Spinning Reel (Daiwa Ballistic Ex Vs Stradic Ci4+) & Rod For Squarebill Crankbaits & Topwater

[Fishing&Tennis]

I currently have these setups:

 

Shimano Symetre 3000 on a 7'6 1/8-5/8 Fenwick HMG (dropshot & wacky rod)

Lew's Speed Spin SS4000 5:2:1 on a 6'6 1/4-3/4 Fenwick HMG (swimbait & deep cranking rod)

 

So right now I think what I'm looking for is a reel for shallow running crankbaits and maybe topwater, maybe jerkbaits too. I mainly use lures 1/8-3/8 with the occasional 1/2 oz. Also a good rod for this purpose would be super helpful!  I'd really prefer the smoothest reel because for this usage I like to have a steady retrieve. I'm not sure about the gear ratio, I was thinking maybe a high 5:6:1 to 6:2:1. I'm thinking maybe a mid five to high five gear ratio may be better because the spinning reels usually have way more inches per crank than baitcasters and I mainly just fish in ponds so I don't wana be "burning" the baits. I think the fish are slower in ponds or something they only hit when fished slow and steady. I've thought about using a baitcaster but given that I'm a high school student taking all college level AP courses I only get to fish some weekends and I feel like I'd rather just do some relaxing fishing then messing with a bird's nest. Last summer I got really good (at least I think) at surfcasting a Penn Jigmaster COnventional Reel on the beach but I can't seem to do it with the lighter lures for pond fishing. Now I just prefer spinning reels cuz they are just so dang simple no thumbing.

 

P.S. From other forums (i.e. 360tuna.com)  I've heard good things about the Shimano Stradic CI4+ is lighter but I've heard the Daiwa Ballistic EX is better built because it has Magseal and stronger components. A fellow bassresource member suggested the Quantum Smoke Inshore as well. I'm open to suggestions but I'm leaning towards mainly towards the Stradic CI4+ and secondly towards the Daiwa Ballistic EX. I'm going to try 'em out in the store this weekend.

[Fishing&Tennis]

Would rod would suit my purpose the best:

St Croix Avid Spinning AVS70M Lure range : 3/16-5/8 OZ

St. Croix Rage Spinning RS71MF: Lure Range 3/16-5/8 OZ or 1/8 3/8 oz

St. Croix Avid Spinning Lure AVS70MLF Range 1/8-3/8 OZ

Fenwick HMG 7'0 Lure range :1/8-5/8 OZ

[roadwarrior]

The Stradic CI4+ is a great reel. Match it with either the AVS68MXF or AVS70MF.

[fishballer06]

The HMG is a nice rod for the money, but it won't compare to an Avid. If you can afford the Avid, go for it. 

[Darren.]

I really like my Stradics (not CI4 models), but 

the Daiwa Ballistic EX looks phenomenal. I would

strongly consider going that route if you don't 

mind the extra weight.

 

Reason I suggest the Daiwa - and you can't go 

wrong with either one - is that I actually prefer 

Daiwa's bail mechanism over Shimanos. At first 

I didn't think i would, but it is solid, consistently. 

 

I have a Diawa Lexa 2000SH, considerably less 

than the Ballistic, but solid.

 

As I said, you can't go wrong either way.

[Fishing&Tennis]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm leaning towards the Shimano Stradic Ci4+ because I've had good luck with the Shimanos, I really love my Shimano Symetre. 

 

I'll see if my parents are in a good enough mood to get me an Avid. If not, how would y'all say the:

St. Croix Premier/Triumph  compares to the Fenwick HMG.

I've liked my Fenwick's a lot but I"m always open to try new things. And St.Croix seems like a good company at a good price.