Which One: Shimano Ci4+Fa Or Shimano Stradic Fj?

[tcbass]

So, I've narrowed it down to two Shimano's for my two Cabelas Tournament ZX 7' foot, medium rods. This will be for bass fishing and perhaps some walleye fishing. I am looking at the Ci4+FA or Shimano Stradic FJ in 2500 size.  I've heard that they are both just as smooth and that the only difference is the weight of the Ci4. I have played with both of them at the store and the Stradic seemed to have no back-play while the Ci4 seemed to have a little bit, the Stradic seemed to lock-up 100% while the Ci4 didn't. The Ci4 did seem lighter but I'm not sure if that's worth the extra money, especially when the Stradic seems to have better lock up. Am I missing any other differences in the reels? I was also thinking about perhaps getting one of each.
 

 

 

Which reels should I get, a Shimano Ci4+FA or Stradic FJ?

 

 

[Brian Needham]

I have had both..... granted, my current CI4 is the 1000 size.

 

but I vote CI4, something about it I just like more.

[Tywithay]

I much prefer the FJ over the old CI4. It felt smoother and more robust, likely due to xship and the aluminum frame. However, the new CI4+ is just an all around better reel than the FJ. The lighter weight does make a little difference over the day of fishing. The addition of more rigid carbon and xship makes it feel smoother and more solid than the old version, right on par with the FJ. Another improvement is the magnumlite rotor that they brought over from the Sustain. It is a lot lighter than the rotor on the FJ, so it takes much less force to start the handle. The low inertia of the handle helps feel some of those finesse bites, in my experience.

 

If money is an object, I'd get the FJ, because I've seen them as low as $135 (bought mine for around that price). Otherwise, if you want the better reel, get the CI4+. I have both and rarely even pick up the FJ these days.

[IAY]

The real question is, If you buy the FJ would you regret not spending the bit more extra for the CI4+? If you know you won't get the FJ.

[SirSnookalot]

It's your money and your choice, for a small freshwater reel both are ok, neither are what I would say are exceptional.  If I were to stay in the Shimano lineup I'd buy a symetre.  Not the first time I've checked them out but I did again the other day, the symetre felt smoother than both the fj (which is not as smooth as my fi) and the ci4. 

At present I own 2 stradics and 2 spheros, each one has suffered the need of repair quite a few times, not saying they are bad reels, pretty good when working right.  Now a days I look at customer service being a key factor in reel decision.  I've waited weeks upon weeks, some times parts are out of stock and b/ordered for an extended period of time, that is not worth it for me.  I just got one of my fi's back yesterday, pretty fast this only took 3 weeks, I now have send my other fi in.

Take a peek at supreme xt, $112, my Pfluegers have never needed service.

[WdyCrankbait]

Yeah, the Symmetry and Supreme XT are both awesome reels.  I sold my Symmetry to a buddy, regret everytime I see him.  The supreme is a powerhouse of a reel, that carbon washer drag can lock down very well!

 

I would recommend going lighter.  I do have a Sedona 2500, about 8 years old and when I put the Supreme XT on the same rod, replacement reel for the Sedona, I could cast a lot farther!

 

Enjoy the process of buying a reel and doing the research, just dont get too caught up in it.  Enjoy your new reel with all the ones mentioned here, you are not going to go wrong, just understand where the reels are different and determine if you can deal with that.

 

Good luck!!

Wdy

[thehooligan]

Ive owned and used all the shimano spinning reels from the sedona to the stella. My favorites have been the the two you listed. When it comes down to performance in general the FJ is so smooth and strong. I really like the ci4+ for the light weight though. I ended up selling everything and just keeping my 1000 ci4+ for my one finesse setup. Im pretty sure im going to pickup another fj 1000 for a backup reel and also something for a buddy to use...

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The A/R assembly is identical in both Stradics so any difference in feel is unique to that particular reel and not the model as a whole. I have a Ci4 and love it. Some folks don't like the lighter weight saying it "feels cheap". You hear the same about Gen 3 Revos. It's hard to achieve the light weights without the perception of inferior materials. I don't feel that the quality is any less in these examples, the value/price decision is mostly preference.