Go Stradic FK or stay Ultegra

[Fishing_FF]

I recently upgraded the MH rod I was using to a St. Croix Avid. I'm debating on whether to move reels around or go get a new reel for the new rod. 

 

This is the dilemma: Swap around my reels so a Shimano Ultegra 2500 find a home on the Avid or get a Shimano Stradic FK 2500 for the Avid? 

 

I have a Nasci, obviously an Ultegra, and a Stradic Ci4+. I notice the retrieval differences from the Nasci to the Ultegra, but the differences on the retrieval seems less noticeable between the Ultegra to the Stradic Ci4+, more casting difference it seems.

 

The questions becomes, stay with the Ultegra or go get a Stradic FK?

[Darren.]

I've never used an Ultegra, but my experience with Stradics

has been great. I like my FK and love my CI4+. So if it were

me, I'd probably opt for the Stradic unless it was just out of

my price range, then I'd certainly check the Ultegra.

 

Need to get my hands on one to get a feel of it some day.

[Stephen B]

Stay with the Ultegra. In my opinion the Stradic FK doesn't justify the increase in price over the Ultegra unless you got a good deal, however, the Stradic CI4s are another story. I highly recommend the Stradic CI4s but the Diawa Tatula LT are Fuego LT are also very good. If you were looking to buy anything I would pick those over the FK.

[wet_dream]

No first hand experience with the Ultegra but I own the Stradic FK’s in a few different sizes and they are my go to Inshore reels. If you keep your eyes open the FKs can be had online for less than the Ultegra. But you have to time the sales just right.

[Fishing_FF]

Yes, this is part of the dilemma. I have an Ultegra that I could free up by moving reels around, but the Stradic FK I would have to buy. Instead of a $50 jump from the Ultegra to a Stradic FK, it is a reel I have (Ultegra) or a $200 purchase (Stradic FK).

 

That's why I'm trying to figure out is there that much difference from the Ultegra to Stradic FK.

[Loomis13]

In that case I would stay with the Ultegra and save the $200. Im not sure how the weight compares, but it is possible the FK balances very well with a MH. At the same time the weight could be close to an Ultegra and then the ultegra would balance well also. I can just tell you that I would stay away from a CI4+ for balancing reasons with a MH

[wet_dream]

What would you do with the Ultegra if you were to purchase an FK? If it becomes a shelf queen, then no, it wouldn’t be worth upgrading as you have a fully functional reel that becomes a paperweight. But comparing the 2 reels and the prices that they can found for on eBay, I personally feel the Stradic is a better buy. A friend of mine purchased an Ultegra when they first released (paid full retail) and then bought an FK on eBay for a crazy deal. Sold the Ultegra not too long after. He thought the Stradic just felt like a sturdier reel. 

 

Going head to head, the Stradic wins all day considering you can get an FK for about the same price you can get an Ultegra on eBay. As we speak, lowest price for a 2500 size:

 

Ultegra - 129.90

FK - 143.99 (w/ 20% coupon)

 

At a $50 difference (MSRP), it might not be worth the upgrade for some, but for $15 more why wouldn’t you get a Stradic?

 

And in your case, it’s definitely not worth a $144 upgrade. 

[Fishing_FF]

2 hours ago, wet_dream said:

What would you do with the Ultegra if you were to purchase an FK? If it becomes a shelf queen, then no, it wouldn’t be worth upgrading as you have a fully functional reel that becomes a paperweight. But comparing the 2 reels and the prices that they can found for on eBay, I personally feel the Stradic is a better buy. A friend of mine purchased an Ultegra when they first released (paid full retail) and then bought an FK on eBay for a crazy deal. Sold the Ultegra not too long after. He thought the Stradic just felt like a sturdier reel.  

The Ultegra is currently on heavy rod for big spinnerbaits, big swimbaits, and heavy C-rigs in the spillway currents.  I’d leave it there if I was going to get the Stradic FK. Otherwise, the Ultegra will move to the MH and the Nasci to the heavy. 

[wet_dream]

Spec-wise (capacity, weight, gear ratio) the Ultegra and FK are very similar. It really depends on if you want to buy into the Shimano technologies that are in the Stradic but are missing in the Ultegra.

 

X-Ship and a difference in bearings look like 2 differences that stand out. I’m not sure if those are the only differences or if those “upgrades” warrant an upgrade in your case.

[PatrickKnight]

The FK will give you better bearings and more of them as well as some of the higher end line management features. If I had an Ultegra I would be happy if I was in the market for a new reel then $50 difference is worth it imo.

[new2BC4bass]

What's your dilemma?  A new rod always get a new reel.   

[bh91]

It’s been a little over a year , which  did you choose and how have you liked it? Looking to get a 4000 or 5000 size for striper, catfish and rough fish( buffalo carp mainly)

[Fishing_FF]

16 hours ago, bh91 said:

It’s been a little over a year , which  did you choose and how have you liked it? Looking to get a 4000 or 5000 size for striper, catfish and rough fish( buffalo carp mainly)

 

Actually neither. ? I was waiting for the Tax Stimulus sale at TW, but a week before the sale went live last year, I stumbled upon a new Stradic Ci4+. It was at a local reel repair shop. The previous owner brought it in for repair, saying it felt geary. The shop replaced the roller bearings as one was damaged. The previous owner never came back to get the reel, so per the shop policy, it was sold after being unclaimed for 30 days. I got it in the box with paperwork for $150. ?

 

The Ultegra is really nice, but the Ci4+ is a clear step up. 

 

I never got an Stradic FK, so can't help compare it to the Ultegra or Ci4+.