Shimano Stradic Ci4+

[CrustyMono]

Would the Shimano Stradic Ci 4+ be a good reel for a budget angler looking to help the idea of great reels, good rods. My philosophy is that I should spend no more than $150 on a rod, usually spending 100$. I want nice reels that get the job done, and done well. I fish some tournaments. Looking to get into that game in college and prior. This is why I want this reel. I have used the 3000 for steelhead an bigger size for stripers. Would the 3000 Ci 4+ be a good choice  for drop shot only? Id use it along side my other finesse rod, a Cabela's Tournament ZX combo. That setup would be for wacky, shaky, ned, and other finesse stuff. I would wait until after I get my remaining necessary bait cast rods and reels (two more combos). This would let me get it for cheaper or find an even better reel (not likely). 

[Honkytonk]

I have the new stradic ci4+ 2500, and its a dream to fish with! I would go with the 2500 or the 3000 as they are almost the same in weight 

[Hulkster]

yes and they finally switched the eva foam handle that a lot of people hated (and switched out) on the previous generation of Ci4s. which was a great move. the new Ci4s are amazing

[kickerfish1]

They are great reels. Light, nice drags, sharp looking, and the newer versions have the X-Ship. I would think a 2500 would be plenty for any bass angler and some may opt for the 1000 size. I have both 1000 and 2500 series reels for finesse tactics and never an issue with either. The only real difference between the 2500 and 3000 is just the spool as the frames are the same.

 

[redbirdsfan44]

I have the new Ci4+ 2500 and can't say a bad thing about it. I've fished a lot of spinning reels in it's price range and for me it takes the cake. That being said I usually spend quite a bit more on a rod than I do a reel because any reel in that $100+ range will get the fish in the boat but you have to feel the bite to set the hook. The NASCI from shimano is an amazing reel at its price and would leave you a little extra to splurge on a nicer rod. (Also your line is a key part in sensitivity as well. It's your "life line" to you and what's on the other end.)

[The Bassman]

7 hours ago, Hulkster said:

yes and they finally switched the eva foam handle that a lot of people hated (and switched out) on the previous generation of Ci4s. which was a great move. the new Ci4s are amazing

I'll go one step further.  I love the bigger septon PGII knobs on my baitcasters so I swapped out the EVA knob on my current CI4+.  They all interchange.  If you spin fish left handed make sure to get the left handed knob.  Shimano's backordered now but other vendors carry them. Don't forget to get a knob cap, too. 

[fvogel67]

7 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

They are great reels. Light, nice drags, sharp looking, and the newer versions have the X-Ship. I would think a 2500 would be plenty for any bass angler and some may opt for the 1000 size. I have both 1000 and 2500 series reels for finesse tactics and never an issue with either. The only real difference between the 2500 and 3000 is just the spool as the frames are the same.

 

The old version had X-Ship

[bigfruits]

I have the previous model that I love and the newer one is even better so I'd highly recommend it.  The bad side is I cant use aluminum spinning reels anymore.

[kickerfish1]

48 minutes ago, fvogel67 said:

The old version had X-Ship

There were 3 versions of this reel. The original labeled CI4 did NOT, end of discussion.

[Big-Bass]

There were three versions:

The Ci4 which has some strength/flex issues.

The Ci4+ (called the FA) which was just discontinued

The Ci4+ FB which is the current new version (2015-2016)

 

[fvogel67]

15 hours ago, kickerfish1 said:

They are great reels. Light, nice drags, sharp looking, and the newer versions have the X-Ship. I would think a 2500 would be plenty for any bass angler and some may opt for the 1000 size. I have both 1000 and 2500 series reels for finesse tactics and never an issue with either. The only real difference between the 2500 and 3000 is just the spool as the frames are the same.

 

I was talking about the old CI4+

 

[tkunk]

I have six of the CI4+ FA reels, one of which is dedicated to drop shotting.  The drags are smooth, they cast well, and I've never had any problems with any of them.  Not sure about the FB's, but for the FA's the only difference between the 2500 and the 3000 is that the latter can hold more line.  If that's still the case, I'd go with the 2500 to save a few cents on the amount of cheap mono backing you use.

[Big-Bass]

All the 2500/3000 Stradic Ci4+ FA and FB bodies are the same size.  Only differences are the spool capacity and handle knob.  Best wishes on the water!