fan, I may have found a new brand.

 

 

 

 

[Maxximus Redneckus]

That's not neccessarily true. I have two Pinnacle Optimus XLT and a new XiHS. Its gonna snow.I knew u was hardcore about Shimano .seeing this shows me u ain't no slouch when it comes to being. Up front about another reel brand when it impresses you it means something:-)

As a HUGE Shimano fan, I may have found a new brand.