Shimano Ci4+Fa, Stradic Fj, Or Other Spinning Reel?

[tcbass]

I'm looking for a high quality spinning reel for walleye and bass fishing. I was looking at either the Shimano Stradic CI4+FA and Stradic FJ because I heard these were two of the best. I heard the CI4+FA wasn't worth the extra money over the Stradic FJ too. I was looking at the 2500 size, but I'm not sure if that's the optimal size though.

So what's the best spinning reel for under $300, CI4+FA, Stradic FJ, or another? And what's the right size?

Also, where is the cheapest place to get one?

[Tywithay]

Have both and both are fine reels. I prefer the CI4+. The lighter rotor makes handle rotation much lighter. Best under $300 is the Shimano Sustain. It retails a little higher, but they can be found under $300 very easily.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

I have a Ci4 Stradic and like it a lot. Due to the low weight it has a different feel that some don't care. I've got one mounted on a 6'8" ML/XF finesse/drop shot rod and the whole setup feels weightless. 

[SirSnookalot]

Just about every small $50 spinning reel today are smooth and perform well.  The more you spend will buy refinements and weight loss, which does not relate to performance but ease of handling and balance.  Too light a reel may yield a set up that is tip heavy.  As far as a lighter rotor, I have 6000 and 8000 reels with traditional rotors that crank every bit as easy as my smaller reels do.  Shimano make a good product.

[kschultz76]

I have both and like both, smoothness of retrieve and cast ability are pretty similar for both. I prefer the lighter weight of the CI4+ as long as it won't make for a tip heavy rod. So if you swing the CI4+ and it will feel balanced on your rod I say go for it.

[tcbass]

Have both and both are fine reels. I prefer the CI4+. The lighter rotor makes handle rotation much lighter. Best under $300 is the Shimano Sustain. It retails a little higher, but they can be found under $300 very easily.

 

 

Where can you find them so cheap?

[thehooligan]

Where can you find them so cheap?

Ebay

[tcbass]

Ebay

Do you have to worry about knock-offs?

[John G]

Do you have to worry about knock-offs?

If I was in the market for a Sustain 2500, I would not hesitate to buy this. The seller has a great rating and I only use PayPal. I would avoid buying from Vietnam etc. 

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Model-Shimano-Sustain-2500FG-Spinning-Reel-SA-2500FG-SA-2500-FG-/331169840117?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d1b42bbf5

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Sustain-2500FG-Spinning-Reel-6-0-1-SA-2500FG-/360766875404?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item53ff61a70c

[Tywithay]

Do you have to worry about knock-offs?

Not if you buy from a reputable seller.

[tomustang]

I'm looking for a high quality spinning reel for walleye and bass fishing. I was looking at either the Shimano Stradic CI4+FA and Stradic FJ because I heard these were two of the best. I heard the CI4+FA wasn't worth the extra money over the Stradic FJ too. I was looking at the 2500 size, but I'm not sure if that's the optimal size though.

So what's the best spinning reel for under $300, CI4+FA, Stradic FJ, or another? And what's the right size?

Also, where is the cheapest place to get one?

 

I like my CI4 models more than my FJ's, only because they are lighter.

 

Size will determine what size line you'll use, I stick with the 6-10lb lines and stay in the 1000-3000 reel models.

 

IMO, you don't really need to go past the stradic line since it performs great, I never felt the price jump for a sustain was worth it.

[jonnyblazex]

  I have the Ci4+  2500 FA, just tried it out a couple days ago for the first time.  I paid retail for it at a scheels, ended up being around $230.  I have only done maybe 20 casts total, it is a very nice reel, and I really like the updated handle/knob, it is very comfortable and balanced. The rotor is also light as a feather as mentiond before.  Right out of the box it wasn't as smooth as I expected, but on the water you wont notice, it seems to get a little smoother after even a little use in my case.  Sir snookalot is 100 percent correct, its all about small details and especially weight in this case, that makes he price.  The reel is LIGHT in a 2500 size, lighter than the spendy stella and sustain, and all the older stradics, that's what this reel has going for it, the Ci4 material.  Its 6.8oz, there are not many reels in this size that are that light and have a 6:1 gear ratio.  My initial thoughts upon casting were that it casted no further than my $50 Shimano Sonora FB 2500, and the Sonora is jus as smooth.  I like the handle a little better on this reel that cost over 4x as much, and it feels a little lighter mounted on the rod than the other, but a little over 2 ounces is really not that noticeable.  I have had the Sonora for 3 or 4 years now, and it has held up great and never a problem.  I have caught a lot of fish with it, including Walleye, Northren Pike, and Bass, and even got the line caught in a boat prop going wide open one time, held onto the rod tight, and all the line peeled off.  I thought the drag was going to start on fire, for sure the reel was shot, right?  But you know what, the reel still performs flawlessly afterward. Im not sold on this Ci4+ reel yet, even when put against my 50 dollar reel.  Only time will tell, but I cant really justify it for you as of now, because of my limited use, and I have not even caught a fish on it yet, ice just got off in a handful of places 2 days ago. 

[SirSnookalot]

I'd sooner commit suicide before I'd spend $250 on a freshwater spinning reel, but your money do as you wish.  I mainly use 2 reels for bass fishing one is 7.4 oz and the other is 8.8 oz., both reels are buttery smooth and cost less than $100.  The larger of the 2 reels, about the same as 2000 or 2500, was a salt water reel for about 2 years, catching 10-20# snook and jack crevalles.  No 10# bass is ever going to put the demands on a reel like these fish do. I couldn't count the number of 10+ pounders I've caught with this reel, with no more service than a drop of oil in the handle bearings.  

[Sherlock 60]

I have two Stradic FJ's, the 2500 and the 3000 (same body, 300 has bigger spool and handle). They are wonderful reels!

I considered the Ci4 both times I made my purchase decision. I simply preferred the more solid feel of a metal body and don't mind the additional weight. They are both "buttery smooth" and outstanding reels.

[Sherlock 60]

And I always wait till the local wintertime sport show at the state fairgrounds to buy the good stuff. Discounts range from 25% to 50% and it is always a hands on product comparison. PLUS, I'm supporting mom 'n pop tackle shops instead of the big boxes.

[Sherlock 60]

And I always wait till the local wintertime sport show at the state fairgrounds to buy the good stuff. Discounts range from 25% to 50% and it is always a hands on product comparison. PLUS, I'm supporting mom 'n pop tackle shops instead of the big boxes.