Shimano Sustain 3000Fg?

[ChicagoEd]

Looking to get my next spinning reel.  Any thoughts on the Shimano Sustain 3000FG vs the Stradic ci4 2500?  Love to hear your thoughts.

[roadwarrior]

Guys who own the CI4+ seem to REALLY like them.

However, if you are not as concerned with weight, you

might want to consider the Stradic FJ. From what I have

heard and read, the FJ may be technically superior.

[Tywithay]

The Sustain is the better reel. However, if you add a couple bearings to the CI4+, it's essentially the same reel with a carbon frame. I still prefer the Sustain, but I'd buy another CI4+ before I bought another Sustain. The FJ is a great reel, but I prefer the CI4+ over it as well. The CI4+ is quite a bit lighter and has a much lighter rotor, making the handle rotation very light and free. Helps when you're finesse fishing and trying to pick up those very subtle strikes.

[ChicagoEd]

The Sustain is the better reel. However, if you add a couple bearings to the CI4+, it's essentially the same reel with a carbon frame. I still prefer the Sustain, but I'd buy another CI4+ before I bought another Sustain. The FJ is a great reel, but I prefer the CI4+ over it as well. The CI4+ is quite a bit lighter and has a much lighter rotor, making the handle rotation very light and free. Helps when you're finesse fishing and trying to pick up those very subtle strikes.

 

Hmmm, tough decision.  I have the stradic 1000 ci4+ that i use for panfish and perch fishng.  I really enjoy it, very light and smooth.  I picked up a NRX 822S DSR for dropshotting that I wanted to pair with the new reel.  Sounds like the 2500 ci4+ would balance better with the lightness of the NRX.  But the sustain is a better overall reel.  I am planning to throw 1/4oz - 1/2oz dropshots on this setup if that makes a difference.  And feeling the tick is really important for me so I wonder if the ci4+ might be the best route for me.  I sure do like the look of the sustain tho.  Tough decisions.  

[fisherrw]

i have not had experience with those reel but i love my saros and sahara so smooth and nice!

[AndyTN]

I was faced with the exact same decision and this morning pulled the trigger on a Ci4 2500. I've been fishing a 3000 for a year, and for the money it's hard to beat. Everyone that picks up the rod comments on how light it feels, and it's just a pleasure to cast all day. 

[Tywithay]

Hmmm, tough decision.  I have the stradic 1000 ci4+ that i use for panfish and perch fishng.  I really enjoy it, very light and smooth.  I picked up a NRX 822S DSR for dropshotting that I wanted to pair with the new reel.  Sounds like the 2500 ci4+ would balance better with the lightness of the NRX.  But the sustain is a better overall reel.  I am planning to throw 1/4oz - 1/2oz dropshots on this setup if that makes a difference.  And feeling the tick is really important for me so I wonder if the ci4+ might be the best route for me.  I sure do like the look of the sustain tho.  Tough decisions.  

The Sustain only weighs a little over an ounce more, might actually balance better. It also has the magnumlite rotor and an even smoother retrieve. I actually liked the Sustain enough that I sold me Stella FE, because I couldn't justify spending double when the Sustain was so good. The key to the decision is figuring out whether the difference in price is worth it for a minimal set of features and slightly better build quality. The CI4+ has 99% of the same features from the Sustain. About the only difference performance-wise is an extra bearing in the knob and a bearing under the spool, then the aluminum body. The other neat thing with the Sustain is the little kickstand. Doesn't seem like it would be that great, until you use it. I like to keep my reels looking nice and it does a good job of keeping it protected from boat rash, rocks, and whatever else you may set your reel down on.

[ChicagoEd]

The Sustain only weighs a little over an ounce more, might actually balance better. It also has the magnumlite rotor and an even smoother retrieve. I actually liked the Sustain enough that I sold me Stella FE, because I couldn't justify spending double when the Sustain was so good. The key to the decision is figuring out whether the difference in price is worth it for a minimal set of features and slightly better build quality. The CI4+ has 99% of the same features from the Sustain. About the only difference performance-wise is an extra bearing in the knob and a bearing under the spool, then the aluminum body. The other neat thing with the Sustain is the little kickstand. Doesn't seem like it would be that great, until you use it. I like to keep my reels looking nice and it does a good job of keeping it protected from boat rash, rocks, and whatever else you may set your reel down on.

Thanks that helps a lot. It sounds like I can't go wrong with either reel. I think your advice definately pushed me towards the Sustain. Can't wait to try it. I'm going to order it today. I'll throw either some 10 lb powerpro or 8lb invisex and hopefully hit the water this weekend. Thanks everyone for the advice!