Spinning Reels Vs. Shimano Stradic Fj 2500

[Huntsman]

Came into a little extra money, so decided to get a reel that will last. I'm not out on the lake often, and I realize that I don't need the best of the best. However, I figure I'll get my money's worth out of the stradic. Can buy one new for around 130, is there anything comparable in this price range that I should consider in terms of performance, weight, and durability? I'd prefer something with a similar ratio, around 6:1. If anyone has any other suggestions I'd be happy for the input. Thanks. (:

[Tywithay]

Honestly, I don't feel anything else is even close. I've used the Pflueger Patriarch and Supreme XT, Daiwa Ballistic and Procyon; the Stradic just feels smoother, more solid, and more refined. I ended up selling all the others and keeping all Stradics, except for one lone Daiwa Fuego.

[Aluma-Bass]

Love my fj! Smooth!

[Rangerphil]

I think that the stradic may be the best spinning reel under 300-400 dollars. Under 200 it is not even close. A new one for 130.00 is not even fair! I own one and plan on buying another! No need to look any further than the stradic fj!

[flyfisher]

I will agree that hte best bang for the buck is a stradic and for 130 it is definitely a steal.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

 At full retail it's a closer call, but $130 is a great deal on a Stradic.

[lmbfisherman]

130 is an awesome deal, it's a buy NOW!

[0119]

130 because its being discontinued for the next version. In shimano tradition that means within a year you will find spare parts impossible to get from shimano as they sell off the inventory to places like their line of factory authorized repair houses.  Of course you can find parts there at their profit price until the limited supply dries up.  I learned with the Curado D to never buy shimano's cheaper soon to be replaced models.  I have a Stradic FJ 3000 and find the Daiwa Lexa to be just as smooth, cast farther, have a more durable finish and Daiwa tends to keep a supply of parts for quite a few more years than shimano. 

[Huntsman]

Are there any problems with the longevity of this model?

I know it only came out a couple of years ago, but should I expect problems?

I'm hoping to get at least a few years of peak performance.

[Darren.]

I can't speak for the FJ, but I can for the FI. I have 2 of them, the 1000 models.

I love these reels; however, I'm not as big a fan of Shimanos bail. Now that I've tried the Daiwa Lexa 2000, I much prefer its bail as opposed to Shimanos.

Not that Shimano's is bad. I just have one of the two Stradics with problems that I hope a reel repair shop can fix.

Take it for what it's worth. Not much when comparing the FI to the FJ. I don't know that they use the same bail mechanism.

You'll love the reel either way, and at the price you're looking at, I'd jump on it in a New York Minute.

[kschultz76]

Stradic FJ is a great reel and I'd jump on it at that price. I've had mine for 1.5 seasons and love em. Can't speak to longevity yet. No evidence out there of them being discontinued so I wouldn't worry about that.

[curtis9]

130 because its being discontinued for the next version. In shimano tradition that means within a year you will find spare parts impossible to get from shimano as they sell off the inventory to places like their line of factory authorized repair houses. Of course you can find parts there at their profit price until the limited supply dries up. I learned with the Curado D to never buy shimano's cheaper soon to be replaced models. I have a Stradic FJ 3000 and find the Daiwa Lexa to be just as smooth, cast farther, have a more durable finish and Daiwa tends to keep a supply of parts for quite a few more years than shimano.

I've never had issues getting parts from shimano. They have a great website and keep parts in stock for a ton of reels.

[SirSnookalot]

130 because its being discontinued for the next version. In shimano tradition that means within a year you will find spare parts impossible to get from shimano as they sell off the inventory to places like their line of factory authorized repair houses.  Of course you can find parts there at their profit price until the limited supply dries up.  I learned with the Curado D to never buy shimano's cheaper soon to be replaced models.  I have a Stradic FJ 3000 and find the Daiwa Lexa to be just as smooth, cast farther, have a more durable finish and Daiwa tends to keep a supply of parts for quite a few more years than shimano. 

I'm no Shimano fan, not because it's a bad reel out of the box, I think they are quite good brand new.  Something always seems to need attention with my 2 spheros and 2 stradics, especially the line roller bearing which they never seem to have in stock.  For $130 it's a nice buy, personally I use reels that are a bit less and perform as well or better with no problems.  My stradics seem to spool heavy on the top, always adding a shim, my Daiwa does that too, none of my other spinning reels have encountered that problem.  To both the merit of Shimano and Daiwa wind knots don't happen.  For a freshwater reel, that's what most here are interested in the stradic is ok, for saltwater I'd have to get a super deal to buy one, Lexa may be my next.

[Huntsman]

Yeah, I'll never actually use them for saltwater. I've heard some decent things about the lexa as well, but some said that they were uncomfortable. Like I said I don't really need the best, and if I can save money I will. It seems that the lexa has considerably less drag though, would that be an issue?

[SirSnookalot]

Yeah, I'll never actually use them for saltwater. I've heard some decent things about the lexa as well, but some said that they were uncomfortable. Like I said I don't really need the best, and if I can save money I will. It seems that the lexa has considerably less drag though, would that be an issue?

How much drag you need?  Setting your drag to the mono equivlent, even if you used 40# braid the drag is not set more than 3 or 4#.  Have I ever cranked my drag full throttle and still had line pulled out, sure, but not bass fishing.

[tomustang]

For 130 new you won't find anything that can touch the stradic fj

[0119]

Are there any problems with the longevity of this model?

I know it only came out a couple of years ago, but should I expect problems?

I'm hoping to get at least a few years of peak performance.

I find longevity problems in most shimano's.  Yes they are quality built but often replaced.  They purposely relieve themselves of spareparts.  By the time you need a part, admittedly a few years down the pike, they are hard to find.  I couldnt get a new bail arm for a CI4 for over 2 years and thats while it was still in production.   According to their wholesalers, they could get it but shimano refused to sell it to me.  I wont touch a shimano again.

[mod479]

I've got one with 2 seasons on it, no problems yet. Nice reel for that kind of $$ 

[aavery2]

The Pflueger Supreme MGX is a very smooth reel, IMO much smoother that either the FJ or C14 Stradic, cost 100 less retail, weights about 2 oz less than the comparable model Shimano, has amagnesium frame, ported spool and just overall looks much better than the Stradic. If you want to pay way to much because it says Shimano on it then get the Stradic, if you want a quality reel that you will enjoy fishing get the Pflueger.

[Wbeadlescomb]

I've never seen the need to spend much money on a spinning reel. Maybe 40-50 bucks at the absolute most for the reel but I'll put it on a very nice rod

[fishonsc]

I would hold it first. I had the ci4+ 2500. The neck is short. When I would cast it would rub and whack my finger. By the end of the day I had a blister. It was smooth but can not put up with it rubbing my finger raw.

[roadwarrior]

I find longevity problems in most shimano's.  Yes they are quality built but often replaced.  They purposely relieve themselves of spareparts.  By the time you need a part, admittedly a few years down the pike, they are hard to find.  I couldnt get a new bail arm for a CI4 for over 2 years and thats while it was still in production.   According to their wholesalers, they could get it but shimano refused to sell it to me.  I wont touch a shimano again.

 

I have been fishing Shimano reels since 1997. I had a retainer ring break on a Calais a few years ago which

was an easy and inexpensive fix. Other than cleaning and lubrication, that is the only issue I have had with 25

or so reels in over 16 years of ownership. I like collecting new stuff, but  I expect the Shimanos I have to last

a lifetime and continue to improve with age.

 

Regarding the $40-$50 comparison...I think you might notice a difference. The Shimano Symetre is REALLY

a nice reel for around $100, but the Stradic is a step up fore sure.

[Wbeadlescomb]

I have been fishing Shimano reels since 1997. I had a retainer ring break on a Calais a few years ago which

was an easy and inexpensive fix. Other than cleaning and lubrication, that is the only issue I have had with 25

or so reels in over 16 years of ownership. I like collecting new stuff, but I expect the Shimanos I have to last

a lifetime and continue to improve with age.

Regarding the $40-$50 comparison...I think you might notice a difference. The Shimano Symetre is REALLY

a nice reel for around $100, but the Stradic is a step up fore sure.

I worked In a tackle store for a few years and I've gotten to play with some really nice reels and I know that buying a high end spinning reel is an investment that will normally pay off in the longevity of the reel. my spinning reels see extremly limited use mostly when it gets really tough and I need to throw something really finesse usually a 1/16 shakey head or small weightless soft plastic for small spotted bass so I don't get the benefit of a high quality drag. Now if I fished in gin clear water for big smallmouth or for redfish on the coast I'd definetly spend more on a good reel

[Huntsman]

I was at Sportsman's Warehouse the other day and they were having a sale on the saros FA for 108, but they only had the floor model. Offered to take another 10 off it, but the reel wasn't smooth at all. The floor model for the symetre FL worked much nicer. Too bad those weren't on sale! I'm considering the symetres now, but should I be concerned about a  graphite frame spinning reel twisting if I hook a cat/carp? Also, the 2500/3000 sizes are the same weight but the 3000 has 4 lbs more drag. (11 vs. 15) Which size would you suggest?

[iabass8]

Unless you're fishing for sturgeon or big flatheads and bluecats, a 2500 size reel will be more than adequate for any freshwater fish. I'd recommend the stradic. I've never had an issue with them. I don't like graphite frame reels. they have a tendency to flex under a load which will cause gearing to pull out of sync. the saros is a good reel as well. if you can get a stradic for 130, buy it. don't over think a spinning reel too much. The stradic FJ has Xship will which essentially just makes it easier to reel while under load. The stradic spinning reels that I've owned all needed a "break in" period which was maybe 2-3 outings until they really felt very smooth. All of the stradics I owned/own have only got better with time. I didn't like the pflueger patriach which is in the same retail price range. As for the drag, it will pretty much be a non issue going from 2500 to 3000. the stradics drag is very smooth. I use 1000 size reels with 7# fluoro and another /w 6# braid and have hauled in 30# carp walleye fishing in 20+ feet of water and it never failed. you'll be fine.